Zooming into Training Camp

A week ago, I was returning to Louisville, Kentucky after an epic day spent at the Indianapolis 500.  One short week later, I spent another equally great day at day one of Roughrider training camp here in Saskatoon.  I love this life!

The Hubby and myself flew into Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby, on Friday May 22nd.  We rented a Ford Focus and hit the interstate to Indianapolis where we stayed at the Mariott which is the swankiest hotel I've ever stayed in.  On Sunday the 24th we headed to the Speedway.  Our tickets were in the Paddock and opposite pit row.  The atmosphere was much like that of Rider game day except much more pomp and circumstance.  

I've heard many joke about "go fast turn left" and really that's more of a Nascar thing than Indy car and many people who make that joke do not know the difference.  What I do have to say is that as a "part time" race car fan, this race was much more exciting in person than it is on TV.  The speed of the cars is incomprehensible.  In the blink of an eye the car is passed you.  These drivers endure speeds of 200+ mph and need conditioning and endurance training to be the best at their sport.  

It was incredibly exciting to be across from Juan Pablo Montoya's pit when he won the race.  It will be something I won't forget.  

zoom.

zoom.  zoom.  zoom.

Today was the first day of Roughrider training camp.  We didn't go to the morning walk through.  Even at my best I am not a morning person...more of a mid morning person.  So we took in the 3pm practice...along with throngs of other fans.  I was really surprised to see the stands nearly full at Griffiths Stadium.  

I'm assuming because there were hundreds of people there they ran out of roster pamphlets.  I would have really appreciated one.  It took a few minutes to get my mental focus and remember who was who.  It's sad because I still see a 74 and think Keith Shologan or 95 Ricky Foley or 1.....

If you've never been to a practice or training camp know that there is a ton of stuff going on all at the same time.  Receivers are practicing waggles, RB's are carrying the ball and under attack, D Line is doing drills and so on.  It's difficult to watch everyone do everything so you kind of focus in on the players you like to watch.

What I did see was Darian Durant taking a lot of reps.  Frankly that's really reassuring.  I never doubted he was healthy and seeing him out there being normal and doing his job was great.  It was fun to see Kevin Glenn too.  It was obvious to me that Sunseri will be number 3 even though I've heard reports of that not being carved in stone.  There's little doubt that Glenn is a better QB and has the experience to go in for Darian when the need arises.

AND OMG WE DON'T WANT THE NEED TO ARISE AGAIN!

A highlight of day one was several booming kicks by number 39.  Who is this guy?!!  I had no idea until I got home and asked Mr. Google.  Ray Early is the mans name and he was just added to the roster today.  This man has some strength!  He kicked one to the coffin corner and the crowd applauded.  This is what we've been wanting!!  Let's see how he develops as camp goes on but I have to say I think Milo better be checking his rear view mirrors for this guy!

There was more to see at practice but my stomach told me it was time to head for home.  That and we had also recorded the car races for today.

This.  Is what I've become in the off season.

Thank goodness for June!

Thump

.....thump.....

     .....thump...thump.....

Did you feel that?

Thump.....THUMP.....

It starts with a little nugget of news.  It grabs your attention.  Then you feel it in your chest like when the Grinch realizes he doesn't hate Christmas after all.  Your little green Rider heart starts to beat.

Rider Nation is coming out of hibernation.

Today is the CFL Draft.  Many are debating who gets drafted and what team should make what pick.  Meh.  This is totally a guy thing.  Honestly, my eyes glaze over like a Timmies boston cream.  There's no point debating it.  What will be will be.  Someone will get picked.  Someone will get to play for who they want.  Someone else will have to play for someone they didn't want to.  Stuff will happen.  These players most likely will not be starters unless they have uber talent.  It's probable we won't know the impact of the draft for a year or more.  Yes, someones dream will come true but these Draftee's still have to prove themselves...they haven't made it yet.

So the verdict of Deflete-gate came down Monday.  I really think they got this right.  Cheating to change the outcome of a championship game cannot be tolerated.  I know what you're going to say...wife beaters blah blah blah.  Deflating balls and knowing about it and condoning it directly changes the game on the field.  It's the job of the NFL to deal with this and hand out punishment.  The other incidence cannot be compared because they don't happen on the field.  Sure they may impact the game but not in the same way and it's not an NFL issue...it's a law issue.  What is so dumb about this really is that they didn't need to cheat.  They did.  They got caught.  And now they've been punished.

Now to more important news...Wes Cates got married.  Anyone who knows me...really knows me...knows I love a running back.  Congratulations to him and the misses.  I wish them a world of happy tomorrows.

Last weekend Riders and ex-Riders invaded Saskatoon aka Riderville North.  Weston Dressler was at the new Olympian store.  I didn't see him but I did see Neal Hughes at Floral Acres.  It was part of a fundraising venture for Never Alone which provides support for those fighting Cancer.  There wasn't a line up to see Neal so once I paid for my fleurs I walked over to chat.  He had his two Grey Cup rings in a display case and WOWZERS! Those rings are impressive.  It's not the first time I've seen them but every time I am dazzled.  Diamonds and Emeralds oh my!  I told Neal he'd get another one this year.  He seemed skeptical but he doesn't know just how much Rider Nation truly believes.

I had plans to go to the Valkyries game at the newly named SMF Field.  Tickets are only $10 and I feel we need to get out and support these ladies.  For anyone who doesn't know, the Valkyries are totally undefeated.  They've won everything always.  Well life got in the way Sunday and I didn't go to the game.  If you did take in the Mother's Day home opener you would have also have seen Sam Hurl, Patrick Neufeld & Gregg Newman.

Women play football.  Women talk football.  Women love football.  Where are the female football reporters?  I mentioned this on Twitter last week.  Guess what?  There is ONE CFL female print reporter in all of Canada.  ONE.  She works for the Calgary Herald.  I don't know her name but kudos.  What can we do to get more ladies reporting on this great game?  If you have any ideas let me know.  Maybe this blog is one small step.

Lastly, my Rider game tickets arrived Monday.  Hurray!  Nothing gets the Rider green blood pumping that heart like the words "Home Opener" on a green ticket.

.....thump - thump.....