Kicking it with the pros

Sergio Castillo isn’t ready to pass the proverbial torch just yet, though the Winnipeg Blue Bombers star kicker is more than happy to be paying it forward as a mentor.

With 2026 draft pick Brady Lidster in training camp to get a taste of the pro game and show what he can do, Castillo has been enjoying the opportunity to show the youngster the ropes.

After all, it wasn’t that long ago when the shoe was on the other foot and Castillo was seeking advice from Matt Bryant during Atlanta Falcons training camp in 2014 or asking questions of Justin Medlock when he was with the Blue Bombers in 2015.

“I don’t think of myself as a veteran, maybe because I’m still a kid in my mind,” said Castillo, who at 35 is entering his 10th CFL season. “But I remember being that kid when (Justin) Medlock was here (in 2015), just constantly asking him questions. We all have a platform and there are going to be times when you’re going to be the one asking.

“But at some point, you’re going to have to show that gift and lead others. I’ve always been a big believer in that and I’ve had a lot of people help me along the way. I’ve been helped a lot and I’ve been blessed, so if people think enough of me to ask for some wisdom, I’ll give them my two cents.”

Lidster, who spent the past four seasons with the University of Windsor and was named a U Sports First-Team All-Canadian in 2025, is enjoying the training camp experience, even though he isn’t quite sure where it’s going to take him.

Whether it’s returning for another season of U Sports eligibility or potentially sticking around on the practice roster, Lidster is keeping his focus on the task at hand.

That next task includes suiting up in Friday’s pre-season finale against the B.C. Lions (7:30 p.m. kickoff).

“I’m approaching it as I approach any game. Whenever my number is called, I will be ready and do the best that I can in that given situation,” said Lidster, who started playing football in Grade 7 and was chosen by the Blue Bombers in the eighth round (69th overall) of the CFL Draft last month. “Really, I’m just taking it day by day and we’ll see what happens moving forward. Anything could happen.”

No matter what happens, the former high school quarterback is grateful for the things he’s been learning from Castillo, from the on-field activities to the time in the meeting room to picking his brain about the art of kicking.

“I’ve been able to be a sponge and take in as much as I possibly can,” said Lidster. “To see things through his perspective, as well as adding a little bit of my insight. But mostly, taking what he is saying and trying to successfully apply it as quickly as possible.”

Lidster has been thoroughly impressed by Castillo’s mental approach to the game.

“As far as his thought processes and how he’s thinking about the wind and how he’s going to hit the ball,” said Lidster. “Everything that goes into him being successful has been key to me to take that in and apply it to myself.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

His prior experience as a quarterback caused Lidster to pay close attention to the most minute details, which is a benefit while working at his current position.

“Obviously, there aren’t many plays that a kicker has to learn but there are a lot of other things that go into being successful on the field,” he said. “(As a quarterback), I was able to make plays when stuff broke down and to just play. But I don’t necessarily miss anything. I enjoy where I’m at.”

Castillo has been impressed by his pupil.

“He wants to grasp things, which is great,” said Castillo.

O’Shea had no trouble identifying Lidster’s strengths when asked about him this week.

“Big leg,” said O’Shea, who mentioned that there’s a long history of up-and-coming kickers who get released before eventually becoming CFL All-Stars, given the number of veterans and the limited number of spots available to crack the rosters. “It takes a long time for kickers to break in.

“(Kicking) is so technical. They are looking at the minutiae of why that kick did what it did. So, it is certainly a great opportunity for Brady to make huge advances in his game.”

As for Castillo, he’s excited to get the new season going on June 5, when the Bombers travel to Calgary to face the Stampeders in the Week 1 opener.

“I love the pressure,” said Castillo. “I hope in Calgary next week, it’s a game-winner. I’m hoping for it and I’m praying for it. I hope every game is a game-winner. That’s me.”

O’Shea would prefer to avoid needing to hit last second field goals each week, but is thankful to be able to turn to Castillo when those situations do arise.

“He’s a security blanket,” said O’Shea. “You just know that if you get close, you can trot him out there. He’s a gamer and he’s willing to do it.”

Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros appreciates what it means to have a kicker on the roster he can rely on during those occasions when a drive doesn’t lead to the end zone.

“It’s a calming feeling. You know that when you cross a certain threshold that you have three points,” said Collaros. “So, you always keep that in the back of your head as a quarterback, in understanding that you can’t have any negative plays and no turnovers because you (basically) have three points, because you have such an accurate guy that can kick from distance.

“He’s also just a great presence in the locker room and a great guy.”

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