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 ~