FANS FLOCK FOR RICKY

Argonauts Launch 06 Season With Win Over Ticats

He hasn't seen an Argos game since they played at Exhibition Stadium,
but Ahmed Araleh joined the hordes of newfound fans yesterday for the
season's opener.

"When you have the number one running back in the National Football
League coming up here, you have to come see it," Araleh said of Ricky
Williams, the much-hyped addition to the team.

"Whatever his personal issues are, put it aside. When he performs
that's when you judge the man."

As he strode though the gates at the Rogers Centre yesterday, he said
he expects an "explosive" season.

So does Robin McKechney.

The Toronto lawyer came to the game for some male bonding.

An avid Argos fan, he's thrilled Williams is playing here this year
regardless of why the hot shot, who is still under contract with the
Miami Dolphins, was barred from playing with the American team this year.

"I could care less about marijuana," McKechney said, about Williams'
run-ins with drugs, which landed him in hot water and now the hot
Toronto weather.

Wearing sunglasses and shorts to sit behind the 35-yard line,
McKechney added that even though Williams wasn't a star in the
pre-season, there's hope the player will do his best for the Argonauts.

"But, either way we win," he said.

"If he plays really well, we get to see a great athlete and even if
he doesn't succeed, that just shows what a great product the Canadian
Football League is. I'm really excited about the season."

Beat Hamilton

So are the tens of thousands of fans who flocked to the dome
yesterday to cheer as the Argos won 27-17 over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Mitch Ritter came equipped with his tank top and outdoor voice. While
the die-hard "Tabbies" fan was watching Williams' moves, he wasn't
going to be sending many cheers in the new Argonaut's direction.

"We're gonna boo him," Ritter, his fists clenched, said before the
game. "We want the Tabbies to wipe the Argos."