So I was right. The Calgary Stampeders came out of Grey Cup 2014 victorious. But it was close wasn't it? I must admit that when the TiCats got Banks running back that last punt I kind of said to myself "shoot, leave it to the Stamps to mess that up." Then I saw the flags.
HA HA!
Then I realized how similar a situation that was to our very own Riders 2009 occurrence. Ack. The cup no one likes to think about. However, there was a main difference, in '09 the Riders had indeed won in regulation time. The TiCats still had minutes left on the clock and the Stampeders were in fact faltering. The emotion was very similar and one does have to feel for those players who's hearts lept in jubilation and then crumbled to the depths of despair. The sun came up for Rider fans and I'm sure it still did for TiCat fans too.
The biggest news/rumours of Grey Cup was Dave Naylor and Jim Lawless breaking "news" during the pregame TSN show that there would be huge shake ups in the Riders organization including George Cortez, Richie Hall and Baron Miles. Huh? Wha? Knowing what I know of these two "reporters", I took it with a block of salt. What it did do was spur tons of speculation and rumour and all sorts of conversations in the Twitterverse.
Then nothing happened.
Nothing from the Riders.
*pin drops*
Then there was a tidbit of news.....
There were new retro license plates announced.
*eyeroll*
COME ON! Rider fans deserve better than that!
The news gradually emerged that George Cortez was not really let go. His contract was up and it was decided that it was not being renewed. It was also eluded to that all coaches would be evaluated and there was some truth to the Richie Hall rumours. Wow. How shocking is that? I mean Richie is a Rider institution. Plus no one ever doubted the Riders defensive scheme.
What an amazing man Richie Hall is. I met him the year he returned to Saskatchewan after his Head Coaching stint in Edmonton. He was gracious. I told him I was glad he returned to us. He smiled and said he was happy to be back. *beams* Richie was every bit as gracious in his media scrum this week. It's part of the game. It's part of what happens when you want the team to win. As hard as it is to accept on a personal level that you've been demoted, when you believe you just do what the best interests are. I'm not sure any other person or coach would be able to be so articulate and logical in such a circumstance. Bravo Richie!
The hardest part is that from this fans point of view I want to scream NO IT'S SPECIAL TEAMS THAT NEEDS FIXING!!!! But the sun still rises and there will be more off season changes that may be harder to accept.
Like 27 free agents.
Gulp.
Speaking of sun...or maybe sunglasses, rather, how about those Oregon Ducks? I've managed to catch two football games. Wow they are exciting and fun to watch! They actually remind me so much of our very own Riders last season. You see, instead of moaning and groaning and whining about the CFL season being over, I've decided to get into something else and decided college football is it.
It's very easy for me to get behind the Oregon Ducks as well as the Boise State Broncos. I've got family who lives in that area of the United States so it's fun to watch and be excited for them, after all they stay excited for the Riders for me. But holy smokes, those Ducks uniforms are bright. They have cool designs and about 100 different looks. If that isn't your cup of huckleberry tea then it sure is fun to watch Boise State on the smurf turf. It's not quite as hard on the eyes.
How do they make grass blue anyways?
*shrugs*
Apparently there are 4 college teams who have coloured turf. Thank goodness green is the colour around here, eh?
Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. It's a busy time for us all. There likely won't be another blog post before Christmas. I thank each and everyone of you who read this blog or follow and chat with me on Twitter (@smilingsandra). You make watching football so much more fun and brighten many days. I hope Rider Claus is good to you all and you find the best and magical surprises under your Christmas trees this year and have an amazing new year too! Let's plan to paint Winnipeg GREEN!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Grey Cup 102
So here we are at the end and ultimate destination in the CFL...Grey Cup weekend. We know my Riders aren't in it and I'm not going to dwell on why or how because I believe in celebrating for the whole Canadian league.
Celebrations are going on and I am not there. Apparently 6000 others aren't either. As of Wednesday that's approx how many tickets are left available for Sundays square off. Some are saying it's because Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup only 3 years ago. Let's not forget that David Braley, who they say "saved" the CFL, owns both the BC Lions and Toronto Argonauts. Is it fair that those two cities also hosted in the last 3 years? I'm not sure about that. What I am sure of is that when the Riders aren't involved everyone loses money. We all know that the Roughriders have the strongest contingent of traveling fans in the league. IF the Riders had indeed made it to the cup we know those 6000 tickets would have easily been snapped up by Rider Nation.
So that leaves me questioning...where are all the fans of the teams who are in the 102nd Grey Cup? Where are all the Hamilton Tiger Cat fans? Where are all the Calgary Stampeder fans, who let's face it, just live through the mountains? It's not like weather is a factor in not wanting to go to Vancouver!
Many Rider fans are saying they are siding with the TiCats. I've heard how fans say they just can't side with Calgary because they whine about everything and are egotistical and then there's the whole mooning incident. I've heard others say that you 'have' to choose TiCats because of Kent Austin and how he won the Riders 2 Grey Cups. I think it's interesting how time changes things.
To me, Dave Ridgeway won the 1989 Roughriders the Grey Cup. Sure it was Quarterback Kent Austin who got the team into position so the kick could happen. But if you remember there was tandem quarterbacking that year with Tom Burgess and Kent Austin and that occurred due to injuries. Also, Austin was Head Coach for the 2007 Grey Cup winning team. I have such mixed feelings because I feel like that year was already set in motion by the previous coaching staff. The talent was already there. He just led them. I am not diminishing his accomplishments in any way, but I don't care for the green pedestal which some seem to place him on. Remember he did leave us twice.
But I'm trying to forgive the past.
A-B-C. Anyone But Calgary. Meh. I have not had the same hate on for Calgary that I had since Henry Burris left the team. I've also had a change of heart towards Jon Cornish. Yes, it's true. I did indeed make fun of him at one time. And as I've realized I probably did deserve to be blocked by his Twitter account. Heck, I block people all the time now. (mostly those pesky and often insulting Bomber fans) He probably does get a lot of verbal abuse and it is healthier to just block them and not have to deal with it than try to fight back. One of the bigger revelations, and something EVERY Rider fan forgets, is that John Huffnagel was also once a Roughrider quarterback. There is also one other very strong factor...Ron Lancaster's grandson is the Calgary Stampeders defensive assistant. AND that fact alone is what makes them a different team this year.
In the 102nd Grey Cup, this Sunday November 30th we will have two ex-Rider Quarterbacks coaching their teams to try to win the coveted prize. We will see two first year starting Quarterbacks, Zack Collaros & Bo Levi Mitchell, lead their teams in a Grey Cup ever. We will see TiCats & exRider Craig Butler try to repeat while Stampeder & exRider Jock Sanders watch from the Calgary sidelines. One thing for sure is that in my opinion, the Hamilton TigerCats will have to play intense lights out penalty free football for 60 minutes to win the game.
Even though I have chosen the Stamps as my pick to win the Grey Cup this year I have the gut feeling that IF the TiCats manage the game well it just could come down to a Justin Medlock field goal to win the game. And how cool would that be 30 years after "The Kick" by Dave Ridgeway?
Where will you be watching? I'll be huddled up in my living room around my 55 LCD LG TV fully clad in Rider green. You can take the Riders out of the game, but you can't stop the fans from representing.
Celebrations are going on and I am not there. Apparently 6000 others aren't either. As of Wednesday that's approx how many tickets are left available for Sundays square off. Some are saying it's because Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup only 3 years ago. Let's not forget that David Braley, who they say "saved" the CFL, owns both the BC Lions and Toronto Argonauts. Is it fair that those two cities also hosted in the last 3 years? I'm not sure about that. What I am sure of is that when the Riders aren't involved everyone loses money. We all know that the Roughriders have the strongest contingent of traveling fans in the league. IF the Riders had indeed made it to the cup we know those 6000 tickets would have easily been snapped up by Rider Nation.
So that leaves me questioning...where are all the fans of the teams who are in the 102nd Grey Cup? Where are all the Hamilton Tiger Cat fans? Where are all the Calgary Stampeder fans, who let's face it, just live through the mountains? It's not like weather is a factor in not wanting to go to Vancouver!
Many Rider fans are saying they are siding with the TiCats. I've heard how fans say they just can't side with Calgary because they whine about everything and are egotistical and then there's the whole mooning incident. I've heard others say that you 'have' to choose TiCats because of Kent Austin and how he won the Riders 2 Grey Cups. I think it's interesting how time changes things.
To me, Dave Ridgeway won the 1989 Roughriders the Grey Cup. Sure it was Quarterback Kent Austin who got the team into position so the kick could happen. But if you remember there was tandem quarterbacking that year with Tom Burgess and Kent Austin and that occurred due to injuries. Also, Austin was Head Coach for the 2007 Grey Cup winning team. I have such mixed feelings because I feel like that year was already set in motion by the previous coaching staff. The talent was already there. He just led them. I am not diminishing his accomplishments in any way, but I don't care for the green pedestal which some seem to place him on. Remember he did leave us twice.
But I'm trying to forgive the past.
A-B-C. Anyone But Calgary. Meh. I have not had the same hate on for Calgary that I had since Henry Burris left the team. I've also had a change of heart towards Jon Cornish. Yes, it's true. I did indeed make fun of him at one time. And as I've realized I probably did deserve to be blocked by his Twitter account. Heck, I block people all the time now. (mostly those pesky and often insulting Bomber fans) He probably does get a lot of verbal abuse and it is healthier to just block them and not have to deal with it than try to fight back. One of the bigger revelations, and something EVERY Rider fan forgets, is that John Huffnagel was also once a Roughrider quarterback. There is also one other very strong factor...Ron Lancaster's grandson is the Calgary Stampeders defensive assistant. AND that fact alone is what makes them a different team this year.
In the 102nd Grey Cup, this Sunday November 30th we will have two ex-Rider Quarterbacks coaching their teams to try to win the coveted prize. We will see two first year starting Quarterbacks, Zack Collaros & Bo Levi Mitchell, lead their teams in a Grey Cup ever. We will see TiCats & exRider Craig Butler try to repeat while Stampeder & exRider Jock Sanders watch from the Calgary sidelines. One thing for sure is that in my opinion, the Hamilton TigerCats will have to play intense lights out penalty free football for 60 minutes to win the game.
Even though I have chosen the Stamps as my pick to win the Grey Cup this year I have the gut feeling that IF the TiCats manage the game well it just could come down to a Justin Medlock field goal to win the game. And how cool would that be 30 years after "The Kick" by Dave Ridgeway?
Where will you be watching? I'll be huddled up in my living room around my 55 LCD LG TV fully clad in Rider green. You can take the Riders out of the game, but you can't stop the fans from representing.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Almost Everything
We almost had it all.
Or did we?
Nothing could compare to the 2013 season. We hosted the Grey Cup. We hoisted the Grey Cup. Everything we could imagine in our wildest dreams came true...and came true right in our own stomping ground.
2014 never stood a chance. No matter how we tried to keep the pieces of the puzzle the same...they wouldn't fit. We lost players to free agency. We lost players to injury. We lost hearts in the stands. On and off the field we just couldn't get things gelling. Maybe it was Grey Cup hang over. The feeling, drive and determination was not there as it had been. Then when the unthinkable happened and our franchise quarterback, Darian Durant, went down it devastated us more than any of us wanted to let on.
*SIGH*
It was within reach. We made it to the play offs by a hair. In the end, we just couldn't do it no matter how much we willed Kerry Joseph to do it for us. Thinking about it now, maybe we put more pressure on him than he was able of handling in the circumstances. I am heartbroken for him. His words of criticism cut and no one should have to bear that. We wanted him to "Kerry us to the Cup" but it wasn't going to be the stuff Disney movies are made of. Especially when we had all the glory last year.
So what's next? Well some are calling for firings and big shake ups. I'm not about that at all. We all learn from losses. Some will say 'what do you know, you aren't a player' and that's true. I've always felt that my career choice of piano teacher was similar in many aspects to coaching and playing football. I teach the fundamentals. I give you the skills to play. Sometimes there are concerts, exams and festivals. There are winners and losers. I've seen winners lose and previous losers win. Losing is a good thing. It builds character and it motivates. My students who have experienced both come away smarter, fine tuned and better prepared. It's the same for football. This loss as painful as it feels now will serve us in 2015.
None of the logic makes it easier does it? The fact is the lockers will be cleaned out, changes will be made in the off season and a new team will emerge from training camp. Our community will gather to support them all clad in our newly pressed green jerseys, hats and face paint. Our voices will go hoarse from cheering. Our hopes will once more rise. It is the way of Rider Nation.
Hold you head high. Reflect with happiness. Know that we had almost everything.
Or did we?
Nothing could compare to the 2013 season. We hosted the Grey Cup. We hoisted the Grey Cup. Everything we could imagine in our wildest dreams came true...and came true right in our own stomping ground.
2014 never stood a chance. No matter how we tried to keep the pieces of the puzzle the same...they wouldn't fit. We lost players to free agency. We lost players to injury. We lost hearts in the stands. On and off the field we just couldn't get things gelling. Maybe it was Grey Cup hang over. The feeling, drive and determination was not there as it had been. Then when the unthinkable happened and our franchise quarterback, Darian Durant, went down it devastated us more than any of us wanted to let on.
*SIGH*
It was within reach. We made it to the play offs by a hair. In the end, we just couldn't do it no matter how much we willed Kerry Joseph to do it for us. Thinking about it now, maybe we put more pressure on him than he was able of handling in the circumstances. I am heartbroken for him. His words of criticism cut and no one should have to bear that. We wanted him to "Kerry us to the Cup" but it wasn't going to be the stuff Disney movies are made of. Especially when we had all the glory last year.
So what's next? Well some are calling for firings and big shake ups. I'm not about that at all. We all learn from losses. Some will say 'what do you know, you aren't a player' and that's true. I've always felt that my career choice of piano teacher was similar in many aspects to coaching and playing football. I teach the fundamentals. I give you the skills to play. Sometimes there are concerts, exams and festivals. There are winners and losers. I've seen winners lose and previous losers win. Losing is a good thing. It builds character and it motivates. My students who have experienced both come away smarter, fine tuned and better prepared. It's the same for football. This loss as painful as it feels now will serve us in 2015.
None of the logic makes it easier does it? The fact is the lockers will be cleaned out, changes will be made in the off season and a new team will emerge from training camp. Our community will gather to support them all clad in our newly pressed green jerseys, hats and face paint. Our voices will go hoarse from cheering. Our hopes will once more rise. It is the way of Rider Nation.
Hold you head high. Reflect with happiness. Know that we had almost everything.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Football & Social Media
Social media is a powerful thing isn't it? I don't think I really understood until I got going on Twitter. You can tweet your happyness or despair and people respond. It can be wonderful and it can be terrible all wrapped up in one big bow.
This week activity on Twitter exploded with the excitement surrounding Quinn Magnuson's "unofficial" CFL Twitter Awards. If you haven't voted...and why the heck not? Get over there and do it now....or stay and read *wink* The fun started when everyone tried to get all the football clubs to follow them. I found myself reaching out to all the CFL teams and appealing for follows. Some did. Some didn't. I think everyone made new friends in the process and had a few chuckles.
I followed Henry Burris. Proof I can get over pretty much anything.
I even tweeted "I had a better chance of being followed by Jon Cornish than by the Sskroughriders" after being followed by many of the other teams. You see...I am blocked by Jon Cornish. I have and never will harass the guy. There is no denying he is a great running back. I'm sure he does take a lot of crap from fans and no he shouldn't have to deal with it. It's his right to block or mute if he wants to.
In my defense, I was merely mentioned in a tweet in which people were blocked.
All Rider Nation really wanted was an apology for the Moon Over Mosaic incident.
It's just a little suspicious at the amount of Rider fans who seem to be blocked. But I won't dwell on it.
Meh.
Take Darian Durant...last season he was fined by the CFL for his tweets regarding defending himself to someone not only harassing him but his family as well. What was he to do? Blocking may have been easier. But no matter because all Rider fans quickly came to his defense and the hashtag Dariansfault was born.
We are out there on the loose. We can tweet anything and anyone we want. I was overjoyed the few times I interacted with Kory Sheets and then when he recognized me in person...well...<faints>. I've also been the victim of harassing too. I've had to block people. I've had to block fellow Rider fans and other CFL fans too. Why do we think we can say anything we want to on social media? Why when there is such a media presence saying don't bully does it continue to happen everywhere? Why can't we just be kind to each other?
*shrugs*
As I said, this week has been a ton of fun but we are on the eve of the semi final games and tempers will probably flair. The BC Lions became the crossover team and play the Montreal Allouettes in the eastern semi final. The Saskatchewan Roughriders were able to stay in the west and play the Edmonton Eskimo's in the western semi final. I've predicted that it will be the Als and Riders to advance. This time tomorrow night we will know.
All season there has been a quarterbacking issue. Montreal had to go out and find a quarterback. Lulay was back for about 10 minutes before being injured again. Darian Durant was injured in the Banjo Bowl. The Eskies seemingly had a good guy in Mike Reilly until he was plagued by an unknown ankle injury. The mind games have been played in the west. The rosters are set. If our own Riders veteran QB Kerry Joseph can win this game it will go down as a legend. I think he can.
This may be the end of the season for two teams. I hope fans stay calm. I hope no manure is dumped. I hope everyone can look for the silver linings.
And.....
.....Go Riders Go!
This week activity on Twitter exploded with the excitement surrounding Quinn Magnuson's "unofficial" CFL Twitter Awards. If you haven't voted...and why the heck not? Get over there and do it now....or stay and read *wink* The fun started when everyone tried to get all the football clubs to follow them. I found myself reaching out to all the CFL teams and appealing for follows. Some did. Some didn't. I think everyone made new friends in the process and had a few chuckles.
I followed Henry Burris. Proof I can get over pretty much anything.
In my defense, I was merely mentioned in a tweet in which people were blocked.
All Rider Nation really wanted was an apology for the Moon Over Mosaic incident.
It's just a little suspicious at the amount of Rider fans who seem to be blocked. But I won't dwell on it.
Meh.
Take Darian Durant...last season he was fined by the CFL for his tweets regarding defending himself to someone not only harassing him but his family as well. What was he to do? Blocking may have been easier. But no matter because all Rider fans quickly came to his defense and the hashtag Dariansfault was born.
We are out there on the loose. We can tweet anything and anyone we want. I was overjoyed the few times I interacted with Kory Sheets and then when he recognized me in person...well...<faints>. I've also been the victim of harassing too. I've had to block people. I've had to block fellow Rider fans and other CFL fans too. Why do we think we can say anything we want to on social media? Why when there is such a media presence saying don't bully does it continue to happen everywhere? Why can't we just be kind to each other?
*shrugs*
As I said, this week has been a ton of fun but we are on the eve of the semi final games and tempers will probably flair. The BC Lions became the crossover team and play the Montreal Allouettes in the eastern semi final. The Saskatchewan Roughriders were able to stay in the west and play the Edmonton Eskimo's in the western semi final. I've predicted that it will be the Als and Riders to advance. This time tomorrow night we will know.
All season there has been a quarterbacking issue. Montreal had to go out and find a quarterback. Lulay was back for about 10 minutes before being injured again. Darian Durant was injured in the Banjo Bowl. The Eskies seemingly had a good guy in Mike Reilly until he was plagued by an unknown ankle injury. The mind games have been played in the west. The rosters are set. If our own Riders veteran QB Kerry Joseph can win this game it will go down as a legend. I think he can.
This may be the end of the season for two teams. I hope fans stay calm. I hope no manure is dumped. I hope everyone can look for the silver linings.
And.....
.....Go Riders Go!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Dream It
I don't know if many of you remember that right after the preseason I said I'd eat my Rider flag if Keith Toston wasn't The Guy.
I lied.
I didn't eat it. Good thing too because we finally saw him start against the Stampeders. He looked great. I like the speed he has. The problem is that I now really like Allen too and I love how Messam can be a threat too. Do I dare say that Toston might be Next Year Guy?
No matter what, I miss Kory Sheets at RB like crazy.
I'm really tired of a couple debates going on around the water cooler these days. The first being 41 year old Kerry Joseph. Ugh. It feels like that's his complete title now. Forty-One Year Old Kerry Joseph. *eye roll* You know what? I love it. Who says life ends at age 40? If a guy is in shape, can still take the reps, and throws darts and threads needles like KJ showed us in the last two games...then BOOYAH! Wow. The Kerry Joseph has played amazing. Let's drop the age. It doesn't matter anymore because his playing and mentality has totally changed the focus on the team...motivated everyone and made this rabid fans jaw drop every time he throws down field. Wow. And also if you don't believe that Joseph could lead the Riders to a playoff run and possibly a legendary Grey Cup repeat...then we don't want you on the bandwagon.
You have to believe. You HAVE to.
And to those of you who are making our 9-8 record a big deal... I say to you... 1989. Riders were 9-9 in 1989 and won the Grey Cup in a much similar situation as the team is in this year. Two quarterbacks...Burgess and Austin. A dream season. It could happen again.
The other topic is will or will not Darian Durant play again or in the play offs. I am soooooooo tired of all the sports guys talking about this. What I know from following Darian's career is that he has tremendous heart and emotion for the Riders. I think it's killed him standing on the sidelines watching the team falter. I know it would if I were him. I also know he's not letting the media see everything. I'd bet my signed Dario's box if he was not already throwing at home or in the back yard or in the locker room. Sure, we want Darian to be safe. It would be horrible if Doubles returned too soon and got re injured. It would be a Lulay situation. But how can he not try?
Then OHEMGEE he threw a few balls at practice Monday. My Twitter notifications lit up like my neighbors already displayed Christmas tree. What I want to see for now, is for Kerry Joseph to start and throw Darian in for short yardage situations. Just having Darian dress would be an amazing boost for Rider Nation.
How did you like the snow Monday? Felt a little like playoff weather didn't it? I admit that the feeling of dread in my stomach didn't last for long when I reflected on this time last year. In fact, I got a little excited. I got play off butterflies. It was fantastic.
So lets talk playoffs. West or East? Well, we did the west last year. I like our chances against eastern teams much more. I don't think travel or time change is a factor anymore. The division doesn't matter because without a home playoff the Riders travel anyway. Since the time changed last weekend traveling east is only an hour different now. I'd rather have to play the TiCats or Argo's or Allouettes for that matter, than confront the Eskimo's or Stamps. Can you imagine the story lines that would/could be written? No team has successfully advanced to the Grey Cup through a cross over. Saskatchewan Roughriders Eastern Division Champions. Imagine that?! Crazy eh?
I love it.
Darian Durant had a dream last year. He heard in his dream Cuthbert & Suitor announcing the Riders as 2013 Grey Cup Champs. Maybe he can dream again....
..... and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are your REPEAT Grey Cup Champions.
Think it. Dream it. Do it.
I lied.
I didn't eat it. Good thing too because we finally saw him start against the Stampeders. He looked great. I like the speed he has. The problem is that I now really like Allen too and I love how Messam can be a threat too. Do I dare say that Toston might be Next Year Guy?
No matter what, I miss Kory Sheets at RB like crazy.
I'm really tired of a couple debates going on around the water cooler these days. The first being 41 year old Kerry Joseph. Ugh. It feels like that's his complete title now. Forty-One Year Old Kerry Joseph. *eye roll* You know what? I love it. Who says life ends at age 40? If a guy is in shape, can still take the reps, and throws darts and threads needles like KJ showed us in the last two games...then BOOYAH! Wow. The Kerry Joseph has played amazing. Let's drop the age. It doesn't matter anymore because his playing and mentality has totally changed the focus on the team...motivated everyone and made this rabid fans jaw drop every time he throws down field. Wow. And also if you don't believe that Joseph could lead the Riders to a playoff run and possibly a legendary Grey Cup repeat...then we don't want you on the bandwagon.
You have to believe. You HAVE to.
And to those of you who are making our 9-8 record a big deal... I say to you... 1989. Riders were 9-9 in 1989 and won the Grey Cup in a much similar situation as the team is in this year. Two quarterbacks...Burgess and Austin. A dream season. It could happen again.
The other topic is will or will not Darian Durant play again or in the play offs. I am soooooooo tired of all the sports guys talking about this. What I know from following Darian's career is that he has tremendous heart and emotion for the Riders. I think it's killed him standing on the sidelines watching the team falter. I know it would if I were him. I also know he's not letting the media see everything. I'd bet my signed Dario's box if he was not already throwing at home or in the back yard or in the locker room. Sure, we want Darian to be safe. It would be horrible if Doubles returned too soon and got re injured. It would be a Lulay situation. But how can he not try?
Then OHEMGEE he threw a few balls at practice Monday. My Twitter notifications lit up like my neighbors already displayed Christmas tree. What I want to see for now, is for Kerry Joseph to start and throw Darian in for short yardage situations. Just having Darian dress would be an amazing boost for Rider Nation.
How did you like the snow Monday? Felt a little like playoff weather didn't it? I admit that the feeling of dread in my stomach didn't last for long when I reflected on this time last year. In fact, I got a little excited. I got play off butterflies. It was fantastic.
So lets talk playoffs. West or East? Well, we did the west last year. I like our chances against eastern teams much more. I don't think travel or time change is a factor anymore. The division doesn't matter because without a home playoff the Riders travel anyway. Since the time changed last weekend traveling east is only an hour different now. I'd rather have to play the TiCats or Argo's or Allouettes for that matter, than confront the Eskimo's or Stamps. Can you imagine the story lines that would/could be written? No team has successfully advanced to the Grey Cup through a cross over. Saskatchewan Roughriders Eastern Division Champions. Imagine that?! Crazy eh?
I love it.
Darian Durant had a dream last year. He heard in his dream Cuthbert & Suitor announcing the Riders as 2013 Grey Cup Champs. Maybe he can dream again....
..... and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are your REPEAT Grey Cup Champions.
Think it. Dream it. Do it.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Win, Lose & Quarterback Draw
You know it's going to be a great day when the sun is shining, mail arrives with your name on it and the Riders w.....
Oh wait.
WE didn't win?
Well dang. It sure felt like it...sort of. My poor little green heart was looking for resuscitation while Seth Doege repeatedly tossed interceptions. I mean, he knew we were the guys in green, right? Then Tino SUNseri came into the game and holy smokes did he light things up. He not only marched us down the field but went for 3 straight converts. 2 point converts haven't seemed to work this year but the Riders did it 3 times in one game! Then the game was tied at 24 and my green heart was set to a thumping like it hadn't since...I saw Kerry Joseph on a quarterback draw to win the Labour Day Classic in 07.
Coincidence?
This morning as I was procrastinating and finally got around to mopping the floor, which is my most hated household task by the way...I returned to social media to find out the Riders announcing Kerry Joseph, the 2007 MVP & Grey Cup champ was signed to the green and white. How THRILLING! We don't know what roll he will have or what number he will wear but I can assure you he isn't being brought in to carry a clipboard.
So many fans and media have been calling for changes. Bring in Burris. Give Price a chance. Yada yada yada. So here we have change. The Riders have done something to try to remedy the situation to get us through until Darian Durant can return...and they still aren't happy! Wha?
I think this is exciting and amazing news. He was available. He was willing. He is a veteran. He was an ex-Rider. Who else could be capable of winning...who could almost step in and right things now? Sure he's old but even Calvillo was older and he was still playing up until his injury last year. I think this is a great move by Brendan Tamon.
So WE did lose on Friday. But dang it sure came close. There were so many bright spots. The SUN was so bright I needed sunglasses.
Back to reality. This morning while gathering the mail I got a wonderful expected surprise. CKOM's Quinn Magnusson sent me two autographed cards. *smile* He's quite the character and if you don't follow him on Twitter, you should. He's a fun guy and an ex-CFL-er full of all kinds of football talk. Thanks tons Quinn!
Oh wait.
WE didn't win?
Well dang. It sure felt like it...sort of. My poor little green heart was looking for resuscitation while Seth Doege repeatedly tossed interceptions. I mean, he knew we were the guys in green, right? Then Tino SUNseri came into the game and holy smokes did he light things up. He not only marched us down the field but went for 3 straight converts. 2 point converts haven't seemed to work this year but the Riders did it 3 times in one game! Then the game was tied at 24 and my green heart was set to a thumping like it hadn't since...I saw Kerry Joseph on a quarterback draw to win the Labour Day Classic in 07.
Coincidence?
This morning as I was procrastinating and finally got around to mopping the floor, which is my most hated household task by the way...I returned to social media to find out the Riders announcing Kerry Joseph, the 2007 MVP & Grey Cup champ was signed to the green and white. How THRILLING! We don't know what roll he will have or what number he will wear but I can assure you he isn't being brought in to carry a clipboard.
So many fans and media have been calling for changes. Bring in Burris. Give Price a chance. Yada yada yada. So here we have change. The Riders have done something to try to remedy the situation to get us through until Darian Durant can return...and they still aren't happy! Wha?
I think this is exciting and amazing news. He was available. He was willing. He is a veteran. He was an ex-Rider. Who else could be capable of winning...who could almost step in and right things now? Sure he's old but even Calvillo was older and he was still playing up until his injury last year. I think this is a great move by Brendan Tamon.
So WE did lose on Friday. But dang it sure came close. There were so many bright spots. The SUN was so bright I needed sunglasses.
Back to reality. This morning while gathering the mail I got a wonderful expected surprise. CKOM's Quinn Magnusson sent me two autographed cards. *smile* He's quite the character and if you don't follow him on Twitter, you should. He's a fun guy and an ex-CFL-er full of all kinds of football talk. Thanks tons Quinn!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
A Birthday Being
Do I look older?
Well my birthday was monday and I proclaimed Sunday aka Rider Game Day "Birthday Eve". Hubby doesn't believe Birthday Eve is a thing...he's wrong. What can a rabid fangirl Rider fan want most for her Birthday Eve gift? A HUGE win of course.
So last week was Tino Sunseri's first start at Quarterback. We can all agree that he appeared slow...took too much time in the pocket...and just wasn't seeing the field. We lost that game to the Hamilton Ticats who looked to have it all together. As you can imagine it not only added fuel to the Burris fire but "fans" were counting the Riders out of the Grey Cup chase and bailing off the bandwagon.
I remember back in 2009, a new starting quarterback named Darian Durant, spent the bye week by staying in Regina and practicing to get better. Well, Tino took a page from the Durant playbook and had extra practices. I liked that very much when I heard that. Sunseri has the drive, I think. If you read my last blog I think you'll know that I support him. It's always important to put your faith behind developing for the future instead of trying to relive the past.
In Sunday's game, Tino came out and I immediately saw the progression over the previous week. He looked much sharper and faster. Admittedly, it didn't look promising until Chamblin's honesty at half time. "We're getting our asses handed to us." he said. I've never seen him so fired up. Obviously, it snapped everyone out of the fog they were in because the Riders came out fighting. Terrius George recorded 4 sacks. Weston Dressler not only returned a punt for a touchdown but also scored a 60 yard touchdown that had me yelling WOW...WOW...WOW! from my frantically rocking recliner.
The Riders sure delivered a great Birthday Eve present wrapped in an overtime win. But I'd sure love it it wasn't such a nail biting heart thumping recliner rocking ending! And I don't know about anyone else, but when the REDBLACKS lined up for that field goal in overtime I had a Grey Cup 2009 flashback. I was silently screaming COUNT YOUR MEN!!!! But karma smiled on all the 13th men this time...and Peters blocked the attempt.
Wow.
The Riders now sit at 9-3 and second place in the West. Hot on our heals are the Edmonton Eskimo's. What happens? Well an Edmonton radio station puts together some very pathetic attempts at tongue in cheek sarcasm advertisements calling Rider fans great but "horrible human beings". Wha? So besides that a five year old can probably write a wittier ad - do they really think this will get extra butts in the seats at Commonwealth? I'm not offended by the ads because I just plainly think they are dumb. What I really don't understand is how this would entice Eskimo fans to buy tickets. It certainly doesn't manipulate Rider fans into wanting to go. In fact, I know of a few Rider faithful who live in the City of Chumps...er, Champions, who are seriously questioning giving up their season tickets.
I know the Riders have taken out all the billboards. "Green is the new Orange". But isn't that a clever play on words? It also doesn't insult anyone. It isn't name calling. In fact, if you have to resort to calling the fans of a team horrible, then you sound very desperate. Come on marketers and radio ad writers...You can do a heck of a lot better than this! And if you think Rider fans are obnoxious, it's because we demand better.
Geroy Simon promotes Coats for Kids. John Chick helps the Diabetes Association. There are Co-Op Game Day products with players like Durant, Dressler, & Getzlaf with proceeds going to the Childrens Hospital Foundation. Rider fans help out with these projects. Rider fans lead the league in supporting the CFL by buying merchandise. If that's what you call a "horrible human being" then I'd rather be called that than anything else.
My name is Sandra. I'm a rabid Rider fan. And I'm a horrible human being.
Well my birthday was monday and I proclaimed Sunday aka Rider Game Day "Birthday Eve". Hubby doesn't believe Birthday Eve is a thing...he's wrong. What can a rabid fangirl Rider fan want most for her Birthday Eve gift? A HUGE win of course.
So last week was Tino Sunseri's first start at Quarterback. We can all agree that he appeared slow...took too much time in the pocket...and just wasn't seeing the field. We lost that game to the Hamilton Ticats who looked to have it all together. As you can imagine it not only added fuel to the Burris fire but "fans" were counting the Riders out of the Grey Cup chase and bailing off the bandwagon.
I remember back in 2009, a new starting quarterback named Darian Durant, spent the bye week by staying in Regina and practicing to get better. Well, Tino took a page from the Durant playbook and had extra practices. I liked that very much when I heard that. Sunseri has the drive, I think. If you read my last blog I think you'll know that I support him. It's always important to put your faith behind developing for the future instead of trying to relive the past.
In Sunday's game, Tino came out and I immediately saw the progression over the previous week. He looked much sharper and faster. Admittedly, it didn't look promising until Chamblin's honesty at half time. "We're getting our asses handed to us." he said. I've never seen him so fired up. Obviously, it snapped everyone out of the fog they were in because the Riders came out fighting. Terrius George recorded 4 sacks. Weston Dressler not only returned a punt for a touchdown but also scored a 60 yard touchdown that had me yelling WOW...WOW...WOW! from my frantically rocking recliner.
The Riders sure delivered a great Birthday Eve present wrapped in an overtime win. But I'd sure love it it wasn't such a nail biting heart thumping recliner rocking ending! And I don't know about anyone else, but when the REDBLACKS lined up for that field goal in overtime I had a Grey Cup 2009 flashback. I was silently screaming COUNT YOUR MEN!!!! But karma smiled on all the 13th men this time...and Peters blocked the attempt.
Wow.
The Riders now sit at 9-3 and second place in the West. Hot on our heals are the Edmonton Eskimo's. What happens? Well an Edmonton radio station puts together some very pathetic attempts at tongue in cheek sarcasm advertisements calling Rider fans great but "horrible human beings". Wha? So besides that a five year old can probably write a wittier ad - do they really think this will get extra butts in the seats at Commonwealth? I'm not offended by the ads because I just plainly think they are dumb. What I really don't understand is how this would entice Eskimo fans to buy tickets. It certainly doesn't manipulate Rider fans into wanting to go. In fact, I know of a few Rider faithful who live in the City of Chumps...er, Champions, who are seriously questioning giving up their season tickets.
I know the Riders have taken out all the billboards. "Green is the new Orange". But isn't that a clever play on words? It also doesn't insult anyone. It isn't name calling. In fact, if you have to resort to calling the fans of a team horrible, then you sound very desperate. Come on marketers and radio ad writers...You can do a heck of a lot better than this! And if you think Rider fans are obnoxious, it's because we demand better.
Geroy Simon promotes Coats for Kids. John Chick helps the Diabetes Association. There are Co-Op Game Day products with players like Durant, Dressler, & Getzlaf with proceeds going to the Childrens Hospital Foundation. Rider fans help out with these projects. Rider fans lead the league in supporting the CFL by buying merchandise. If that's what you call a "horrible human being" then I'd rather be called that than anything else.
My name is Sandra. I'm a rabid Rider fan. And I'm a horrible human being.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Double Double Toil & Trouble
Oh crap no.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Oh Gawd.
Just a few plays earlier in the game Sunday, we saw the beast that Darian Durant is, run in the pocket with a lineman on his back.
I heard the whistle. Hubby heard the whistle. The play.....the play that apparently didn't happen and yet happened for every Roughrider fan across the nation.....went on. I think Hubby was even yelling "free play - free play!"
Friday night I watched as Travis Lulay got hit and I cried as he left the field once again. To see someone fight back through surgery and work hard and then have it happen immediately again.....well, ugh.....it's sickening. Then it happened to Doubles too.
When are the refs and the league going to wake up and do something?
Let's face it. Darian has never gotten the roughing the passer calls that he should. I'm not looking through green goggles either. Anyone so much as wink at Ricky Ray and penalty flags fly. Why do they let all this stuff go for different players? That's not fair!
I know this is all a part of football and injuries and things happen. But honestly, Monday morning when I heard the news and along with the dull dreary weather we are enduring, it felt a little like the morning after 09. Were all our repeat hopes dashed? Naw. I don't think so. I think the Riders are an extremely well coached team. I believe in the genius of George Cortez. I know with every pen click he is dreaming up schemes for whoever is next up. I also believe in Tino Sunseri. He comes from a football family. It's in his blood as much as we bleed green.
What I couldn't believe the most was the ridiculous things people are saying. Fans are the craziest people around. Someone started a rumor about trading for Burris and people ran away with it. Laughable. Could you imagine? *shakes head*
I am so thankful the Dressler signing was already a done deal. I remember in 2008, the year we had 3 quarterbacks and the year most of the receivers had broken legs. I'd much rather take a full set of healthy receivers and a room of running backs in 2014 over that year. I believe in 2008 we lost in the western semi final to the Lions. Ack. Yes. I'll go with our chances this year thank you very much.
So this Sunday we meet up with the TiCats again. I don't feel it's a must win game BUT if we do win, it will be the first time in history that the Roughriders win 8 games straight. I also know that this team is a family and families stick together in the face of adversity. Adversity makes you stronger. There is no bigger test than beating the 2013 Eastern Champs with our back up quarterback. I think it can be done. Tino will do it for Darian and Rider Nation.
In other news, last Saturday The Hubs and I went to Rider Girl. It was great! It's a great story for any CFL fan but special just for us Rider fans. I won't give anything away, except that if you go you will laugh and you will cry. It's also fun to connect with other fans. Please go see the fabulous Colleen Sutton when she is in your town/city.
Are you superstitious? I am a little. A little stitious. Every game day I wear a pair of glitter watermelon earrings. Well, over the last year I have had the pleasure of cultivating a fun friendship with Maria aka Gainerette. She has sent me the most fabulous watermelon headband that there ever was. A thousand thank you's!
My birthday isn't until the 22nd. I will be *cough cough* years old. My Hubby, who is so patient to be married to me for going on 23 years gave me my present early. What would any rabid Rider fan girl want? Why a beautiful pair of the most glittery glitter ball earrings and necklace from Hillberg & Berk of course!!!! He really is the best isn't he?!
But I still have to wear the watermelon earrings on game day ;)
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Oh Gawd.
 |
| Not my picture but thanks to who took it. |
Just a few plays earlier in the game Sunday, we saw the beast that Darian Durant is, run in the pocket with a lineman on his back.
I heard the whistle. Hubby heard the whistle. The play.....the play that apparently didn't happen and yet happened for every Roughrider fan across the nation.....went on. I think Hubby was even yelling "free play - free play!"
Friday night I watched as Travis Lulay got hit and I cried as he left the field once again. To see someone fight back through surgery and work hard and then have it happen immediately again.....well, ugh.....it's sickening. Then it happened to Doubles too.
When are the refs and the league going to wake up and do something?
Let's face it. Darian has never gotten the roughing the passer calls that he should. I'm not looking through green goggles either. Anyone so much as wink at Ricky Ray and penalty flags fly. Why do they let all this stuff go for different players? That's not fair!
What I couldn't believe the most was the ridiculous things people are saying. Fans are the craziest people around. Someone started a rumor about trading for Burris and people ran away with it. Laughable. Could you imagine? *shakes head*
I am so thankful the Dressler signing was already a done deal. I remember in 2008, the year we had 3 quarterbacks and the year most of the receivers had broken legs. I'd much rather take a full set of healthy receivers and a room of running backs in 2014 over that year. I believe in 2008 we lost in the western semi final to the Lions. Ack. Yes. I'll go with our chances this year thank you very much.
So this Sunday we meet up with the TiCats again. I don't feel it's a must win game BUT if we do win, it will be the first time in history that the Roughriders win 8 games straight. I also know that this team is a family and families stick together in the face of adversity. Adversity makes you stronger. There is no bigger test than beating the 2013 Eastern Champs with our back up quarterback. I think it can be done. Tino will do it for Darian and Rider Nation.
Are you superstitious? I am a little. A little stitious. Every game day I wear a pair of glitter watermelon earrings. Well, over the last year I have had the pleasure of cultivating a fun friendship with Maria aka Gainerette. She has sent me the most fabulous watermelon headband that there ever was. A thousand thank you's!
My birthday isn't until the 22nd. I will be *cough cough* years old. My Hubby, who is so patient to be married to me for going on 23 years gave me my present early. What would any rabid Rider fan girl want? Why a beautiful pair of the most glittery glitter ball earrings and necklace from Hillberg & Berk of course!!!! He really is the best isn't he?!
But I still have to wear the watermelon earrings on game day ;)
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
At Summer's End
Here we are closing in on the end of August. All the little Neighbourhood Terrorists are busy getting their back to school clothing and supplies and sadly, I myself will have to go back to my "real" job as piano macdaddy in two weeks as well.
While this is going on the CFL is busy releasing all these new *Signature Look* uniforms. I'm not going to say who has the best/worst new uniforms which, will actually only be worn a few times a season, because there is nothing that football fans like better than to disagree with each other. I will tell you why I think the new and fresh Rider jersey will be around for a long time. The wheat sheaf is a long standing symbol of the province of Saskatchewan. The Riders are owned by the community and entire province. There is nothing better to adorn their uniforms with than the wheat sheaf. And really ... don't those wheat sheaves bare a suspicious resemblance to uprights/goal posts? "I Am Rider Nation". Are there any more powerful words? In the sun and heat. In the pouring rain. In the sleet and snow and minus 40. We. Are. Rider Nation. The helmets..... I know that if you squint really hard and apply an Instagram filter they might kinda sorta look like watermelons ... and you know what? That's okay too. Who hasn't carved up a melon from the Superstore as head gear on game day? Yes. I think they got this design right.
I watched not only one but two NFL preseason games last week. Weird. I saw a very comfortable looking Kory Sheets playing in Oakland. Apparently, he's 4th in the depth charts but he looked good to me. I suspect he will have a job there. I got conned into watching the Kansas City Chiefs with the promise of seeing Weston Dressler who in spite of some saying was in for a play in the 4th was not. I feel really bad because unlike the Fantuz fiasco, I believe Dressler actually stood a chance. Now we are all waiting to find out what happens next. IF he is indeed released, then I believe the Riders and Rider Nation need to throw everything his way to ensure he comes back. I suspect he has a certain amount of loyalty considering his number 13 jersey number but you can never tell when "the business" comes into play. I believe in Brendan Tamon and I know that he has something in place for this occasion...and possibly even if Sheets does become available too.
Paris Jackson got released from Ottawa. Consensus around Rider Nation and from an informal Twitter poll is OH HELL NO. I don't think we will be seeing him around Saskie soon. However, Brendan Tamon did say on Sportscage yesterday that they are looking at bringing in another kicker to help Milo out. Then late last night the name Justin Palardy was floating around the Twittersphere. All I know is that there are no consistent kickers in this league anymore. The days of Robo Kicker are long gone.
The Hubs and I ventured to the game on Saturday. What a great time it was! Loved it. Sat in section 25 again as for some reason I believe we've become EastSiders. Once I was comfortable in my Row 49 seats and having to climb those horrid steps with my short wheel base, there was no way I was leaving until the end. The game was fun. We had a really good time. The fans around us were terrific. I don't know what the media is trying to do because everything I listen(ed) to EXCEPT for The Voice of the Riders was negative. I heard the game was boring. I seriously cannot figure it out. I even watched the game on my pvr and still don't get it. This was the first sell out of the season. Why would you want to go to a game that the media is calling boring? I really hate it and I know hate is a very strong word, but I seriously hate it. The games are exciting. There is an atmosphere in the stands that you cannot get anywhere else. Don't listen to what the guys on CKOM are selling and get your butts to the games. You will not regret it.
Some final thoughts. Don't you dare say a word about Darian Durant. This man is our leader. Guys like Tyron Brackenridge and Rob Bagg have been quoted since the game about what a leader he is and how he carries the team. A family and a team...a real team...compensates for each other. The offense isn't quite clicking but I saw shades of what is to come. Our defense is completely making up for it. How about that John Chick? <swoon> No the games haven't been high scoring but you know what? Defenses win championships. Also, you don't show all your tricks against a team like Montreal especially when you play BC next! You have to plan for down the road. You play to win the game but you don't show everything you have in your playbook if you don't have to. The Riders are now 5-2. The team is winning. We are winning!
Good teams find a way to win at all costs.
Championship teams find a way to win no matter what.
Period.
While this is going on the CFL is busy releasing all these new *Signature Look* uniforms. I'm not going to say who has the best/worst new uniforms which, will actually only be worn a few times a season, because there is nothing that football fans like better than to disagree with each other. I will tell you why I think the new and fresh Rider jersey will be around for a long time. The wheat sheaf is a long standing symbol of the province of Saskatchewan. The Riders are owned by the community and entire province. There is nothing better to adorn their uniforms with than the wheat sheaf. And really ... don't those wheat sheaves bare a suspicious resemblance to uprights/goal posts? "I Am Rider Nation". Are there any more powerful words? In the sun and heat. In the pouring rain. In the sleet and snow and minus 40. We. Are. Rider Nation. The helmets..... I know that if you squint really hard and apply an Instagram filter they might kinda sorta look like watermelons ... and you know what? That's okay too. Who hasn't carved up a melon from the Superstore as head gear on game day? Yes. I think they got this design right.I watched not only one but two NFL preseason games last week. Weird. I saw a very comfortable looking Kory Sheets playing in Oakland. Apparently, he's 4th in the depth charts but he looked good to me. I suspect he will have a job there. I got conned into watching the Kansas City Chiefs with the promise of seeing Weston Dressler who in spite of some saying was in for a play in the 4th was not. I feel really bad because unlike the Fantuz fiasco, I believe Dressler actually stood a chance. Now we are all waiting to find out what happens next. IF he is indeed released, then I believe the Riders and Rider Nation need to throw everything his way to ensure he comes back. I suspect he has a certain amount of loyalty considering his number 13 jersey number but you can never tell when "the business" comes into play. I believe in Brendan Tamon and I know that he has something in place for this occasion...and possibly even if Sheets does become available too.
Paris Jackson got released from Ottawa. Consensus around Rider Nation and from an informal Twitter poll is OH HELL NO. I don't think we will be seeing him around Saskie soon. However, Brendan Tamon did say on Sportscage yesterday that they are looking at bringing in another kicker to help Milo out. Then late last night the name Justin Palardy was floating around the Twittersphere. All I know is that there are no consistent kickers in this league anymore. The days of Robo Kicker are long gone.
Some final thoughts. Don't you dare say a word about Darian Durant. This man is our leader. Guys like Tyron Brackenridge and Rob Bagg have been quoted since the game about what a leader he is and how he carries the team. A family and a team...a real team...compensates for each other. The offense isn't quite clicking but I saw shades of what is to come. Our defense is completely making up for it. How about that John Chick? <swoon> No the games haven't been high scoring but you know what? Defenses win championships. Also, you don't show all your tricks against a team like Montreal especially when you play BC next! You have to plan for down the road. You play to win the game but you don't show everything you have in your playbook if you don't have to. The Riders are now 5-2. The team is winning. We are winning!
Good teams find a way to win at all costs.
Championship teams find a way to win no matter what.
Period.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Week Five
Here we are at the end of July and I am in full summer vacay mode and the CFL is heading into week 5.
Well, week 5 for the Riders.
This season is a weird bazarro world. Not only are last years bottom dwellers of the Western Division now leading the league, but, because of this being an expansion year, we have a rotating bye week. Some have discussed that it's hard to get on a roll when your teams bye week falls in week 2 or 3. The media talked lots of a down week and "what are they lacking" in their broadcasts. I thought that for the Riders the bye week would serve as a reset after playing 3 games ending in 1 win and 2 losses. I think I was right because going into the bye week the bandwagon had a bit of leg room for the Rider faithful as people and media panicked, but the week off gave players time to reconnect, get their mindset right and come back with drive and determination.
During the bye week, I had the pleasure to stand in line at the new Co-Op store at the Circle Centre Mall in Saskatoon with hundreds of other fans to see Riders Quarterback Darian Durant. We arrived a half hour early and the line up was already to the end of the magazine isle. Poor bewildered grocery shoppers had no idea what was going on and just stared. I took my two Darian's DariO cereal boxes to be signed. They were empty. We ate all the cereal. I didn't see anyone else in line with cereal boxes although I saw anything ranging from Grey Cup jerseys to footballs.
My Hubby wasn't going to go with me. I was going to go alone, but he couldn't help himself and donned his Grey Cup Champion tee shirt. See I had to go...I missed training camp and didn't get any signatures this year, which is a routine for me as I've got four other signed footballs. We even missed our annual voyage to the Watrous Co-Op customer appreciation days where Taj Smith and two other Riders went this year.
I never know what to say. Something goofy always comes out of my mouth. I wish I could have told Darian that I've believed in him since I met him in 2009. But I didn't. He gratiously signed my cereal boxes and poised for a picture. Then I wished him good luck against Toronto and I saw his eyes light up. And I knew. I knew that he had this. All the stuff the media says about aprehension and players not meshing and all that stuff went out the window. I knew whatever it was that plagued them before was gone.
Then Saturday the Riders beat the stuffings out of the Argonauts.
Oh how I love a good thrashing! Remember how Ricky Ray was the #1 quarterback in TSN's Top 50 CFL players? Well I shouted "TAKE THAT!" as Tearius George smashed into him and forced a fumble. It felt so good! Let's face it...it's how we always want the Riders to play. Close games are exciting but my heart (and my fingernails which get chewed off every game) can't take it! No, I want a good old fashioned thumping!
So now the Riders are heading to Ottawa and I will be in a place where I won't even be able to chant "HEEEENNNRRRYYYYYY". I am going into a wifi free zone for five days. Not only wifi free, but very low to zero connectivity and (*cries*) I won't even be able to watch the game or listen on radio.
The horror!
But you know what? I will still represent with all my little green heart has in me.
You can take the girl away from the Riders, but you can't take the Riders out of this rabid fan girl.
Well, week 5 for the Riders.
This season is a weird bazarro world. Not only are last years bottom dwellers of the Western Division now leading the league, but, because of this being an expansion year, we have a rotating bye week. Some have discussed that it's hard to get on a roll when your teams bye week falls in week 2 or 3. The media talked lots of a down week and "what are they lacking" in their broadcasts. I thought that for the Riders the bye week would serve as a reset after playing 3 games ending in 1 win and 2 losses. I think I was right because going into the bye week the bandwagon had a bit of leg room for the Rider faithful as people and media panicked, but the week off gave players time to reconnect, get their mindset right and come back with drive and determination.
My Hubby wasn't going to go with me. I was going to go alone, but he couldn't help himself and donned his Grey Cup Champion tee shirt. See I had to go...I missed training camp and didn't get any signatures this year, which is a routine for me as I've got four other signed footballs. We even missed our annual voyage to the Watrous Co-Op customer appreciation days where Taj Smith and two other Riders went this year.
I never know what to say. Something goofy always comes out of my mouth. I wish I could have told Darian that I've believed in him since I met him in 2009. But I didn't. He gratiously signed my cereal boxes and poised for a picture. Then I wished him good luck against Toronto and I saw his eyes light up. And I knew. I knew that he had this. All the stuff the media says about aprehension and players not meshing and all that stuff went out the window. I knew whatever it was that plagued them before was gone.
Then Saturday the Riders beat the stuffings out of the Argonauts.
Oh how I love a good thrashing! Remember how Ricky Ray was the #1 quarterback in TSN's Top 50 CFL players? Well I shouted "TAKE THAT!" as Tearius George smashed into him and forced a fumble. It felt so good! Let's face it...it's how we always want the Riders to play. Close games are exciting but my heart (and my fingernails which get chewed off every game) can't take it! No, I want a good old fashioned thumping!
So now the Riders are heading to Ottawa and I will be in a place where I won't even be able to chant "HEEEENNNRRRYYYYYY". I am going into a wifi free zone for five days. Not only wifi free, but very low to zero connectivity and (*cries*) I won't even be able to watch the game or listen on radio.
The horror!
But you know what? I will still represent with all my little green heart has in me.
You can take the girl away from the Riders, but you can't take the Riders out of this rabid fan girl.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Raining Champs
Tonight is the very first game for the Ottawa REDBLACKS. After week one, they unbelievably sat in first in the east without even playing a game. Ufdah! [as my mother in law would say] How is it possible to not even play a game and come out better than the guys who did? Yikes.
I did have the pleasure of seeing the REDBLACKS preseason game in Regina. My opinion is that everyone will underestimate them. They did hold their own in the game. They've got the talent. Even though, I picked the "Willypeg" Blue Bombers to win tonights historical game, I think Ottawa is going to surprise everyone.
Who else surprised us last week? I already mentioned the Bombers who are probably wishing they were still part of the eastern division, but what about those Eskimo's? It seems they've maybe got it together for this season. I am never one to count out the Lions, but they really aren't the same team who made us all throw our beer cans at the tv back when. The Stampeders aren't either. I used to think Hufnagel was one of the toughest coaches, but this year...I don't know. They just don't seem as dominant as they once were. Of course it was only game one and there are 17 more games to be played so who can tell how things will turn out? One thing is for sure, the Lions have tons of pressure on them since they are hosting the Grey Cup this year and if the trend were to continue they logically [but not hopefully because I know my Riders will be there instead] would make it to the big game as well.
So. How about those Riders?! We had concerns didn't we? We didn't know who would fill those gaps vacated by those favorite players of ours. Did we miss a step? Because wowzers the Riders came out to defend their championship in mid season form. We played a very unprepared TiCat team. That is for sure. Poor Collaros couldn't stay upright for all the chickpeas in Saskie. His offensive line just didn't care or couldn't do anything about it against our totally dominant defense. Admittedly, if I saw Chick and Foley rushing me I might fall over too, but 10 sacks?! That tied a Rider record. And look at that offensive line. Undoubtedly, the Riders have the best Oline in the league. Heck, I could run through the gaps they create. Lastly, who is this Anthony Allen dude? Where did he come from? The Hubs kepts saying he reminded him of Robert Drummond. I can see him getting more and more effective as we get into the season. Soon #26 Allen jerseys will be flying off the racks.
Speaking of that.....a certain blogger said she figured Keith Toston was the guy and if he wasn't she'd eat her Rider flag. Ugh. All I can ask is...what goes better with nylon - ketchup or mustard? How can a guy who looks like the guy get put on the practice roster? *shrugs*
This week the Riders head to Toronto to take on the Argos who lost last week. Remember the TSN top 50 players? Ricky Ray was named #1. It will be interesting to see how we match up. Playing a team like Toronto is also a good reminder about what can happen if we let it. They won the Grey Cup two years ago. They are close to not having a stadium to play in. Rider Nation is strong but it wasn't really all that long ago that we weren't and as Rod Pederson mentioned on Sportscage the other day, there was a time you wouldn't be caught dead in a Roughrider shirt.
By the way, I ended up 7th in the pool on PoolTracker.com. How the heck does a flag eating female football fanatic end up 7th? Shocking particularly because my rational is not always stats but "ooh, they wear blue and I like blue".....unless the colour is green. Green is always the colour and you can count on me choosing them to win any week any day. As coach Chamblin says "win all day every day."
One last parting thought - Journey to the Cup was a great production. It was a mere half hour and was really well done by the guru's at TSN however, I actually liked "All In" better. Tell me your thoughts! And until then Go Riders!
I did have the pleasure of seeing the REDBLACKS preseason game in Regina. My opinion is that everyone will underestimate them. They did hold their own in the game. They've got the talent. Even though, I picked the "Willypeg" Blue Bombers to win tonights historical game, I think Ottawa is going to surprise everyone.
Who else surprised us last week? I already mentioned the Bombers who are probably wishing they were still part of the eastern division, but what about those Eskimo's? It seems they've maybe got it together for this season. I am never one to count out the Lions, but they really aren't the same team who made us all throw our beer cans at the tv back when. The Stampeders aren't either. I used to think Hufnagel was one of the toughest coaches, but this year...I don't know. They just don't seem as dominant as they once were. Of course it was only game one and there are 17 more games to be played so who can tell how things will turn out? One thing is for sure, the Lions have tons of pressure on them since they are hosting the Grey Cup this year and if the trend were to continue they logically [but not hopefully because I know my Riders will be there instead] would make it to the big game as well.
So. How about those Riders?! We had concerns didn't we? We didn't know who would fill those gaps vacated by those favorite players of ours. Did we miss a step? Because wowzers the Riders came out to defend their championship in mid season form. We played a very unprepared TiCat team. That is for sure. Poor Collaros couldn't stay upright for all the chickpeas in Saskie. His offensive line just didn't care or couldn't do anything about it against our totally dominant defense. Admittedly, if I saw Chick and Foley rushing me I might fall over too, but 10 sacks?! That tied a Rider record. And look at that offensive line. Undoubtedly, the Riders have the best Oline in the league. Heck, I could run through the gaps they create. Lastly, who is this Anthony Allen dude? Where did he come from? The Hubs kepts saying he reminded him of Robert Drummond. I can see him getting more and more effective as we get into the season. Soon #26 Allen jerseys will be flying off the racks.
Speaking of that.....a certain blogger said she figured Keith Toston was the guy and if he wasn't she'd eat her Rider flag. Ugh. All I can ask is...what goes better with nylon - ketchup or mustard? How can a guy who looks like the guy get put on the practice roster? *shrugs*
This week the Riders head to Toronto to take on the Argos who lost last week. Remember the TSN top 50 players? Ricky Ray was named #1. It will be interesting to see how we match up. Playing a team like Toronto is also a good reminder about what can happen if we let it. They won the Grey Cup two years ago. They are close to not having a stadium to play in. Rider Nation is strong but it wasn't really all that long ago that we weren't and as Rod Pederson mentioned on Sportscage the other day, there was a time you wouldn't be caught dead in a Roughrider shirt.
By the way, I ended up 7th in the pool on PoolTracker.com. How the heck does a flag eating female football fanatic end up 7th? Shocking particularly because my rational is not always stats but "ooh, they wear blue and I like blue".....unless the colour is green. Green is always the colour and you can count on me choosing them to win any week any day. As coach Chamblin says "win all day every day."
One last parting thought - Journey to the Cup was a great production. It was a mere half hour and was really well done by the guru's at TSN however, I actually liked "All In" better. Tell me your thoughts! And until then Go Riders!
Monday, June 23, 2014
We Made It
Seven months ago we were a bunch of crazed rabid fans. Nothing much has changed but it is indeed a new year and a new Roughrider team.
I just completed one of the busiest months I've had in a long time. My goal was to just make it through with the big reward being the promise of attending Roughrider training camp at Griffith Stadium. Ugh. I got sick. Not just a run of the mill cold either....but some sort of bizarre gland/ear thing that took me 3 weeks to get over and feel normal - as normal as I ever was - and that meant.....I missed out.
*cry*
I sucked it up though. Because that's the kind of hearty prairie female Rider fan that I am and The Hubs and I went to what is now known as Fan Fest. It was supposed to give Saskatonians the 'game day' experience. Autographs were not held which was so disappointing considering I wasn't able to get to any of the training camp sessions. There were concessions along with face painting and activities for the kiddies. The Riders held a short practice and then a scrimmage. It was fun and the fresh air was good for me, but not getting the chance to meet the players was a fail to me.
Next up was the first Pre-season game against the REDBLACKS. It was marketed as an 'away' game so the Roughriders for the first time in the history of Taylor Field were on the Visitor side while the REDBLACKS got the Home bench. We had amazing tickets. I managed to get my grubby little hands on section 25 row 2 tickets right behind the GREENWHITES bench. So cool. During warmup, Chris Milo came over to the bench.....he said he got kicked off the sidelines on the other side and "this was so weird!" It was a little.
It was a fun game. First Gainer and Big Joe met up at center but ended up shaking hands. In spite of all the joking, Big Joe did look kind of cool in person even if he did take off after the 1st quarter. The game left me with a few impressions. Firstly, Darian Durant is no doubt a leader. When it was his time to take over as quarterback the whole stadium filled with an incredible sense of pride and and command that simply wasn't there moments before. Secondly, Ottawa proved that they could be somewhat competitive in their first year. I know it was just a pre-season game and all, but they took to the field like any other the other CFL teams would have. I sure bet it was interesting for Smilin' Hank to be on the home side for the first time in ages and probably pretty strange for Keith Shologan and Zack Evans too after being snatched up in the expansion draft.
It was great and I loved being there even though I was only one of 13,000. It didn't rain and I can save my $1.50 poncho for another day.
Now of course all the cuts have been revealed and we are now down to the main roster. There were some surprises. I am so sure that Kieth Toston is the new Running Back and if he isn't I'll eat my Rider flag. He won't be Kory Sheets nor he should be. The same goes for Flyin' Ryan Smith. The new number 81 isn't Geroy either. These guys will turn out to be themselves and we will love them like we've loved all those before them.
Are you ready for the 2014 season! Looks like we finally made it!
Monday, May 26, 2014
I'm THAT Woman
Yes, it's true. I'm THAT woman. I'm the one who cries over sports. An even bigger confession is...I've cried over sports twice in the last week. Football in particular, although I have been known to get choked up over a good Nascar win, but this blog is about football.
The official unveiling of the New Mosaic Stadium was provided to us via a live stream on Riderville.com last week. It opened with a video of all the legends and legendary happenings at Taylor Field. I never stood a chance. With tears streaming faster than the video, I viewed what the New Mosaic Stadium will entale. What a presentation it was. This new stadium will be amazing. We will usher in a new era with this stadium. It's going to have actual seats. It will be a bowl style stadium. It will be partially covered by a translucient awning. The visuals were simply beyond my wildest expectations.
You can view for yourself here: NEW STADIUM
Now, everything I heard from people I know was positive. A new stadium is deeply needed. But what the heck is up with media types? I turned onto CKOM to hear the afternoon crowd being totally negative on multiple levels. They don't like the locatioin.....they don't like the parking.....they don't like the absense of a roof. Like what the heck! The location has not been a secret. We've known for ages there wouldn't be a roof. These people, who admittedly do not watch football need to get educated on the subject before spouting off all their gobbly-goop which in turns gets fans all in an uproar.
We want change. We need change. This is very exciting. We are going to usher in a new era with this stadium. PERIOD.
Another time last week that I cried was when watching All In. In case you didn't know [and every Rider fan does know], All In was the Roughrider dvd which came out last week available at the Rider stores and all Co-Op locations. The dvd chronicals the 2013 season leading up to the 101st Grey Cup and including winning said most coveted trophy.
Now don't get me wrong here. I loved it. The player and coach commentaries gave great insight into the whole season. Seeing the prep for Grey Cup was interesting because most of us don't know what goes into getting an event ready and it also showed us how the weather affects and is part of the game. I've seen everyone raving about the dvd but no one is saying what I'm about to.....It missed the mark. Okay, well kind of missed the mark. The feature began with the loss of the west final in 2012. I feel that even though that's what spurred the planning for the 2013 season, the dvd should have began with the [Ridernation prepare yourself].....it should have began with the 09/10 Grey Cup losses. Before you all freak out at me, my mentality for that statement is because for players like Darian Durant those losses are what created that monkey on his back that he desperately wanted to fling off. The video also glazed over the whole Cornish/Sheets competition. One of my most memorable parts of the 2013 West Final was when Cornish was walking off the field and Sheets was being interviewed. They asked him what worked and he said "pretty much everything." Another part that wasn't even mentioned was how the Roughriders refused to touch the West Final trophy. There were many storylines which came together....Tristan Jackson working on the rigs when recalled to the team....Kent Austin being a Rider now a Ticat....Fantuz/Congi and other ex-Riders..... But the number one thing the All In dvd should have included was the Grey Cup game itself. If time or money was the issue, we all know Rider Nation would have gladly sat through a 3 hour documentry and paid much more for it too. Hey, if we spend $200+ on multiple jerseys every year there is no doubt we'd fork over the dough for a monumental dvd and you all know it!
If you want to procure your own copy of All In just visit any Rider store or Co-Op store or order online at Riderville.com.
Did you miss this media announcement last week? The Co-Op in partnership with many football teams are again coming out with Game Day products. All moneys from these products go to charity. I think that's a worthy cause to knock down the Co-Op doors looking for these items. In Saskatchewan there will be Getzlaf Chris-py Dill chips and Darian's Quarterback Quench Sports drink. There will be many other items available in Saskatchewan as well which you can read about here: Co-Op Connections This time around you will also see items Alberta with Stampeder players/logos and Eskimo players/logos. Remember, it's all for a good cause.
Just today it was announced that Chris Szarka-train and Omar Morgan will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor. They are both terrific players. If Eddie Davis is in then Omar should be too. Can't have one without the other.
Last thing, which may make us all cry depending.....the Players Association and CFL are set to meet on Wednesday again. Will it be a major snafu like last week or will they actually come to terms? I have a gut feeling it will be worked out and players will be at training camp next Monday as planned in Saskatoon.
If not.....you'll see the real *ugly* cry from this woman.
The official unveiling of the New Mosaic Stadium was provided to us via a live stream on Riderville.com last week. It opened with a video of all the legends and legendary happenings at Taylor Field. I never stood a chance. With tears streaming faster than the video, I viewed what the New Mosaic Stadium will entale. What a presentation it was. This new stadium will be amazing. We will usher in a new era with this stadium. It's going to have actual seats. It will be a bowl style stadium. It will be partially covered by a translucient awning. The visuals were simply beyond my wildest expectations.
You can view for yourself here: NEW STADIUM
Now, everything I heard from people I know was positive. A new stadium is deeply needed. But what the heck is up with media types? I turned onto CKOM to hear the afternoon crowd being totally negative on multiple levels. They don't like the locatioin.....they don't like the parking.....they don't like the absense of a roof. Like what the heck! The location has not been a secret. We've known for ages there wouldn't be a roof. These people, who admittedly do not watch football need to get educated on the subject before spouting off all their gobbly-goop which in turns gets fans all in an uproar.
We want change. We need change. This is very exciting. We are going to usher in a new era with this stadium. PERIOD.
Another time last week that I cried was when watching All In. In case you didn't know [and every Rider fan does know], All In was the Roughrider dvd which came out last week available at the Rider stores and all Co-Op locations. The dvd chronicals the 2013 season leading up to the 101st Grey Cup and including winning said most coveted trophy.
Now don't get me wrong here. I loved it. The player and coach commentaries gave great insight into the whole season. Seeing the prep for Grey Cup was interesting because most of us don't know what goes into getting an event ready and it also showed us how the weather affects and is part of the game. I've seen everyone raving about the dvd but no one is saying what I'm about to.....It missed the mark. Okay, well kind of missed the mark. The feature began with the loss of the west final in 2012. I feel that even though that's what spurred the planning for the 2013 season, the dvd should have began with the [Ridernation prepare yourself].....it should have began with the 09/10 Grey Cup losses. Before you all freak out at me, my mentality for that statement is because for players like Darian Durant those losses are what created that monkey on his back that he desperately wanted to fling off. The video also glazed over the whole Cornish/Sheets competition. One of my most memorable parts of the 2013 West Final was when Cornish was walking off the field and Sheets was being interviewed. They asked him what worked and he said "pretty much everything." Another part that wasn't even mentioned was how the Roughriders refused to touch the West Final trophy. There were many storylines which came together....Tristan Jackson working on the rigs when recalled to the team....Kent Austin being a Rider now a Ticat....Fantuz/Congi and other ex-Riders..... But the number one thing the All In dvd should have included was the Grey Cup game itself. If time or money was the issue, we all know Rider Nation would have gladly sat through a 3 hour documentry and paid much more for it too. Hey, if we spend $200+ on multiple jerseys every year there is no doubt we'd fork over the dough for a monumental dvd and you all know it!
If you want to procure your own copy of All In just visit any Rider store or Co-Op store or order online at Riderville.com.
Did you miss this media announcement last week? The Co-Op in partnership with many football teams are again coming out with Game Day products. All moneys from these products go to charity. I think that's a worthy cause to knock down the Co-Op doors looking for these items. In Saskatchewan there will be Getzlaf Chris-py Dill chips and Darian's Quarterback Quench Sports drink. There will be many other items available in Saskatchewan as well which you can read about here: Co-Op Connections This time around you will also see items Alberta with Stampeder players/logos and Eskimo players/logos. Remember, it's all for a good cause.
Just today it was announced that Chris Szarka-train and Omar Morgan will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor. They are both terrific players. If Eddie Davis is in then Omar should be too. Can't have one without the other.
Last thing, which may make us all cry depending.....the Players Association and CFL are set to meet on Wednesday again. Will it be a major snafu like last week or will they actually come to terms? I have a gut feeling it will be worked out and players will be at training camp next Monday as planned in Saskatoon.
If not.....you'll see the real *ugly* cry from this woman.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
PRE-pre-Season
All it took was a picture on Twitter of three chairs with folded quarterback jersey's and name tags on them to make my heart flutter again.
It all came flooding back. The excitement. The thrill. The running around the living room yelling touchdown.
*Sigh*
It was announced that not only the 2014 Roughrider training camp will be held at Griffiths Stadium at the U of S, but the 2015 camp as well. How exciting is that?! I know some of those in Regina are moaning and groaning about it, but c'mon man! You get them the rest of the season! Let us have this one thing. Last year I could only attend twice......and then stood in the rain for over an hour on Green & White Day, which was totally worth it. My husband thought I was a little nutty [and I am] but the Monday after Grey Cup 101 guess which memory stood out for us? That one. Priceless.
April Fool's, wasn't that fun? NOT. Our favorite Stampeder Running Back to hate, Jon Cornish, tweeted out a picture of a "Rider" jersey with his name on it [and Kory Sheets number] and said he had been traded to the Riders. Well I knew it wasn't true because it wasn't an actual Rider jersey and was in fact a Huskie jersey which Cornish had been given for a speaking engagement. Still, this sent everyone into a tizzy. Oh yes, then there was the story about how the REDBLACKS had tried to draft Gainer. I guess getting Shologan and Evans wasn't enough for them.....even though it was a joke, you can see there are still hard feelings there. But really, it was impossible to decipher what was real news that day.
What have I learned this off season? Gainer is an anagram for Regina. Yeah. It's true. Of course it makes sense. I don't know why I didn't know this before and maybe I did and forgot, but how cool is that?! Is FakeGainer an anagram for anything? *blank stare*
So mini camp was held in Florida over the weekend. It's been touted that Ryan Smith is the spitting image of Weston Dresslor. This is a dangerous area isn't it? I mean, no one can possibly replace these guys who won our hearts and THE 2013 GREY CUP and we shouldn't try to make them fit their shoes either. Everyone has to be themselves and do what they can do. If we try to make them live up to Kory Sheets or Dresslor or whoever else we will be nothing but disappointed. Let's let them be themselves and show us what they have to offer.....they might be a completely different person.
Have you ever heard of the Rider Sisterhood? Well if you follow me on Twitter [@smilingsandra] and Ohmygawd, if you don't, why not? You'd have seen me mention this once in a while. The Rider Sisterhood is a group of ladies who have sort of banded together through our love of all things green and white. We support eachother when needed and rejoice together. The Sisterhood got me through a rough time this Spring/Winter/Sprinter as my beloved Brandy~puppy the Super Dog passed after a short battle with lymphoma. Thanks to all the Sisters.....and some of the Brothers too. You've brightened my days with sharing your stories, love and prayers.
Today power rankings were released with the Stampeders at number one and the Roughriders at two. How the heck can you have power rankings in the off season? I mean, zero games played and zero players proven. You can't have a power ranking by what is on "paper". It makes less sense than the Combine where zero combines are used. Unlike the Roughrider mini camp where a John Deere tractor was the star. *shrugs*
Meh. Whatever.
Next up is the CFL draft. But take it easy on me, I will be recouping from my trip to New York so if you don't hear from me again until Training Camp don't be surprised. Spring [and I can safely say that now that Sprinter is over] is a very VERY busy time for me. Who woulda thunk it? For us piano teachers, we have festivals and exams and recitals.....it's like Tax Season the Musical. So stay well. Get that Rider gear cleaned up. Stock up on the face paint! We've almost made it through the off season!
It all came flooding back. The excitement. The thrill. The running around the living room yelling touchdown.
*Sigh*
It was announced that not only the 2014 Roughrider training camp will be held at Griffiths Stadium at the U of S, but the 2015 camp as well. How exciting is that?! I know some of those in Regina are moaning and groaning about it, but c'mon man! You get them the rest of the season! Let us have this one thing. Last year I could only attend twice......and then stood in the rain for over an hour on Green & White Day, which was totally worth it. My husband thought I was a little nutty [and I am] but the Monday after Grey Cup 101 guess which memory stood out for us? That one. Priceless.
April Fool's, wasn't that fun? NOT. Our favorite Stampeder Running Back to hate, Jon Cornish, tweeted out a picture of a "Rider" jersey with his name on it [and Kory Sheets number] and said he had been traded to the Riders. Well I knew it wasn't true because it wasn't an actual Rider jersey and was in fact a Huskie jersey which Cornish had been given for a speaking engagement. Still, this sent everyone into a tizzy. Oh yes, then there was the story about how the REDBLACKS had tried to draft Gainer. I guess getting Shologan and Evans wasn't enough for them.....even though it was a joke, you can see there are still hard feelings there. But really, it was impossible to decipher what was real news that day.
What have I learned this off season? Gainer is an anagram for Regina. Yeah. It's true. Of course it makes sense. I don't know why I didn't know this before and maybe I did and forgot, but how cool is that?! Is FakeGainer an anagram for anything? *blank stare*
So mini camp was held in Florida over the weekend. It's been touted that Ryan Smith is the spitting image of Weston Dresslor. This is a dangerous area isn't it? I mean, no one can possibly replace these guys who won our hearts and THE 2013 GREY CUP and we shouldn't try to make them fit their shoes either. Everyone has to be themselves and do what they can do. If we try to make them live up to Kory Sheets or Dresslor or whoever else we will be nothing but disappointed. Let's let them be themselves and show us what they have to offer.....they might be a completely different person.
Have you ever heard of the Rider Sisterhood? Well if you follow me on Twitter [@smilingsandra] and Ohmygawd, if you don't, why not? You'd have seen me mention this once in a while. The Rider Sisterhood is a group of ladies who have sort of banded together through our love of all things green and white. We support eachother when needed and rejoice together. The Sisterhood got me through a rough time this Spring/Winter/Sprinter as my beloved Brandy~puppy the Super Dog passed after a short battle with lymphoma. Thanks to all the Sisters.....and some of the Brothers too. You've brightened my days with sharing your stories, love and prayers.
Today power rankings were released with the Stampeders at number one and the Roughriders at two. How the heck can you have power rankings in the off season? I mean, zero games played and zero players proven. You can't have a power ranking by what is on "paper". It makes less sense than the Combine where zero combines are used. Unlike the Roughrider mini camp where a John Deere tractor was the star. *shrugs*
Meh. Whatever.
Next up is the CFL draft. But take it easy on me, I will be recouping from my trip to New York so if you don't hear from me again until Training Camp don't be surprised. Spring [and I can safely say that now that Sprinter is over] is a very VERY busy time for me. Who woulda thunk it? For us piano teachers, we have festivals and exams and recitals.....it's like Tax Season the Musical. So stay well. Get that Rider gear cleaned up. Stock up on the face paint! We've almost made it through the off season!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Off Season Blues....er, I mean, Greens.
One time my Dad said to me, "Every night I take my socks off and throw them in the laundry basket." PAUSE. "Last night I took them off and threw them in the toilet."
I know that has nothing to do with football or sports at all, but this morning it made me laugh. It's been tough so far in 2014. My dog, who was a huge Rider fan, passed away after a fight with lymphoma....there was that dreaded REDBLACK draft and then Free Agency. So when something tickles my funny bone like a memory of dear Dad wringing out his socks.....I'll take it.
It still really bothers me that we lost Keith Shologan and Zack Evans to Ottawa. I saw an Instagram picture of Sholo with his son in a REDBLACKS toque and my heart broke. His son is the cutest little guy I've ever seen, by the way.....just wish he was wearing green.
The NFL came calling. First it was Weston Dressler to the Kansas City Cheifs. I know it's the dream of every American boy to play in the NFL but honestly I never thought Dressler fit that bill. He is a total beast on the field and I really hope he has a chance to prove himself. The last thing I want is for him to come back dejected and rather "messed up" like Fantuz did after his stint as a Bear. Good luck Weston! We want you to do well, but man, we will miss those rolling sliding grabs by the goal posts.
Hot on Dressler's tails, Kory Sheets was signed by the Oakland Raiders, which I am pleased to say, even though different colours, won't be all that hard to cheer for considering the name is so similar.....Raiders...Riders....it works. I LOVED Kory Sheets. I have a soft spot for running backs. I once threatened Hubby by saying I was running away with Wes Cates....he said to go. HA! Kory was just plain fantastic. I am going to miss shouting HOLY SHEETS! I'm going to miss his celebration after a touchdown. Most of all I won't get a chance to give him the cookies I promised last year at training camp and then didn't give them to him.
Sigh.
It seems our free agents have fled the country. I understand most wanted and expected more money with the name champion under their belt. Shocking what happens. I'm tired of seeing how, football is a business. Whatever happened to loyalty?
After perusing the 2014 Free Agency Tracker - which doesn't look very up to date, it might be easier to mention who hasn't left us. Macho Harris, Taj Smith, Terrel Maze & Paul Waldu were extended. Chris Milo re-signed. We picked up Jade Ettienne and Josh Bartel....the Aussie kicker. It seems it is only Jock Sanders who is still in limbo. Will he be able to take over for Kory Sheets?
So many questions. But isn't there always? I remember when mass panic set in when Kerry Joseph left after the 2007 Grey Cup win. I've remembered every off season since when it seemed like players we couldn't live without got traded or retired or went south. We survived then and we will survive now and as I've always maintained....if we lived through Grey Cup 2009 then we can live through anything.
It won't really be all that long and the roster will be set. Training camp will start, which I hope will be in Saskatoon again because that really does make a huge difference. The season will start and all this stuff will be a memory.
But in the meantime....I hope my little blog put a smile on your face. Chin up! Bask in the Olympic glory. And never fear for when those spring tulips finally break through the newly thawed tundra of Rider Nation, we will be ready. I believe.
I know that has nothing to do with football or sports at all, but this morning it made me laugh. It's been tough so far in 2014. My dog, who was a huge Rider fan, passed away after a fight with lymphoma....there was that dreaded REDBLACK draft and then Free Agency. So when something tickles my funny bone like a memory of dear Dad wringing out his socks.....I'll take it.
It still really bothers me that we lost Keith Shologan and Zack Evans to Ottawa. I saw an Instagram picture of Sholo with his son in a REDBLACKS toque and my heart broke. His son is the cutest little guy I've ever seen, by the way.....just wish he was wearing green.
The NFL came calling. First it was Weston Dressler to the Kansas City Cheifs. I know it's the dream of every American boy to play in the NFL but honestly I never thought Dressler fit that bill. He is a total beast on the field and I really hope he has a chance to prove himself. The last thing I want is for him to come back dejected and rather "messed up" like Fantuz did after his stint as a Bear. Good luck Weston! We want you to do well, but man, we will miss those rolling sliding grabs by the goal posts.
Hot on Dressler's tails, Kory Sheets was signed by the Oakland Raiders, which I am pleased to say, even though different colours, won't be all that hard to cheer for considering the name is so similar.....Raiders...Riders....it works. I LOVED Kory Sheets. I have a soft spot for running backs. I once threatened Hubby by saying I was running away with Wes Cates....he said to go. HA! Kory was just plain fantastic. I am going to miss shouting HOLY SHEETS! I'm going to miss his celebration after a touchdown. Most of all I won't get a chance to give him the cookies I promised last year at training camp and then didn't give them to him.
Sigh.
It seems our free agents have fled the country. I understand most wanted and expected more money with the name champion under their belt. Shocking what happens. I'm tired of seeing how, football is a business. Whatever happened to loyalty?
After perusing the 2014 Free Agency Tracker - which doesn't look very up to date, it might be easier to mention who hasn't left us. Macho Harris, Taj Smith, Terrel Maze & Paul Waldu were extended. Chris Milo re-signed. We picked up Jade Ettienne and Josh Bartel....the Aussie kicker. It seems it is only Jock Sanders who is still in limbo. Will he be able to take over for Kory Sheets?
So many questions. But isn't there always? I remember when mass panic set in when Kerry Joseph left after the 2007 Grey Cup win. I've remembered every off season since when it seemed like players we couldn't live without got traded or retired or went south. We survived then and we will survive now and as I've always maintained....if we lived through Grey Cup 2009 then we can live through anything.
It won't really be all that long and the roster will be set. Training camp will start, which I hope will be in Saskatoon again because that really does make a huge difference. The season will start and all this stuff will be a memory.
But in the meantime....I hope my little blog put a smile on your face. Chin up! Bask in the Olympic glory. And never fear for when those spring tulips finally break through the newly thawed tundra of Rider Nation, we will be ready. I believe.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
167 Days
167.
One. Six. Seven.
One hundred and sixty-seven.....days until the regular season of the CFL begins again.
Off season blues. How do you beat them? Here is a list of things to try to to pass the time away.
Is it July yet?
1. Rewatch the 101st Grey Cup. I've done this twice since the big day when my Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Hamilton Tiger Cats Lancaster-McCoullaugh.....that's 23-45. How epic was that day? Winning on home turf in the legendary Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field in front of nearly 45,000 rabid Rider fans. It's the story fairy tales are created from.
2. Become infatuated with the Roughrider Grey Cup tour and follow it around Saskatchewan on it's many stops. If you are lucky you may actually get to meet some players and poise with the Grey Cup itself. That is if you are willing to stand in line for what may be hours at an event you'd really rather not go to. But it's the price we pay for being the best fans in the CFL.
3. Read a really thick book. I've started a 1000+ page book in hopes that by the time I'm finished I will have wasted at least 2 weeks. If this isn't possible a more appropriate read might be the George Reed book or something wittily written by the Leader Posts Rob Vanstone.
4. When the talk on Sportscage turns to hockey and curling.....pull up all the football movies on Netflix. Watch We Are Marshall or The Longest Yard or dig up a really obscure movie.
5. Make an attempt to watch NFL football. I've tried. I really have. The 12th Man disturbs me. The extra down confuses me. Never mind the terminology! False start, Safe Catch....what the heck?!
6. Investigate Twitter for the latest greatest news on all the football transactions. Wait! What? Keith Shologan is a REDBLACK? UGH! No not Zack Evans too! *stomps away*
7. Do laundry. Now I have to be really desperate to engage in housework or laundry! Wash all your Roughrider gear. The jerseys, the tee shirts, the tank tops....get is all ready for Canada Day kick off.
8. Organize all your picture files on your computer. Make one folder titled Roughriders and put the majority of your pictures there. Reminisce about training camp and visits to practices. Share your pictures on Twitter while you are at it!
9. Take #selfies in all your newly washed Roughrider outfits. Coin a new term for doing so. Roughsie? Ridesie? Sasksie? I'll leave that one up to yousie.
10. Write a blog. Because OHMYGAWD WHAT AM I GOING TO DO FOR 167 MORE DAYS!!!!
One. Six. Seven.
One hundred and sixty-seven.....days until the regular season of the CFL begins again.
Off season blues. How do you beat them? Here is a list of things to try to to pass the time away.
Is it July yet?
1. Rewatch the 101st Grey Cup. I've done this twice since the big day when my Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Hamilton Tiger Cats Lancaster-McCoullaugh.....that's 23-45. How epic was that day? Winning on home turf in the legendary Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field in front of nearly 45,000 rabid Rider fans. It's the story fairy tales are created from.
2. Become infatuated with the Roughrider Grey Cup tour and follow it around Saskatchewan on it's many stops. If you are lucky you may actually get to meet some players and poise with the Grey Cup itself. That is if you are willing to stand in line for what may be hours at an event you'd really rather not go to. But it's the price we pay for being the best fans in the CFL.
3. Read a really thick book. I've started a 1000+ page book in hopes that by the time I'm finished I will have wasted at least 2 weeks. If this isn't possible a more appropriate read might be the George Reed book or something wittily written by the Leader Posts Rob Vanstone.
4. When the talk on Sportscage turns to hockey and curling.....pull up all the football movies on Netflix. Watch We Are Marshall or The Longest Yard or dig up a really obscure movie.
5. Make an attempt to watch NFL football. I've tried. I really have. The 12th Man disturbs me. The extra down confuses me. Never mind the terminology! False start, Safe Catch....what the heck?!
6. Investigate Twitter for the latest greatest news on all the football transactions. Wait! What? Keith Shologan is a REDBLACK? UGH! No not Zack Evans too! *stomps away*
7. Do laundry. Now I have to be really desperate to engage in housework or laundry! Wash all your Roughrider gear. The jerseys, the tee shirts, the tank tops....get is all ready for Canada Day kick off.
8. Organize all your picture files on your computer. Make one folder titled Roughriders and put the majority of your pictures there. Reminisce about training camp and visits to practices. Share your pictures on Twitter while you are at it!
9. Take #selfies in all your newly washed Roughrider outfits. Coin a new term for doing so. Roughsie? Ridesie? Sasksie? I'll leave that one up to yousie.
10. Write a blog. Because OHMYGAWD WHAT AM I GOING TO DO FOR 167 MORE DAYS!!!!
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