Life, Football & CFL Family

View from the CN Tower

Two months ago around this time I was getting ready to fly off to Toronto not only for a football game but for my husband's eye surgery. It was cheaper to fly out of Saskatoon on a Saturday so it was a big perk that my Saskatchewan Roughriders were playing the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field October 15^th. This is my story of life, football and the CFL family.

Hubby, who mostly prefers to remain anonymous on my blog and social media, was born with pupils which were formed more tear drop shaped instead of round. This distorted his vision in his one good eye as the sight was lost in the other. At some time a cataract formed distorting and discolouring everything. To complicate the situation Hubby has glaucoma and fewer tendons than you or I. He was referred to Dr Ike Ahmed in Mississauga who we were told “is a rockstar” and could do surgery to correct the pupil, remove the cataract and do a procedure to eliminate the glaucoma. Dr. Ahmed grew up in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. He said he knew our case was special because of where we were from. Surgery was booked for October 19 and Hubby and I flew off on October 15^th.

Hubby outside BMO Field

We arrived in the 6ix with plenty of extra time. We rented a Volkswagon Jetta and drove to BMO Field. I was amazed at the parking. If you were coming from anywhere else the GO Train stop was right there. You'd almost never know a game was going to take place and the stadium was rather deserted except for the sound of a band practicing. We threw on our Rider jerseys and took a walk around BMO Field meeting a few other fans who were doing a similar thing. Then we wandered over to the Shipyard where the Riders were doing a tailgating fan fest type of thing. It was disappointing. Other Rider fans were there but besides a DJ playing music and games for the kiddies not much was really happening. We spent $9 on a “rink burger” and took in the sights from a park bench. I was wearing my 306 hat and at one point a lady came and asked me where I had bought it. With not much really happening we decided to leave but just beyond the gate I heard my name being called by the lovely @jfeliciao who introduced us to @TOBenfica.

I wish I had picture to prove it. * eyeroll * I guess that's what leaving home at 3am gets you!

Upon entering BMO Field we were greeted by an usher. He congratulated us on the construction of New Mosaic Stadium and asked how this one compares. BMO Field is a great venue! It's beautiful! I didn't even care that the field isn't painted because of the soccer turf. We sat on the non-bench side Row 2 right on the 55 yard line. Terrific seats except for the crazy blue seats on field level which don't really seem to have a function except take up valuable sideline space.

We met a couple seated beside us who drove from Kingston. I wish I had caught their names but I didn't. They were so friendly and we had fun chatting back and forth. They admitted they were casual fans and didn't follow the team or football really. We explained how we flew from Saskatchewan and they were surprised that we'd even come to a football game. I mentioned that we travel 2 hours each way to go to Roughriders home games and they were floored because as we all know the turn out at Argo's games is rather dismal. “There's so much going on here on any given day.” The lady talked. She said how during one game there had been a baseball game, a concert and other events going on. It's an aspect I truly hadn't though very much about. In Saskie, when we mention 'going to the game' we all know its a Rider game but in Toronto they have no idea what you're talking about. The following week while the Blue Jays were playing I overheard two people on the GO Train wondering why people were decked out in Jays gear. This is the kind of city Toronto is. I would like to hope if marketing was done properly or at all the hype to go to a football game would be there and sadly it takes a whole lot more than just a winning record. The players on the Argonauts deserve better from the people of Toronto.

“Who is your back up quarterback?” I asked.

“I don't know. I don't follow the team. We are just here for fun.”

Guess what? The Roughriders won! October 15^th was the only football game I saw my team win in person and I had to travel across Canada to see it happen. Darian #SignDurant Durant was on fire. Joe McKnight busted out of no where. WE HAVE A RUNNING GAME! I exclaimed. I saw the likes of Willy Jefferson who made my knees weak. Wow. This team on this day was incredible. Riders won 29 – 11. Joe Craig Jr returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown, Ricky Collins made a crazy one handed catch and Joe McKnight rushed for 150 yards. This team....I loved this team.

McKnight lines up behind Durant

I love this league and the fans who support it. I've made friends with people who live everywhere in this nation and some outside of it with the common denominator being the CFL. I asked for prayers during Hubby's surgery and got support from a myriad of incredible people from directions, places to eat and one special person was horrified we had been eating out and wanted to cook us a meal which unfortunately didn't come to fruition due to scheduling. I want all of you to know that you made our process easier and I so very much appreciate all the support. Our prayers were answered and Hubby's surgery was an amazing success. Dr. Ahmed said we got the best outcome out of his patients that day and that Hubby's sight would only get better, so much so, it would be mind blowing. It could have been very different outcome and we had tried to prepare ourselves for anything. Our lives were changed for the better. It was miraculous. I am so thankful and we are so blessed.

Who would have thought years ago when I got involved with fandom of the Roughriders I would have found a community?! My People. We are like family who argue but don't you dare insult my sister! We are hard on each other being fans of different teams in the CFL but in the end we all come together. Sometimes it's for a celebration like the Grey Cup and other times it's mourning the heartbreaking untimely death of a player like Joe McKnight.

The Christmas season is upon us. It's the season of love, hope and peace. For everyone who was there for me I wish you togetherness, magic, wonder and more warm fuzzies than your heart can hold.

Merry Christmas, Happy 2017 and Go Riders Go!

So Long, Farewell

Tee shirt. Bunnyhug. Jacket. Jersey. These are the layers I wore to Saturday's epic farewell game at Taylor Field and “old” Mosaic Stadium. For the last time this season we drove the double lane highway from Saskatoon to Regina as many other Roughrider fans do. Lunch was at A&W on Albert Street which is a popular stopping off place for many who travel. Then it was to Northgate mall to catch the now free Fan Express.

Panorama from my seat before the game.

For the first time I've seen the stands were nearly full long before the anthem. It was fantastic to have members of the Piffles Taylor family there and for the great granddaughter to sing O Canada.

The last Snowbirds fly over and the last Bring 'Em Out.

The football game itself is a memory I'd like to forget. The team was flat and just couldn't get anything going as our sub par O line failed again and again...sack after sack. Ugh. Doubles deserves so much better than this. Even our defense took a step back with the exception of Willy Jefferson and Henoc Muamba.

What I've come to understand is that every time a game comes along that has a lot of meaning or some kind or symbolism the Riders don't have it in them to pull it off. Maybe that's just recent history. Maybe I'm just grumpy and tired of losing. The Riders just didn't look prepared for the tilt against the BC Lions and made Waaaaalllllyyyyyy and the Lions look like the play off team they are. The record tells us what we are and are very much a 5-12 team.

But look out in 2017.

The only game I've seen my Saskatchewan Roughriders win this season was the game Hubby and I went to in Toronto at BMO Field. What happened to that team? Did their playbook get lost with the baggage on the way home? I have lots to say about that game and experience but I'll string you along and make you wait for another blog.

Lets all go and Paint the Whole World Green

The extended halftime Saturday featuring Jason Plumb, Joss Moskeluk and the Jack Semple band was good entertainment. There was a serious lack of flying snowmobiles but we can't have everything perfect now can we? * smile * I sang and danced along. It was fun and we even cheered for the winner of the Ford truck.

Auf wiedersehen, good night.

Where were you when they closed Taylor Field? I think it's going to be the major question going forward. I made sure I was at the stadium. Going back to the spring when I received my Flex Pack renewal I KNEW we had to be at this game. We were in Section 25 Row 35 Seats 15 & 16. It was so completely worth the layers and frozen toes. I did not bang my leg on the seat back nor did I attempt to remove a seat. I preferred the Mosaic Moments and Memories instead.

On every seat was a Farewell bracelet for every fan to wear. Hubby was a party pooper and didn't want to wear his so I wore both. “I wear my bracelet on my ankle.” he quipped as I rolled my eyes. The bracelets were remote controlled and lit up in different colours or twinkled in sync with the closing program. I'd probably still be wearing them but Hubby made me remove them before driving home saying they'd be a distraction. I did wear one on Halloween though.

I don't always wear green. Meh, yeah, I guess I kind of do!

Screenshot from the TSN broadcast

The closing ceremony (which I've since found out was orchestrated by my Aunt Judy's brother, Bill Wright) … the closing ceremony, if I can call it that, was amazing. It started with fans sharing memories of their experiences via video, there was the story telling how Taylor Field came to be from the beginnings of Park Hughes and Park de Young and following history right up to the present. Then special guests were shown under spotlights on the field. Legends or the Four Pillars of Roughrider history. George Reed. Roger Aldag. Gene Makowsky. Darian Durant. (<---- sign that man!) Then the Grey Cup itself was brought in by the RCMP which always gives me chills and was passed from Grey Cup winner to winner. (sigh snibble snibble) Then Darian Durant gave a countdown to honour of the 13^th Man and fireworks lit up the night sky. What a glorious send off to the stadium and legacy that Ronny and George built.

My little green heart is/was very full of Rider Pride.

It took a long time for fans to leave the stadium. It's true we kind of didn't want to leave right away. The East Side was very slow to exit. We made our way back to the Fan Express to Northgate Mall except this time the traffic was too crazy and of course there was a train so the bus took a far different route than before and we passed new Mosaic Stadium all lit up in splendor just waiting.....

Rider Nation is ready. Let's get Darian signed and let's break in this wonderful new place with winning 2017 mosaic memories.

But first...Let's show the BC Lions what they have to look forward to next year.

Bye Weeks Suck

* clock ticks *

      * taps finger nails on the table *

          * pin drops *

Bye weeks suck.

I feel like I'm Charlie Brown and Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive.  I need Lucy and her 5 cent psychiatrist booth stat. 

The doctor is in.

Our rebuilt Roughriders have gone into the bye week on a high note after a controversial win against the Hamilton TigerCats.  John Chick forgot where the visitors dressing room was, Doubles got bonked on the head and Angry Kent flipped out on the sidelines hitting a ref after a flag for the centre moving the ball forward at least six inches.  Who says the CFL is boring?

I'm not going to debate how or whether Filer moved the ball because I know what I saw with my own two eyes...four if you count my contacts (and no I don't own green goggles).  Yes, I saw Dan Clark do something very similar and not get flagged for it, but even if that were to happen, I'd have a hard time picturing Chris Jones throwing a tantrum of this magnitude on the sidelines.  The penalty itself, which Glen Suitor says he'd never heard of before, is found on page 33 of the CFL rules guidebook and is a section dealing with a centre who is perhaps trying to draw the opposing players offsides.  Interesting stuff!  Special thanks to @RbeesFan for delving into the rule book and finding it.  You rock!

I also see Austin's reaction as selfish.  His team had already taken the penalty then his behaviour gives his team another.  His outlandish expression of disbelief and waving his arms around looked childish and if I was a player that alone would make me embarrassed.  The second though that he decided to walk towards the referee shows he had intent for something.  Did he mean to smack the refs hand?  We'll never know.  What we do know is Kent Austin will be paying a $10,000 fine and receiving a box seat up in the booth which didn't seem to make a difference as the Calgary Stampeders steam rolled over them.  Hey Kent, $10,000 is a drop in the bucket.  Try paying $60,000 plus.

It's hard to believe Ridernation once had Kent Austin up on a pedestal for leading us to two Grey Cup championships.  Those of course being 1989 and 2007.  How far the mighty has fallen.

I wasn't at that game nor was I at the Husky's vs Rams game at New Mosaic Stadium.  I had looked at tickets months ago and for some reason Hubby and I thought there wasn't a rush.  The next thing you know the game is sold out.  I didn't get to see it on TV either because I am a Sasktel Max subscriber and not Shaw.  I can't win.  * eyeroll *  I did enjoy seeing all the photos posted on Twitter and Facebook from all the lucky ducks who were there for such a memorable day.  The sight lines look amazing and it sounds like there weren't any issues except for a few criticisms about the sound system being muffled.  This is why there are test events.  Now we just have to wait and find out what the other events are.  Rumblings around are that one event is a Metallica concert but I don't know where this rumour started and of course there is no way to know for sure.

We're movin' on up!  My Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Willy Jefferson and Jeff Fuller!  It's a Fuller House?!  No?  * crickets *  They say they just want to play and because they've played for Chris Jones before they want to play for him again.  There is something to be said for loyalty.  You know who has been the most loyal player of all?  Darian Durant.  Yet, there's been nothing much in the form of contract negotiations that we are hearing anyway.  Oh but there's rumours about the Montreal Allouettes inquiring about him.  I'm not sure they need to after their win this week with interim head coach Jacques Chapdelaine.  I know that Regina is Darian's home and I've heard him say things to the effect of how he wants to be a legendary quarterback in the history of the Roughriders much to as how we speak of Ron Lancaster.  At the same time, football is a business and you have to look out for number one...or four in this case, and go where your talents are required.  I'd really like to think it's not only about the money.  I'd really really like to think that Chris Jones (and company) knows how much Ridernation needs Doubles to be the Riders QB going in to New Mosaic Stadium.  So here we wait...

...and wait.

The next Roughrider game I'll be attending is the October 15th game in Toronto at BMO Field.  I'm pretty excited to have Row 2 tickets.  I'll be the gal in the 306 hat.  I'm bringing the 306 to the 6ix.         * wink *  Anyhow, I wish that this trip was just a cool CFL vacation but it's not.  It's a medical trip.  Hubby is having life altering high risk eye surgery to remove cataracts and repair glaucoma.  I'd appreciate all your prayers on this matter.  I know that no matter what CFL team we pull for on game day, in the end we are all fans of the same league and can accomplish incredible things when we band together.

Happy Thanksgiving and I'll catch ya on the flip side.  In the mean time...is the bye week over yet?  

Man, bye weeks suck.

 

Labour of Love

Here we are again.

One and Nine.

We've become dear old friends over the last two seasons. It's a love hate relationship really. We love our Saskatchewan Roughriders and desperately hate the losing record. Then to lose Sunday to our most hated rival after eleven years of winning the Labour Day Classic...well, it's rough.

In 2014, Darian Durant suffered an injury in the Labour Day game on a play which should have been a penalty but wasn't. The Riders won the game. In 2015, Darian Durant wasn't playing the game due to the Achilles injury and the Roughriders had just fired Taman and Chamblin. They named Bob Dyce Head Coach and the Riders went on to win the game. This year, under the Jones regime, Doubles single handedly brought the team back from a dismal first half, scored a touchdown himself then scored the 2 point conversion using the same play. It wasn't enough to win the game but it was more than enough to reaffirm just why Darian Durant is our starting quarterback. I turned to my husband and said “THAT'S why he's our starting quarterback.” I've never seen a player with so much heart. He wants nothing more than to win for the fans. When I heard him in the post game interview...my heart broke for him. Darian's contract was only for 2016. I am afraid to think of what might happen in 2017. I don't want to know a Riders team without this man.

Obviously, it'll happen at some point in the future. I'm not crazy. I just want it to be down the road and after the rebuild and on Darian Durant's terms.

As far as “why didn't the Riders win that game”, I don't believe it comes down to the referree's mistakes. I surely would like to blame Andre “turd an tree” Proulx for blown calls, phantom calls and anything else I could but I'm too rational for that. Our Saskatchewan Roughriders didn't play very well in the first half of the game but rebounded in the second half. There are many young players and rookies on our team due to rebuilding and injuries. When penalties and stupid mistakes happen we simply aren't good enough (yet) to over come them. Losing a game shouldn't come down to a missed kick or a controversial penalty decision and for good and great teams it doesn't. Just because I think this doesn't mean I'm blind to what's happening in the CFL with everything from the officials right on up to the commissioner. It's just not logical to say the Riders got screwed when it's happening in every CFL game every week. However, when players of the likes of Nik Lewis are tweeting saying the Riders got screwed...well, you know there's big issues. Is it embarrassing? Naw, not for me. It's freaking maddening. Just as I say the Riders aren't good enough neither are the officials. I don't believe they just want to get it right – I believe they don't know what is right.

Enough dwelling.

Hubby and I were in Section 43 Row 1 which is located on the West Gate (which I still sometimes think says Wes Cates). This is the last time we will be on this side of the stadium during this Farewell Season. We had great fans sitting around us and that includes Blue Bomber fans. Every one was well behaved and we all had a great time.

How about the play of Naaman 'the President' Roosevelt and Caleb Holley? These guys have been impressive and I am very encouraged as they continue to develop.

Dressler who? We let him have a couple plays but we didn't let him score a touchdown in spite of Paul LaPolice's insistence of continually trying to get him the ball. I love that we were almost able to shut him down.

Kendial Lawrence. After weeks of harsh criticism, he finally broke loose and scored a touchdown. We nearly went berserk. I was jumping up and down and shaking my cowbell and screaming then seconds later high five-ing everyone around us. It was amazing and down deep in my heart I felt a sensation of relief. Seeing the back flips in the end zone was pretty cool and made me think back to the Hugh Charles days. The only thing more amazing than witnessing this in person was hearing the play call by The Voice of the Riders Rod Pederson. It was right up there with “that just happened” and “they just don't stop”. That thing that it makes me feel while I sit here writing this is essentially Rider Pride at its very nucleus in my little green heart. Man, that feels good.

And that's about the best way to describe it.

Saturday is the big rematch. The Banjo Bowl. I have no idea who will win but of course I hope my Roughriders do. I'm happy for the Blue Bombers to be having a more successful season but not happy enough to hand them another win. No matter the outcome, it'll be entertaining. We can always count on our Riders to put on a great show.  Go Riders! //=S=//

 

Say Something

Say Something, I'm giving up on you

I'll be the one, if you want me to

Anywhere, I would have followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you

This seems to be the song of Ridernation after the disastrous loss to the Hamilton TigerCats on Saturday evening. Many who couldn't stand it anymore flipped over to the live Tragically Hip concert on CBC. Those who stuck around took to the radio airwaves to speak their grievances. We are all bewildered, sad and embarrassed. There's not much that can be said that hasn't already. This indeed is the deepest of down weeks.

I always try to relate football to aspects of my life. I am a piano teacher by evening and even though it sounds crazy, I often tell my students not to practise before a big performance. It can work a couple of ways... 1) You use up all your intensity practicing then the performance is a flop or 2) You discover or create new mistakes and they become your focus and 3) You should be prepared before your performance and shouldn't require the practise. I think all three of these things happened to our Riders. Of course they have to practise but we also know it wasn't going well because Jones tore a strip off them so in an effort to be better the focus became about the mistakes and you know what? You focus on the bad and the bad happens. You draw to you what you fret about.

Shakespeare said “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” How true! When the Chris Jones hire was announced what did you think would happen? The Riders were severely broken in 2015. Did ya think he had a magic fix-the-Riders wand? Wave it and he turns 3-15 into 15-3? Jones and company's first season with the Edmonton Eskimo's ended in 6-12. Even though the Riders are 1-7 at this point in the season, 6-12 could be realistically how they end the season. I'd be okay with that purely because it's an improvement over last season. I didn't expect magic; I only expected better.

When the first massive release happened it was shocking BUT how many of those players got signed elsewhere? Brackenridge retired. There was only two Db's who signed...Macho Harris in Winnipeg and Tristan Jackson in Ottawa. That tells me that they weren't worth it to us or any other CFL team. Then the Chick/Dressler/Smith release happened. Now honestly, I could care less if they're upset. They should know by now that football is a business. Have they been lighting up the league? Only against us really and Dressler and Smith have spent a fair share of their Bomber time on the injured list. There's something to be said for how Wally Bueno builds a CFL team. Remember when he released Geroy Simon or Jason Clermont? They were on the downside of their careers. It had to happen to bring in the next guy and rebuild. There is no point to hanging on to a player or players for loyalty or personality or because he's a “fan favourite” then be stuck when he does retire or is forced to retire due to injury or because of their salary you can't afford an up and comer.

Yes, it's true, there are lot's of new Rider players names and you don't know their names or numbers. I've even heard a certain media outlet complain about not knowing who the new guys are. Well excuse me, but if I can figure it out and have since training camp (which I don't recall seeing you at) then why can't you WHEN IT'S YOUR JOB! Meanwhile, the impact of your thoughts and words are heard in Ridernation and they believe you much to the chagrin of the green and white loyalists. A revolving door of players they say but the only new player on the offense was Caleb Holley who had a feature in the Leader-post August 17^th.....FOUR days before the game. The information is out there if you look for it. Get to know these players now so you aren't stuck when they're household names. Get ahead of the curve. I always relate it to this...in 2008 you didn't know who Weston Dressler was either.

Beyond a team that played horribly in all facets, we have the officials and crazy CFL rules to deal with. I watch every CFL game every week and I see it in every game. I think it's the definition of the rules in the first place and the referee's who aren't skilled enough to make the right calls. They don't know what to call and sometimes throw a flag in case there was something or they miss something blatant. This is what the challenge was supposed to fix. Instead, coaches have found a way to bend the rules and manage to get calls for things that have no impact on the play. Every coach has done it. Then this year they came out with the “eye in the sky” which I still haven't figured out what they're supposed to do except in the last game they stopped play because the refs had spotted the ball wrong. They couldn't even spot the ball correctly! I certainly don't know how to fix anything but it seems to me at this point there is no going back. Some games have taken years off my life. It's frustrating to watch and many fans are turning away.

~ Life is not about how you survive the storm;

it's about how you dance in the rain ~

Well, in Ridernation right now it's pouring. We might be having a really hard time. Nothing is going our way.  We've been fined and taken a beating.  I still love this team and these players. You won't hear me wanting to fire coaches or make trades. I'm leaving that to the people in the know. I know in my Rider green heart that the wins will come. Then another win will happen. Maybe some more and then we'll be rolling. That's when we can dance. Let's be there for the 2016 Roughriders. They need our support not our criticism. I know I'll be in green come game day. I hope you are too.  Let's make some Farewell Memories.

The Riders Upside Down

You've said it yourself. The CFL has been a bizarro world, crazy place, or even The Upside Down. Teams who have been good are losing while losing teams are winning. Every week CFL Pick 'Em is a gamble. All this time Rider fans are sitting here thinking, “When will the cloud of 2009 finally lift?” One sure has to wonder. We thought it did in 2013 but that was just an anomaly...a blip on the radar. Just when you think things are finally looking up -  Ridernation is chop blocked.

No flag on the play.

In case you missed it, the usually absent CFL Commissioner after an apparent two week investigation levied the biggest fine to a football club in the leagues history not only sending a message to the other 8 teams but making a spectacle of the Saskatchewan Roughriders as well.

Ridernation is the largest fan base in the CFL. We buy the most merchandise, travel while representing the //=S=// and fill other stadiums besides our own. Other fans want to be like us or have an intense hatred on for us because of it and the latter seems to be more and more true recently with other fans attacking us before we finally turn on ourselves as well. In 2010 Ridernation won the Commissioners Award and yesterday? …..Well it seems to me that Jeffrey Orridge called everyone associated with the Roughriders an embarrassment to the league.  Well sir, I think you have this upside down.  We sir, are the example of what a CFL club should be and others should aspire to be.  They WISH they could have a fan base as loyal as Ridernation.  You could learn from us.

Yes, we broke the rules.  Yes, we got caught.  Yes, we will pay the fine.

It's only 545 jersey's sold.

Now I don't pretend to know what has been going on. There's all kinds of rumours and speculation from extra players and practises happening to housing and

feeding of them as well as our beloved players afraid to speak out about it. I don't know about any of that but when Chris Jones says he was only following the practises of what's happened at other teams he's coached for then I believe him. The Saskatchewan Roughriders cannot be the only team to have tried out players and bent the rules a little. Bend but don't break, right? But that same Commissioner who says we are an embarrassment better be looking into all the other teams too. Ridernation should demand it.

Who Did This? (Thanks to @fakeGainer)

There's also another matter at hand. It seems like this “pre-practise” squad was common knowledge with everyone around the league except those right here in the easy to draw province. Seriously. None of us would have known a thing about it at all until the ruling if “wha-mpeder” Bo Levi Mitchell hadn't tweeted his rather lame attempt at a joke. Of course Ridernation came to the clubs defense. What did BLM expect to happen? Then to say he'll use that as motivation is just sad. My thoughts on this is just this: If he knew something was jinky then he should have taken the proper route to the CFL instead of spewing it on social media. If the Stampeders have any kind of social media rules like the Riders do then he should be fined for his unsportsmanlike conduct. It was not his place to comment on the operations of another team publicly.

Thirdly ( I wasn't numbering my points was I? Meh. ) It feels like there is a snitch or mole, if you will, among us. By that I mean that it seems that since 2013 or maybe even before that as if someone was out to get us. I must not be alone in this hunch because fans were not only asked to sign in at Riders practise thursday but to provide picture I.D. It also makes me think back to when Corey Chamblin was closing practises and banning the media. Perhaps he was on to something. Whatever it is...we are circling the wagons...your day is coming.

Riders gotta ride.

August 13^th the Stampeders are in town and whether we like it or not it has motivated ticket sales. For the first time this season we might have a sell out. It'll be a celebration in Ridernation of the 1980's. Players like Bobby Jurasin, Glen Suitor, Dave Ridgway, and the Pole-cat will be in town. Wouldn't it be amazing to re-inact “The Kick” from 1989? Heck, I don't even care if he can't make it. I just want to see it in this stadium before we say goodbye. I'll be there with my back combed hair, leggings and swapping out the blue eye shadow for the green. Green is the colour after all. I know you don't want to miss a moment of this epic farewell.

Trust me when I say the feelings you've had this week as hard as they are to endure will pass. The 13^th Man, Dewdney Dwight, Darian's Fault...it's all water under the bridge. Step away from Facebook, Twitter and Rider Fan page. Let's just be CFL friends and enjoy some good old fashioned football.

See ya at the game.

Go Riders.

 

Looking Back ~ Looking Forward

~ sigh ~

There's no better therapy for escaping the stresses of renovation than a trip to a football game. No electrical issues to worry about. No waiting for paint to dry so walls can be painted again. No crazy contractor to deal with. Yup, there is not a thing I'd rather do than hop in the Sandra-mobile and head to a game at Old Mosaic Stadium on Taylor Field. This is exactly what the Hubster and I did last Saturday in wild anticipation of an old fashioned Lion taming.

Waaaaaalllllyyyyyyy

Okay, so maybe no Lions were tamed as the final score was (gulp) 40 – 27 in their favour. Without going over the minute details of the game because they've all been hashed to death by now, including how Brooks maimed our franchise Quarterback. THANK GOODNESS, it wasn't a serious injury. Darian Durant is a total beast and competitor which is apparent since he not only remained on the field to throw a touchdown pass after the injury but also has been in practice since as well. There is only one other Roughrider legend who has been known to be as Saskie tough.

George Reed.

I had the pleasure of meeting George Reed when the CFL was celebrating it's 100^th anniversary by having a train visit several cities and Saskatoon happened to be one of the stops. I waited in line for what seemed like forever but it was completely worth it by the time I made it to the autograph table. He was immensely gracious and I was in complete awe.

I was equally in awe on Saturday in my section 43 seat on the West side when the 1966 Grey Cup winning Roughriders entered the stadium right beside us and marched the Grey Cup by. WOW. What a different time. Everyone stood and applauded in our section. I've never seen anything more beautiful than the Grey Cup with July sunshine glinting off of it.

1966 Grey Cup winning Roughriders

At halftime, highlights of the 1966 Grey Cup were broadcast on the Sasktel Maxtron. Then each player was introduced. Some are not with us anymore and some simply were not able to make the trip. I watched as two RCMP marched out and a stunning red mustang convertible drove to midfield containing the cup and I have to admit my eyes started to well up as we also learned the car contained Lana Mueller, daughter of Ron Lancaster, sporting a #23 jersey.

There we were celebrating the 50^th anniversary of this epic victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders while saying goodbye to the place that's been home for not only the Saskatchewan Roughriders but home to us fans as well. The lady behind me talked about how badly she wanted to take her seat number home with her. Funny, I thought as a man who was sitting a few seats down had gashed his leg on the seat back metal. I've done it and I bet you have too!

Taylor Field.....the site of so much happiness, tradition and heart bursting memories.

New Mosaic taken from the West Gate ramps of Old Mosaic

This Friday when our Riders take on the Rough Riders...er, Renegades...er, Redblacks (what is a redblack anyway?) there will be a celebration of the 1970's. The 70's were not kind to us GreenWhite fans although I was barely around to know or remember. I would have been 3 years old in 1976 when Saskatchewan met Ottawa in the Grey Cup but trust me I know about Tony Gabriel and “the catch”. 
 

Songs like Don't Go Breaking My Heart and Play That Funky Music were top of the music charts. People were watching Rocky, Carrie and The Bad News Bears. The Timbit was introduced in 1976 and our Prime Minister was Trudeau.

It's fun to look back isn't it?

Traditionally the Roughriders have not been a highly successful team. The team which was established in 1910 has only won 4 Grey Cups. Fans have endured extreme heart aching defeat and incredible emotional highs. Isn't that what being a fan is about? The roller coaster? The face palms and the eye rolls? The jumping and high fives? It's about supporting your team whether the record is 3-15, 9-9 or 0-3. Sure, it's more fun to drive the two hour drive home from Regina after a win but haven't we been lucky to have this team all these years! Because of us...the fans, players have made Regina and this province home, some staying here like George Reed, while others like Don Narcisse have returned. Isn't that wonderful!?!

There's no other fan base I'd want to be a part of...Rider Nation you crazy wonderful community you! I love ya!

Thursday aka Game Day Eve, the Grey Cup will be at the Co-Op which I frequent on 33^rd St West in Toon Town. Hamburgers will be sold with proceeds going to the Scouts. I plan on seeing Earl Grey's contribution close up. 

~ sigh ~

Renovations

If you are one of my Twitter followers (@smilingsandra) you may have noticed a good number of recent posts regarding my rental suite, Renter Person and the massive renovations we are now undertaking. Renter Person, while somewhat irresponsible always paid rent on time until April when for whatever reason started lying and not paying up resulting in our inspection of the suite and soon after eviction. Did you know that a cooking combination of high heat, oil and curry would coat every surface in a sticky orange film? Enter our contractor, Randy Koroll who is working to update and clean up the entire basement suite. It's a huge leap forward in time...1975 gone – Hello 2016. It's expensive and certainly has not come at a good time in our lives. It's revenue though and we depend on the space so I have to keep reminding myself that it's okay I spent $1000 in one morning because it's actually for the greater good of Casa Larson.

Likewise, my beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders have just gone through an entire rebuild. I don't think I have to rehash all the players who have been released, traded or *eyeroll* retired. Just like I handed over my house keys, Chris Jones now has the keys to the Ridermobile and is working to find the right puzzle pieces for a winning team. There is a huge amount of talent on this 2016 team and by huge I mean they are large in stature as well as ability. I saw it in Training Camp and I have to say what is being built by this new regime is exciting and I couldn't wait to take my seat for the start of this Farewell Season...the first of the last if you will.

We ate at the Wendy's on Albert St and then caught the Fan Express ($3 each way) at Northgate Mall where nice people were handing out green seat cushions. The bus was full except for two seats at the back of the bus which no one wanted to take for some reason so I went to the back and Hubby found the other seat beside a male fan. There was a little girl beside me who was admiring my cowbell so I let her hold onto it. We discussed our wardrobe as she was wearing a green sparkly tutu and ribbons in her hair. This wasn't her first Rider game but might have only been her second. By the time the bus pulled up to Old Mosaic Stadium I had learned the little girls name was Brooklyn and we were basically bff's. This is why I love Ridernation so much. Strangers at a bus stop and besties at the stadium.

In our section 25 row 35 seats prior to he game and during warm ups there was a WWII bomber flying over the stadium. I'm no expert but if it was a Lancaster bomber that would be very cool and appropriate. Legendary members of previous Rider teams were honoured including Ray Elgaard, the stadium singer sang “thy sons command” and with the fly over the first game of the Farewell Season commenced. 

BRING 'EM OUT!

Sure, I hoped the Riders would win and I figured with the Argonauts looking so poor in week one the Riders chances were pretty good. There were definite glimmers of great things but then those stupid cringey 2015 moments tried to work their way in to the game via fumbles and stupid penalties..... Ugh. And then there was the OMG! When Foley sacked Darian Durant and I'm pretty sure if I didn't gasp that I did hold my breath until he got up. Were there improvements over 2015? Yes, definitely. The Riders held their own and except for those "tree" (did I mention Proulx was the official?) cringey moments they really had a shot to win the season opener. 

I felt I had realistic expectations but I don't know how other fans were feeling. Ridernation needs to be patient and that's not one of the traits Canada's Team fans are known for. Maybe this contributed to fans starting to leave with 8 minutes left on the clock in what wasn't a sold out game. They got tired of watching guys who they have no connection to (yet) and I think our fan base is a little gun shy because after enduring the pain of what was 2015 we are afraid to be hopeful. We want to be hopeful but it's hard.  It's very easy to throw your hands up in the air and walk out, but please don't do that. Keep supporting this team. Great things are to come and this will be a legendary season saying goodbye to Old Mosaic. Won't it be great to say you were there?! 

View of the New from the Old

So how do I think my Riders are going to match up against the Evil Empire on Friday? Do I go with my gut or my head? My gut says the Riders are underestimated and could totally roll into Commonwealth and take the Eskimo's a la 1989. My head says “Sandra get real.” Ha! Obviously, the Maas led Eskies are a good team and we have no right to even think the Riders could beat them. Back and forth I go. Then I think about the TiCats being so dominant one week and a train wreck the next...the same could happen for the Esks since they'll be coming off a bye.

Shrugs

I guess that's why we play the game.

Er, watch the game, cheer and ring that cowbell.

Now I know while you've been reading this blog the burning question you have for me is...what colour scheme did you go with for the rental suite reno?

Is it green and white?

~ smile ~

It's shades of grey.

Puke, Confetti & Smith

What a beautiful day in Saskatoon. My window is open with the sounds of chirping birds outside and the Rouge White & Blue podcast piping through my wireless speaker. It's Monday, the first day of summer and ten days until the Roughriders season opener at Old Mosaic Stadium.

Let's recap. In the last seventeen days, Chris Jones has wanted to puke, we've endured the confetti canon power outage and we've released Brett Smith.

GASP!

Chris Jones is nauseous after every loss, he says, and admitted in every media scrum that there's lot's of work to be done. I believe him. I think we have the talent but remember the majority of the players are new to the Roughriders so have all new schemes and plays to learn. Is 17 days long enough to learn brand new material? To put this in perspective, it takes every beginner piano student 8 weeks to play Hot Cross Buns well. EIGHT weeks. As fans we want them to stun everyone out of the gate when I really think we have to be patient, however, Riders fans are not known for their patience. This team is going to win...eventually...and I suspect the fan base is going to lose a few to panic attacks of their own because of a slower start but I predict by Labour Day this Rider team will be rolling. Isn't it better to be a strong team at the end of the season? It's not how you start – it's how you finish.

TSN and the CFL were brought to a grinding halt over a confetti canon.

~ face-palm ~

A confetti canon is a little hand held tube which can be bought at discount stores like Giant Tiger. Seriously. This little devil was shot at various power lines, transformers and such around the Old Mosaic Stadium area sending the stadium into darkness at half time while longing eyes gazed over to New Mosaic Stadium lit up in all it's glory mocking with it's generators. We can't get over there soon enough and yet what a way to start the farewell season than with an epic blackout. It's hysterical and amazing at the same time.

To contrast, the Roughriders second preseason bout was in Edmonton against the Eskimo's. This game was not broadcast on TSN nor did the “schmoes” allow anyone to stream the game stating it would detract from ticket sales. So those of us in Saskie had to rely on good old fashioned radio like the game blackout days of the 1980's OR you could have watched the periscope of an Eskie fan via Twitter. C'mon TSN! This is the best you can do? No wonder the CFL has such a hard time being taken seriously. The story line was a huge one with Chris Jones returning to his spurned ex team for the first time, the Roughriders with the biggest fan base in the country and the Eskies being defending Grey Cup Champions. Apparently 5 TSN channels of golf is more important.

- eye-roll -

Nope. We didn't “see” a thing.

Hard to justify the player cuts which were submitted to the league office 10am Sunday morning and not made public until approx 12:15pm and 10,000 screen refreshes. Terrance Cobb, Qudarius Ford and Clarence Denmark were released but what has everyone churned up was the release of the 2015 backup QB Brett Smith. In the training camp situation I honestly couldn't tell him apart from any of the other quarterbacks with the exception of Darian Durant. I thought when I saw Smith in the Green White scrimmage that he still had the happy feet and was too eager to run and I still thought that when he was in the first preseason game. Sure, having escape-ability is one thing but after lot's of intense thought of the situation I've formed a few thoughts:

• When your QB is indecisive your offense doesn't know what you're doing and this often results in missed opportunities and holding penalties.
• The game was not slowing down. He was having issues seeing the field and going through his reads.
• Smith's instinct was to use his legs. Did our porous O line in 2015 wreck his development?
• Smith was spirited. He wasn't executing the play. He defied coaches and took selfish penalties. There is no “I” in team.

Don't get me wrong because I completely still think Smith has potential and maybe he'll have the opportunity with another team...it just won't be the Roughriders in 2016.

Now we wait for Chris Jones and crew to bring in a third Quarterback. They've got 10 days to make changes and get ready for the home opener against the Toronto Argonauts on June 30^th under the lights at Old Mosaic Stadium. In the meantime, the Riders have a week one bye which gives Rider Nation just enough time to invest in enough Pepto-Bismol to settle our stomachs. Buckle yourselves in to the bandwagon, folks, we are in for a heck of a roller coaster ride.

Throw Like a Girl

I've spent many summer vacations at Waskasiu Lake. There's lot's of fond memories of the beach, campfires and strolls to the Big Olaf for ice cream. One that stands out is a time at the beach with my sister in law and we were attempting to toss the football around. “You really can't throw.” She said. Sadly it's true. I have less than zero skills when it comes to me participating in the actual performance of sports.

I throw like a girl.

I like to think that what I lack in coordination I make for with enthusiasm.

Football and probably all sports have a dominant male fan base. Most marketing, talk shows, podcasts etc are aimed towards the male fan. Even though the Saskatchewan Roughriders were always in the background of my life, it wasn't really until my husband started watching and following them more that I decided that if I wanted to spend time with him I better watch too. Who'd have thunk it that I'd become the bigger fan? Truly not me.

It started with asking questions. I began to know players names. I formed opinions. I learned the rules. Next thing you know, I'm standing in lineups waiting to meet Rider players. I wear mostly green from July to November. I paint my nails green and wear watermelon earrings. I found a group of people who love the game as much as I do and are willing to talk about it 24/7. Rider Nation. My people. Hubby's ex coworker has said “you are the luckiest man on earth.” in response to finding out about my rabid fan status.

Capture of Riders Live! Doubles looking trimmed down.

It's not about the tight pants for me as it might be for some fans. I'll admit that when that photo circulated of the mostly nude Rider player in the locker room ( who was that again? ) that it garnered some fun comments. I am not the girl swooning at the biceps of Rob Bagg although Ricky Foley has been known to make me weak in the knees for a fleeting moment. I am the girl who pays attention to the play, jumps up and down celebrating touchdowns and knows what a flea flicker is and I'm also the one who spends the most dollars at the Rider Store.

TSN holds the rights to broadcast all the CFL games. Jennifer Hedger is a host and if you didn't hear what she said I'll tell you now.

“Toronto hasn't won a championship in pro sport since 1993.”

Now even as a purely only Riders fan I went....wait, huh? I mentally counted back. Riders won in 2013 at home....Argo's won in 2012 at home.... Okay. So the Toronto Argonauts aren't a professional sports team. Huh. Go figure.

But I digress, a long time ago I noticed the obvious missing gender from programs I watch and listen too. Women have had guest spots on some of the programs but rarely do women get the chance to announce games, interview players or provide commentary. Last year, Jeanine ( @OttawaJay ) was on a podcast and I applauded her. Now she's a regular contributor to @bleedredblacks podcast. This season Arielle Zerr ( @arielle_zerr ) is a reporter/producer for CJME/CKOM and @HomeoftheFans. She's been faithfully covering and reporting on Riders Training Camp in Saskatoon at Griffith Stadium. 

Hurray! 

So we've made a few advancements. Still here is TSN touting their female broadcasters as “not only beautiful but they know their stuff.”

Sigh.

Here is a link to the beautiful women of TSN who I'm sure have brains too ---> The Lovely Ladies of TSN

And you know what? That attitude sucks. It just sucks for women.

Tina Fey from the movie Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

I started writing this blog for a few reasons. Firstly, I needed a place to vent and tell my point of view in what couldn't be said in 140 characters. Secondly, I don't want to be just a “pretty” face. I wanted to be the woman who wrote about sports and knew her stuff and didn't embarrass all the other serious fans in the process. I strive to do the research and get the facts correct. No one pays me. I write when the spirit moves me. I haven't done it for 'likes' or highest number of views but I always appreciate those who engage me ( @smilingsandra ).

All I can do is draw attention to the situation. Knowing is one thing while working towards changing the culture is another. Do your part. We can do better. Don't make it about the tight ends. Don't be such a girl.

The annual Roughriders Green & White Fan day is tomorrow June 4th from 2 - 9pm at SMF Field which is BEAUTIFUL.  At 8pm at the same venue the Saskatoon Valkeryies are holding an event.  It'll be a great day to celebrate football for both men and women.