Alouettes punter Joseph Zema and family take the long road to the Grey Cup
Getting to the Grey Cup isn't easy. Just ask Nick and Antonietta Zema.
The parents of Montreal Alouettes' Australian punter Joseph Zema are due to fly in Thursday from Melbourne, with stops in Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto along the way.
"It's a long trip. But I'm excited to see them," said Zema, whose wife and young son are also slated to arrive Saturday from Texas.
Zema's road to the CFL was even more circuitous than his parents' route. A former Australian Rules Football player who made it to the semi-pro level, he looked to North America for a change in sport and turned to ProKick Australia, which helps aspiring kickers find a collegiate home.
"I was just looking for something different," Zema said. "I had passed the (Australian Football League) draft age then so I went to ProKick Australia and they sent me in the right direction."
He was at a crossroads, having earned a degree in exercise and sport science from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.
"It was either go do ProKick Australia and learn how to kick a football or just call it a day and get a desk job," he said. "So I'm really happy with the decision I made."
That led him to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. The school, which plays in the Southland Conference, was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who came to Texas originally to care for victims of a cholera outbreak.
Using his one year of eligibility, Zema kicked for Incarnate Word in 2017.
"That was whirlwind, to be honest," he said. "I knew I was going there in July and I think Aug. 4 or 5, if I'm not mistaken, I landed in San Antonio and I played at Fresno State in front of 40,000 people two weeks later."
Zema turned heads in his college debut, booming a punt 75 yards. He ended up averaging 46.7 yards a punt with 31 of his 77 kicks 50 yards or longer.
Named to the All-Southland Conference first team, he also pinned the opposing team within its 20-yard line on 20 occasions.
"It was great experience and it's changed my life, to be honest. And for the better," he said of his brief college career.
Montreal Alouettes kicker David Cote (15) kicks a field goal as Joseph Zema (36) holds during third quarter CFL Eastern semi-final football action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, November 6, 2022 in Montreal. The Alouettes have signed Cote to an extension through the 2024 season. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
After college, he attended Tampa Bay and New York Jets mini-camps in 2018 and then a tryout with Jacksonville. In 2019, he played for the San Antonio Commanders in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football.
Zema eventually went seventh overall in the 2021 CFL Global Draft, one of four Australian kickers taken in the first round.
Calgary (Cody Grace), Saskatchewan (Adam Korsak), Toronto (John Haggerty) and Winnipeg (Jamieson Sheahan)also have Australian punters.
"I think they have a few more arrows in their quiver than some," Winnipeg special teams coach Paul Boudreau said of the Australians and their ability to deliver different punts.
Punter Joseph Zema (right) along with kicker David Cote after scoring a field goal during second half CFL football action between the Montreal Alouettes and the Ottawa Redblacks in Montreal, Saturday, June 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Zema, 29, has found a home in Montreal, taking the Metro daily.
"It honestly reminds me a little bit of Melbourne with the restaurants and cafes … It's really good to spend six months of the year to work (there)," he said. "It doesn't feel like work, to be honest. I've really fallen in love with Montreal."
He lives in Texas during the off-season. It's where he started dating wife Ariana six years ago. A teacher, she spends June and July with Zema in Montreal.
The rest of the season, their relationship is conducted long-distance.
Now in his third season with the Alouettes, Zema and placekicker David Cote give Montreal an effective kicking tandem with Zema pinning the Argos in their own end with his kicks in the East final.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
B.C. port employers launch lockout at terminals in labour dispute with workers
Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Felonies, assassination attempts and a last-minute change on the ticket leads voters to Tuesday's U.S. election
A campaign that has careened through a felony trial, incumbent being pushed off the ticket and assassination attempts comes down to Election Day on Tuesday.
Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3 last week, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year ago. Here's how her condition was reversed
A year ago, Lorraine O'Quinn was coping with stress, chronic illness and Type 2 diabetes. Then she discovered a health program that she says changed her life.
Surprise swing state? Iowa poll has Harris suddenly leading
Based on victories in the past two elections and polls leading up to Tuesday’s election, Donald Trump had seemed almost certain to win Iowa, but a new poll has Kamala Harris with a sudden three-point lead.
Russia suspected of sending incendiary devices on US- and Canada-bound planes, Wall Street Journal reports
Incendiary devices that ignited in Germany and the United Kingdom in July were part of a covert Russian operation that aimed to start fires aboard cargo and passenger flights heading to the U.S. and Canada, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday, citing Western security officials.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Toronto
-
Police order crowd to disperse at Brampton demonstration after weapons observed
Peel police say they have deployed its Public Order Unit after weapons were observed at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton Monday night.
-
Man shot while helping neighbours during home invasion in Nobleton, police say
A man was shot while trying to help his neighbours during a home invasion in Nobleton Monday evening, York Regional Police say.
-
Former TDSB trustee Chernos Lin wins byelection in Toronto’s Ward 15
Former Toronto school board trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has won the byelection in Toronto’s Ward 15, according to the city’s unofficial results.
Ottawa
-
Barrhaven residents to hold second rally Tuesday to oppose 'sprung structures' for asylum seekers
Another rally is planned for Tuesday as residents push back on a city proposal to build a tentlike structure to house asylum seekers.
-
Kingston, Ont. mother accused of negligence in child's death now charged with murder
A Kingston, Ont. mother who was accused of negligence and abandonment in the death of one of her children earlier this year is now facing a murder charge.
-
Ottawa, meet your nightlife council
The City of Ottawa has announced the 18 people who will serve on the volunteer nightlife council, which will meet several times per year with nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin to discuss the city's nightlife economy.
Atlantic
-
Pair of rare November tornadoes touch down in New Brunswick last week
A research team has confirmed a pair of tornadoes touched down in central New Brunswick last week.
-
Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3 last week, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
-
RCMP investigating 'sudden deaths' of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
The RCMP says it is investigating the sudden deaths of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
N.L.
-
Teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador say violence is on the rise, averaging 22 incidents per school day
School staff are being struck more often, students are fighting more frequently, and police are increasingly being called to school grounds, according to data compiled and released this week by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador cautioned about growing debt as province touts success
Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general has issued a warning about the province's financial position as the government announced it would finish the 2024-25 fiscal year with a higher-than-expected deficit.
-
Police charge off-duty Newfoundland RCMP officer with impaired driving
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador have charged an off-duty RCMP officer for allegedly driving while impaired, following a crash on Sunday.
Northern Ontario
-
Heavy police presence in Haileybury, Cobalt for investigation: OPP
One person has been arrested and provincial police in the Temiskaming area of northern Ontario are asking the public to stay away from two separate areas as the investigation continues.
-
Man killed, woman injured in Chelmsford rollover after doing donuts in open field
Greater Sudbury police say a man was killed and his female passenger injured when they were ejected from a vehicle in Chelmsford while he was doing donuts in an open field Sunday afternoon.
-
Pulling out the stops to deal with homeless encampment crisis
The mayors of Ontario's largest cities are asking the province to consider using the notwithstanding clause in the constitution to ensure measures to combat homelessness are implemented in a timely and effective way.
London
-
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
-
MLPS strategy to get advanced paramedic care to critical patients faster than ambulances
An innovative program launched by the Middlesex London Paramedic Service (MLPS) aims to cut down on the response time for patients requiring advanced emergency care.
-
Broadcaster and co-host of 'Smoke Signals' Dan Smoke has passed away
Longtime broadcaster Dan Smoke has died. His wife Mary Lou confirmed the news on social media.
Kitchener
-
Erick Buhr found guilty of second-degree murder in grandmother’s death
Erick Buhr has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his grandmother, Viola Erb.
-
4-month-old suffers serious injuries following alleged assault in Hanover, Ont., woman charged
The Hanover Police Service said they received a report in the early morning hours of Oct. 30 of an injured 4-month-old baby who was treated at the emergency department of the Hanover and District Hospital.
-
Meet the winner of the Humane Society's Taylor Swift draw
A winner has been chosen as a massive fundraiser for the Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society comes to a close.
Windsor
-
City of Windsor takes legal action against feds over costs from bridge blockade
They City of Windsor is taking legal action against the federal government.
-
Health care partners combining efforts to tackle increased hospital volumes
Windsor-Essex health care partners are working together in anticipation of increased hospital volumes heading into the winter.
-
Public board trustees asked to stand up for students
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is asking trustees to vote on a multi-year financial recovery plan to help make up a $6.3-million deficit.
Barrie
-
Barrie woman struck by vehicle while crossing street speaks out with message to drivers
A mother who was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street in south Barrie last week is lucky to be alive and thankful to those who came to her aid.
-
One dead in Springwater crash, 3 others hospitalized
Police are investigating a collision in Springwater Township that claimed the life of one individual and sent three other people, including a young teen, to the hospital over the weekend.
-
Fighting for change in justice system as son's memory is honoured
Bailey Durocher's parents want to see change after the conditional sentence handed to the driver responsible for his death as their son's memory is honoured.
Vancouver
-
Impacts of stormy U.S. election forecast in B.C.
Across the choppy sea from Victoria Monday, the end of a turbulent U.S. election campaign was mere hours away and many British Columbians were watching intently to see who becomes the next president.
-
Stanley Park’s Christmas train tickets to go on sale this week
Stanley Park will welcome the return of its annual Bright Nights festive event, complete with its illuminated train ride, for another year.
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Vancouver Island
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
-
No jail time for man who drove truck through residential school march in B.C.
A British Columbia senior who drove his pickup truck into a march for Indigenous residential school survivors will avoid jail time after he was sentenced Monday to nine months of house arrest.
-
Overnight power outages expected after destructive B.C. storm
More than 230,000 households and businesses in British Columbia were without electricity Monday during the peak of a storm during which heavy rains and strong winds downed power lines.
Winnipeg
-
'It’s a sad day': Last call for the Cambridge Hotel on Pembina as it's set to close
It’s the last call at the Cambridge Hotel. The 86-year-old hotel on Pembina Highway is set to close its doors Tuesday.
-
Street Links says program is freeing up hospital beds
There are 20 transitional beds at St. Boniface Street Links for patients who either go to the hospital homeless, or lose their homes while in hospital.
-
'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73
Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
Calgary
-
Fatal northeast Calgary crash investigated by police
One person was killed in a crash east of the Calgary airport on Monday.
-
Calgary man missing for more than a year
Calgary police are looking for help to locate a 29-year-old man who's been missing since September 2023.
-
Calgary police move District 1 from Ramsay to downtown core
Calgary police are making changes downtown.
Edmonton
-
Oil, gas companies told to cut emissions by one-third under planned cap
Oil and gas producers in Canada will be required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about one-third over the next eight years under new regulations being published today by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
-
'You could feel the heat': Witnesses recount another suspicious fire that destroyed building under construction
Two people living in King Edward Park are sharing what they saw when a suspicious fire destroyed a building under construction over the weekend.
-
'Everyone deserves to be safe': purple chairs offer domestic violence support
The City of St. Albert unveiled two new seats in its river valley Monday that will give people a place to rest and get information on support for people suffering domestic violence.
Regina
-
Jury selection in sexual assault case of Regina chiropractor underway
Jury selection is underway in the trial of Ruben Manz, a Regina-based chiropractor who is facing multiple counts of sexual assault.
-
SHA employee fired for allegedly double dipping
Two former employees affiliated with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the province's Health Quality Council (HQC) were terminated after allegedly being paid by a separate employer at the same time.
-
Here are the candidates for Ward 4 in Regina
Here's a look at the large pool of candidates for Regina's Ward 4.
Saskatoon
-
Angose 'Goose' Standingwater was stabbed in the backseat of moving van before going to Boston Pizza for help
New details of a 2023 fatal stabbing — where the victim walked into Boston Pizza to get help — emerged at Saskatoon Provincial Court, during a sentencing hearing on Monday.
-
'It gets kind of gross': Residents in downtown building left frustrated without water
Residents of an apartment in downtown Saskatoon were left without water this weekend.
-
Fake bus passes are being sold in Saskatoon, city’s transit service says
Saskatoon Transit wants riders to know about a fraudulent social media account selling fake fare passes.
