Labour Day Classic 2007

It was Labour Day in 2007 that I witnessed my community come alive.  This was the season of dreams when every long suffering fan’s biggest wish would finally come true.  It was the the season of the Black Out, when Rider Day was proclaimed and the year the Grey Cup finally made its way home for only the 3rd time.  The impact that these things had was much more than what happened on the football field.

My neighbours across the street, who we have since coined “The Rider Fans” began wearing their Rider shirts for game day.  It’s a tradition they still have and now include their two little children.  They are much bigger supporters of Tim Horton’s than myself and coming home with a round of Double Double’s work for them but just doesn’t have the same impact for us.  Rider fans aren’t just a little ‘stitious…..we’re SUPERstitious.

At the grocery store people began to wear their green and white proudly.  We’d talk to each other…..”Nice jersey”  “Thanks”  “Where’d you get it?”  It was just the beginning of a new kind of gang where Next Year Country was becoming This Year Country.  It’s not uncommon to see people in Rider garb along with decorated businesses, car flags and license plates.  We began to wear our hearts on our sleeves and indeed prove that pride does live here.

My neighbourhood is usually quiet.  People stick to themselves except for the slight neighbourly hello from across the street.  On this Labour Day we were all tucked into our houses in wild anticipation of what the Classic would bring.  I don’t remember much of the game, to be honest.  I remember we did have a knack for pulling out a win in the last minutes…..seconds of any given game and that’s exactly what happened when then quarterback Kerry Joseph ran the ball in for the winning touchdown. 

Afterwards we headed out into the yard to give our lilac bush a hair cut.  Everyone else was spilling out into their yards and street.  Lawn mowers started, cars drove away and down the street a little boy tossed a football to an adult.  “Do you like football?” he asked.  Yes, indeed we liked football.  It connected us all if only for a time or moment.

Around the Watercooler

I'm not the only Roughrider fan in the province who has a sinking heart today.  The main difference between myself and many other fans is I'm having my Sunday morning coffee and relaxing on a cloudy day, while many others are busy calling for the firing or release of players and coaches and even booing.....yes, booing the whole team.

It's sad.

What has happened to Ridernation?

Where did people get the idea that they had the right to say these things and behave in this manner?  It makes me shake my head and grimace.

I admit, even I moaned when Chris Getzlaf dropped his first catch of the game.  I feel so bad for the guy.  I know he really can catch the ball even though I feel he's got the Curse of the Cereal [see previous blog].  Would I boo the guy?  No.  And yes, I also admit I had the idea maybe he should be benched until he works his issues out.  But I'm not the coach and it's a really good thing I'm not.  I'm sure I'd have them running in circles and they'd be more mixed up than they were in the first three quarters of yesterday's game.

It's really easy to sit on the couch at home and watch games.  I can see running lanes open up and see receivers out in the open.  Sure, it's pretty easy at that point to say "Run!  Run the ball!" but what we don't see is what is going on down field.  Maybe some receivers are covered, maybe a route is blown, or an assignment is missed.  We don't really know what the story is.

So many people are on Darian Durant's case.  I feel bad for him too.  How many other quarterbacks have the  Ridernation ran out of town?  How much of what Darian does is poor play calling or bad decisions?  He can be brilliant as he scrambles away and a dominator when he uses his legs.  A dropped ball is not his fault.  How much criticism can Darian endure before he's decided he's had enough?  I hope to not find out.

I've also heard the phrase "real fans go to games."  What?  I'm a real fan.  I'm passionate about the game too.  Just because I'm not at Mosaic Stadium, does that mean I'm not a fan?  I'd rather not drive 4 hours to Regina to sit in the heat or rain behind someone who is either drunk or oogling the cheerleaders.  No thanks.  I have a better seat at home in my temperature controlled castle.  I've been to games and sure, it is fun and exciting and a thing to experience, but are you any less of a fan for not attending a game?  No.

It seems to me that the biggest adjustment that has to be made is by the fans.  It's not enough to spout off about the players and coaches you have to ridicule other fans too.  

It's shameful.

And a province of fans that were show cased and given an award by the CFL in 2010 should try to be a better model for other football teams instead of what not to emulate.   Before pointing the finger at players, coaches and fans, try looking inwards first.

 

Five Things Football Friday

1.  Top news this week is that Nick Graham and Chris Patrick were released.  Nick Graham was a terrific guy and I know there are several fans out there who will really miss him.  According to coach Chamblin the player ratio came into play.  Sadly, that's football.  Chris Patrick?  Well, he did take a few bad roughing penalties this year which I think directly resulted in the advancement of the other team.  Bad news.  You can't do that dude.

2.  All the Darian Durant haters have broken out of the closet.  When are these people going to realize that he's not going anywhere?  Ron Lancaster was a hot and cold player too.  Look how we look up to him as a legend!  I think what the problem is, we know that Drew Willy can really light things up.  But that is his job as back up.  If we had a backup QB who sucked no one would care.  Anyhow, I am a HUGE Durant supporter and always will be.  Give the guy a break.

3.  Two years ago, at the Saskatoon FolkFest there was a Riderville pavillion.  There should always be a Riderville pavillion.  I know it might be hard to get players out but do we really need the players there to make a pavillion?  There could be Rider costume contests, kicking demonstrations, and cheerleader tryouts.  Food doesn't have to be just stadium food but imagine a real Tailgater!  Buy a burger out of the back of a truck just like on gameday.  For dessert Jerry's Food Emporium could supply Rider Pride ice cream.  Get the Bath Goddess involved for the ladies by having their bath and body products for trial.  I think it needs to happen.  Riderville is a nation after all.

4.  I was in Michael's Craft Store last week and they have a little section of football things for football parties.  I bought football glasses.  *smile*  They had cute little cartons for hot dogs or hamburgers that looked like footballs or fields.  There were napkins and cups and pretty much anything you'd need for a party.  It was all affordable too.  I need to remember this and stock up for Grey Cup.

5.  I have a fellow Rider friend on Twitter who lives outside the province.  He was in desperate need of some of the Co-Op offerings.  I sent him some things, honestly out of the goodness of my heart.....I really am that nice.....and this person *points finger in general direction because you know who you are* was super duper extraordinaire and sent me the most marvellous care package from his town.  I never did it with the expectation of getting anything in return.  This is a little reminder of how great Rider fans are and that we are indeed everywhere.  Let's paint the world green.  =)

The Curse of the Cereal

The Riders sprang out of the gate winning 3 straight games and exuding spirit and confidence. Then the wheels seemed to fall off the team bus. I'm not one to lay blame and I would never do that to one of the team members or coaches either. So I've searched my heart and soul for some other possible explanation for dropped balls, missed catches and interceptions where there weren't any previously and it has nothing to do with the shirt I wear, how I do my make up or any other game day tradition.

Nope.

It comes down to the only conceivable thing.

The curse of the cereal.

On July 29^th, 2010 the Roughriders and Federated Co-Operative launched Fantuz Flakes. According to the Leader Post, it was directly after a win against Edmonton. Ironic. It was a very tasty almond oatmeal cereal and immediately sold out. A successful second edition was later released.

Now the curse didn't spring into effect immediately, although it may have played a part in the 2010 Grey Cup. Instead, it waited until the off season. That's when Andy Fantuz became a Chicago Chipmunk....er, I mean Bear. And I wished him luck. I really really did. But when he didn't make the NFL roster and returned for the end of the dismal 2011 season, he was never able to make the same impact, got injured and finally was signed by the Ti-Cats for this season.

In the teams efforts to move on in 2011, Darian's Dari-O's were released. And if memory serves correctly, they were launched at the very beginning of the season. Poor Darian Durant was plagued the whole season by an O-line that couldn't protect him, interceptions, turn overs and screw ups from baubled snaps.

I could just rest my case here. It's obvious the cereal is to blame. But no. The year is now 2012 and the Roughriders have moved on in so many levels.....except this year on July 21^st there was the launch of Getzlaf Triple Berry Waggle Cereal. This was supposed to be Chris Getzlaf's break out year. It might be. It still could be. He could be incredible.....if he could only catch and secure the ball.

Batman & Robin

So you see the curse of the cereal is truly the only plausible explanation. What's going to happen next year? All I know is, if someone approaches you with a new Roughrider cereal idea.....I'd be heading for the hills because I'm convinced the Curse of the Cereal will soon follow.

Rider Game!

Do you want to kick like Christopher Milo?

Or would you rather pretend you are Sandro DeAngelis?

No matter...... test your skills kicking field goals with this nifty little computer game!

Link--->   Kick Like a RIDER

Football is MY Metaphor for Life

Football.

Growing up I didn't care much, but admittedly the Riders were pretty bad back then.  Not only bad, but the laughing stock of the league.  No one wanted to play for the Riders and times were bleak and the team almost folded.  Then along came a new breed, a coach that proclaimed "we will win" and the team did.  Those dark days are gone and not only is hope on the horizon once again but an expectation across the province that we will not only win, but live and lead our lives in  such a way that losing is not an option.

I'm not just talking about rules of the game - 3 down, 12 man football.  I'm talking about a way of life......a code of conduct.  If I work hard at whatever my job is whether it be wife, teacher, citizen, fan, I will be successful.  If I am a responsible person and do everything in such a fashion as to realize my life has a domino effect - not only will I succeed, but so will others involved.  I work hard, I am loyal, I've got your back and I will NOT let you down.

I have several students who are preparing for musical exams this upcoming February.  They are only 20 minute exams in which many requirements need to not only be met but, in my opinion, exceeded.  The student performs 5 pieces, recalls technical skills and demonstrates other talents through sight and ear abilities.  I told one such student last week that a mark of 60% is a pass.....but I expect much more.  I told her there is no reason not to get anything less than 80%.  That's what I expect and that's what she's going to work towards - if she works to her full potential.  I know she will.  We are a team and she will not let me down.

You don't have to like football or know any kind of sport to believe this way.  Living this way is like following a thin green line though.  I know that when I show boat it totally backfires on me.  If I am thinking selfishly the rest of the domino's fall.  When I walk the line, I succeed.  And I make the choice, as life is also about choices.  And in my life it all does come around to football. 

My team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders live this very code.  They play as a team, win or lose, have heart and soul in everything they do.  Their legacy is going to live on beyond the confines of the field, the next game, the next Western Final and yes, even the next Grey Cup.

We all believe.  We will succeed.  Together.

Road Trip!

Hubby and I were invited to the Watrous Co-Op for a Customer Appreciation BBQ.  Lucky us!  3 Riders were in attendance…Efrem Hill, Justin Harper & James Patrick. 

We arrived a little late because we had to drive from Saskatoon.  We missed the watermelon helmet carving competition but saw the remnants on the floor. 

The Rotary Club served hamburgers and hot dogs.  Customers also got a free pop and bag of chips.  Later on, a girl came around and gave everyone a watermelon Popsicle….Gameday Approved of course!

Efrem Hill signed my picture of his Superman non-touchdown from the game against Calgary.  I got pictures with both Justin Harper and James Patrick.  Man, that Justin Harper is a tall boy!  He stood up and his legs just kept unfolding making my 5’3” stature gnome like.

After the festivities we drove to Manitou Springs and saw the famous Danceland with the horse hair dance floor.  I’d like to spend some time in Manitou Springs.  It looks like a great place to camp or hang out at the spa!

I’m glad we got to go again this year.  The Rider guys were so friendly and nice.  It was a great little community event.

Breakfast of Champions

Well.  OK.  It wasn’t breakfast.  It was lunch.  And a late lunch at that.  And never mind that I’m not a champion either.

Armchair Quarterbacks are a type of champion.

Right?

So.  What are we having?
 

Co-Op Gameday Approved Roughrider Pancakes of course!  We’re talking green pancakes.  I’ve never had green food before.  We are not talking about the back-of-the-fridge-science-experiment food here.  They are green of course and Bursting with “Blitz Bitz”, which if you read the ingredients are dyed cornmeal bits.



I’m not certain if that’s what Aunt Jemima’s mix looks like.  I rarely make pancakes.  I must also add that there are also directions for making this mix into waffles.  Since I do not own a waffle iron…..pancakes are the safer bet.

The directions are simple.  Add 1 cup of water to 2 cups of mix.  Well, I am only one person so I didn’t feel like cooking a whole bunch of pancakes and having left over pancakes.  So I halved the “recipe.”  I know what you’re saying…..”how to you expect it to turn out if you don’t follow the instructions?”  Well.  Pfft.  As they say in New York.  WHATEVAH! 

So I added a 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of mix.  I ended up adding a little more water because it was a little thick and sticking in my whisk.  It did say to use a whisk.  See?  I can follow directions!



It kinda just looks like a regular mix with green dots in it.

I sprayed my non-stick pan with PAM and ladled some mix into it.  I am really amazed with this mix!  They puffed up a lot.  They made healthy sized pancakes!



My Dad is a Pancake Connoisseur.  My Dad loves to make breakfast food.  He makes the bestest pancakes EVAR!  Because of my observant nature and years of surviving….er, I mean, enjoying Dad’s pancakes, I have learned that you cook the pancakes until bubbles come to the top of the batter and then you flip them.

My pan was a little too much PAM’ed.  They were slippery little suckers but I got them flipped. 

Now.  This is an important thing for me.  I do not believe that fruit and pancakes mix.  No way!  So I put a little Imperial Margarine and some ED Smith pancake syrup on top.  I like ED Smith because it’s sweetened with grape juice rather than other sugars.  Dang.  Did I just break my no fruit rule?  Meh, whatevah!



I really like this mix.  The pancakes aren’t totally green and the Blitz Bits don’t taste like anything but because the mix is completely easy to use and doesn’t require eggs or any other funky ingredients, I give this a thumbs up.  AND they cook up HUGE!

You will also notice that the Co-Op also made something called Kick-Off Coffee.  I think they only made it last year.  It’s a canister of coffee beans made by Kicking Horse Coffee Company.  I think, Kick-Off coffee accompanies these pancakes perfectly.  [Say that three times fast!]

Taylor Field

By now, everyone in the province has heard the announcement of a new open-air-roof-ready stadium to be built in Regina with ground breaking next year. Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether its a good thing or not and how much money is being spent…..blah blah blah. The fact is – its happening regardless of your opinion.

All this talk and speculation made me feel a little nostalgic for Taylor Field and Mosaic Stadium. It will be torn down in 2017. There will be a whole new generation of fans who won’t know it, won’t be able to go there and who knows? Maybe they won’t care either. I mean, I know how it is when my parents go on and one about something they remember from the 50’s.

But then I thought…..

…..wait a sec. Where did the Roughriders play back in 1910?

At this point I was happy that I had purchased my 100 year Roughrider book on sale for $29.

The first mention of a field or park is in 1910 and my trusty book states “practices were held in Railway Park each afternoon.” Where the Railway Park is located….it doesn’t say. One can only assume it’s somewhere near a train track. I can only speculate, and this is a leap, that perhaps it’s what is now Evraz Place. Wouldn’t THAT be something?

Later on, in 1927 the Regina Roughriders played at Park Hughes/Park de Young. I’m using both names because one source calls Park Hughes a soccer field and Park de Young was used for baseball and football. It seems a bit foggy as to which part the Roughriders actually played on but I suspect it was Park Hughes. There were very few seats and people had to stand on the sidelines to watch games. That sounds like a soccer field to me!

John Marshall Young owned a parcel of land that he was wanting to develop. He had hopes that the Legislature might be built there. When his connections fell through he lost his land to the city for taxes. When he relinquished the land he stipulated that it be used for a recreational park and the name must be Park de Young. He thought it sounded more exotic. This is the part where Park Hughes and Park de Young become one…..although its not written anywhere, but this site states pretty much that http://stats.cfldb.ca/stadium/ It only stands to reason since a new gridiron was laid out and additional seating was installed. I love how the website calls it “open air”. No doubt! People were thrilled with the improvements. Now you could take your date to the game! By 1936 there were ushers and even a press box was built.

Enter NJ Piffles Taylor. He was a law student by day and a quarterback by night. Piffles served as a fighter pilot, was shot down in France and was a prisoner of war. He lost an eye but returned to quarterback the team.

Piffles went on to contribute to the whole Regina community and when he died in May of 1947 the city wanted to pay tribute. So the name of Park de Young was formally changed to Taylor Field.

It remained Taylor Field through Lancaster & Reed and through the telethons, and then on June 23^rd, 2006 the name changed. Mosaic, which is a potash company, announced a 10 year $3.75 million naming rights contract. [According to my calculations that contract will run out in 2016.] Unlike other naming deals, the name Mosaic was added to the stadium so we have what we now know as Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.

What will happen in 2017? What will the new stadium be named? We’ll have to wait to find out. What I do know is, back in 1927 no one cared about a roof. They just wanted to go out and support their team. Just like they do today.

'stitions & Predictions

I think every sports fan is a little superstitious. Some people say it’s a ritual. A procedure of doing the same things to bring about similar results as before. The first time I ever remember feeling this way was back in elementary school when I played clarinet in the school band and insisted upon wearing my blue and yellow striped sports socks to every performance.

I recall having a lucky yellow rabbits foot as well, but it was hardly lucky for the rabbit.

So fast forward to 2007 and the year the Riders won the Grey Cup. I bought a little compact of Maybelline eye shadow called Emerald Isle. It went with my green shirt. Gradually I came to believe that this green eye shadow somehow held the secret to the team winning.

In subsequent years I tried different combinations of make up and jewellery and Rider shirts and jerseys. I ditched the Emerald Isle eye shadow for a glittery brownish green shadow in 2009/10. I tried eye liners,shadows and outfits galore. White shirts, green shirts, beads, head bands, hair clips, and Hubby will never forget the crazy green glue on eyelashes for the Halloween game last year. Even the trick or treaters at the door wondered why I had green spiders on my face.

I can’t exactly define the moment when I thought, “I know, I’ll do watermelon make up this season!” It could have had something to do with a pre-season game occurring during my work week and I needed something not so crazy. But I pulled out my Annabelle “Pinked” eye shadow and combined it with the tried and true Maybelline “Emerald Isle” …..

drew on black eyeliner and brushed on some black mascara and…..

VOILA!

I spent last week at my parents. I hadn’t seen them since April so it was time for a visit. While I was there I painted my nails a colour called “Flip Flop Fantasy”.

Hubby: That’s a bad omen.

Me: What?

Hubby: Your BC Lions nails.

Me: Pfft. Its expensive polish called Flip Flop Fantasy. The Lions wear ORANGE. [I emphasized].

Hubby: Nooo. That’s Orange all right. You have to take it off.

Me: No way. Its coral. Maybe even florescent peach. It is definitely not orange.

I held my ground.

In spite of my bad omen nails, the Roughriders have advanced to 3 – 0. Was I wearing watermelon eye shadow? You betcha. I am a rabbit…..er, rabid fan.

After the game Hubby tells me he’s left me a game note. I found this post-it stuck to the counter dated and signed. I don’t know if he’s right, but what I do know is that I’m not willing to change up my game day routine all season. This is the year of the watermelon it seems.

Batman & Robin

That's What I'm Talkin' About

I was standing on the boardwalk at Coney Island in April.  Behind me, a 10 year old boy emerged from the restroom.  He walked out into the sunshine, took a look around and said, “That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!”

Well, after watching the Roughrider/Ti-Cat game friday night that’s exactly how I felt.  That’s how Rider football is played.  That’s the team I know and love.  That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!

I’m not going to talk about stats.  After all, you can find that stuff out anywhere else and I doubt you’d be reading my musings if you cared about them.  No.  Like any other woman I’m going to start off by mentioning how awesome the white uniforms are!  I didn’t expect the white on white on white.  I’m talking about the white jerseys with the white pants and the white helmets, which, by the way are AWESOME!  Mitchell Blair (I think it was) commented that they looked like Storm Troopers and they took to the field like “the empire was striking back”.  Or something to that effect.  I think that’s a pretty clever analogy.  I wish I had thought of that myself.

I loved how Darian Durant performed and commanded the team.  He was the leader I’ve always known he was.  I loved that we were able to shut down the Ti-Cat running game because I’m sure if they were allowed to get going they could be lethal.  I loved how everybody fought for extra yards and how everyone has learned to tackle.  I also admired the shots of the locker room and how the team seemed to hang on every word coming from Corey Chamblin’s mouth.  

Meow!

The only thing missing was Gainer.  I guess they don’t have gophers in Steel Town.

So you ask, what could possibly improve the games for my viewing pleasure?  Ugh!  Rod Black!  Really?  Oh haha…..you are so funny.  NOT!  Then Duane Forde gets going.  It really bothers me how they run down the Roughriders for three quarters and then suddenly, when they finally realize that the Riders are going to win…..they start with the praise left and right.  Oh yeah, and don’t forget the references to the “green riders”.  Well, Rod, last time I looked we were the only Rider team in the league and even when Ottawa was in the CFL they wore red.

So there.

Also, TSN, I’d really appreciate it if you found more than 3 commercials to run during the game.  I think I can recite last years by heart….. Our Man, Carlos!  (which always sounded like Arland Bruce to me)  There has got to be more than 3 ads that they can run.

The food during the game was excellent.  Hubby and I dined on chicken from the Co-Op, with a football shaped veggie tray and Undressler chips with dill pickle dip.  At half time we ate watermelon.  It was great…..and a great way to kick off the beginning of another CFL football season.

//=S=// GO RIDERS //=S=//

It Reflects Us All

~ It Reflects Us All ~

The 100th Celebration of the Grey Cup.

Rider Game Day Eve

Today feels like Friday.  I know that its not.  But it feels like Friday.  I know that its not because I am not wearing green.  Friday is the first Rider game of the season and I would for sure be sporting my team colours.  No.  Today is Thursday and in fact Rider Game Day Eve.

I also know that today is not Friday because I still have to go to work today.  I am a piano teacher and today, Thursday, is in fact the last day of my work year.  No worries, this Crazy Music Lady Football Fanatic is in fact game day ready.  There is a watermelon sitting on my counter ready to be sliced and diced.  It is not large enough to fit on my head.

Shucks.


I was also lucky enough to stumble upon a new game day treat.  I stopped at the Co-Op gas station on Fairlight Drive in gale force winds yesterday.  I was in the “full service” lane and dashed into the convenience store to grab a drink and stumbled up…… *drum roll* …… the Weston Undressed chips.  They are plain ripple chips made for dipping. 

Dipping in what?  I don’t know.  Perhaps there is also Dressler Dipsy-Doodle Dip.  Or Getzlaf Gerkin Dip.  Or Odell Onion Dip.  Or Heenan Humas. But I didn’t see any of those.  I have to admit they are pretty good idea’s.  I should be in marketing.

Anyhow, on this Eve of CFL football, I am slightly reflective on my blogs from last year.  I feel that I came on pretty strong.  In fact, there’s one that kind of scares me when I re-read it.  I admit I had extremely high expectations.  All those hopes were dashed after a very dismal season.  But I feel very encouraged for this year.  I like Coach Chamblin.  He’s taken charge of his team.  He hasn’t let the media get in his face.  Bravo! 

I don’t feel threatened about the Fantuz-Burris thing either.  I felt that we didn’t need Fantuz last year and we certainly don’t need him now.  Like my Mom quipped, “He can take his flakes and leave.”  We vote you off the island!  There’s a new #83 in Riderville in Sinorice Moss.  There’s also a new Clermont, #82 Justin Harper, and a new Szarka, #33 Louis Rankin.  See, it was time to move on last year, but we just kept trying to hang on to that 2007/09/10 team.

Let’s not only turn the page on last year, but close the book.

So my plan for tomorrow, which is indeed Friday, is to visit the Rider store and pick up my very own Canada Day “Patriotic Love” Rider tee shirt, carve some watermelon and eat some Dressler chips.  Because that’s what this Crazy Music Lady Football Fanatic does on her first day of summer holidays.

Happy Canada Day!

Green & White Day 2012

Every year the Saskatchewan Roughriders trek to Saskatoon to a fan day called Green & White Day. It rained this year, but it didn’t stop us or many others from coming out to enjoy meeting the guys, getting autographs and taking pictures.