I'm not sure we've ever given it a name, but I guess it should just be known as The Drought.

In the first four years of my career at the Free Press, the Bombers won the Grey Cup twice — in 1988 and 1990. As y'all know, nothing since.

It really does seem like a liftetime ago that I stood in the locker room at B.C. Place and Rod Hill handed me a champagne-filled Cup for a sip from the cherished chalice. I was 30 years old and figured there would be many more Cup celebrations to cover in this gig.

But enough about me, mostly I've felt sorry for you folks. Bomber fans are like no other in this town — you have to be a true diehard to endure the disappointment this team has dished out over the last three decades. Good on you all.

Oh sure, there were some sniffs at a title — particularly in 2001 and 2007 — but still no title. Every other team has won a championship since the Bombers have, including the expansion Ottawa Redblacks. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are the next longest without a Cup, not winning since 1999. Not great either by the way.

Soooooooo — is this the year?

In today's Free Press, Jeff Hamilton previews the team's training camp that opens on Sunday and Mike McIntyre columnizes — asking what will determine success this season; is it Grey Cup or bust for the current regime?

One thing I know for sure — you all will be watching again, hoping this time it will be different. I don't much cheer for teams, but there's a part of me that cheers for you.

Have a great long weekend.

— Sports editor Steve Lyons