We're Talking Play Offs. PLAY OFFS!

Phew!  I'm glad Week 19 is over.  Our Saskatchewan Roughriders won 37-12 over the Montreal Alouettes at home in glorious Mosaic Stadium.  The storylines were aplenty.

October 27th marked the first time ex-Rider quarterback not only returned to Regina for the first time but set foot in the stadium some believe Darian Durant helped bring to fruition.  Rider fans learned Darian will be a father in the next few months.  We saw him be somewhat gracious while receiving fans at the game.  What didn't sit with some members of Rider Nation was Doubles pregame interviews where he said he deserved recognition.  It's tough.  Over the past 11 years I've been a big Durant supporter and I've written about that here.  I'll admit that I've had hard feelings since Game One in Montreal.  I'll also admit that there likely were emotions on his side as well and he "may" be excused for some of his behaviour.  I don't honestly know if I would have stood for an ovation prior to Fridays game or how I would have felt but I know I do not think of Darian the way I did prior to his trade. 

Maybe some day I'll be over the break up.

Rider Nation isn't known for getting over things easily and as a proud member I sadly am no different.

October 27th was also the date set to see the Wes Cates...er, West Gates of Taylor Field be demolished.  Living in Saskatoon makes seeing these things challenging so at 12:55pm I tuned in to cjme radio's facebook page where it was being streamed live.  It didn't happen on time and it kept being pushed back but then shortly after 2pm the horns sounded and with a creaking thud and a cloud of dust down it came...bowing for the last time.  My blue eyes clad in green eyeliner may have teared up just a little.  Rider Nation couldn't help but think of all the great things that have happened there.  Seeing Paul McCartney's concert in 2013 was an amazing experience while it may be shadowed by that other big event in 2013.  Things move on, life changes and while it's sad to see Taylor Field go it will also be exciting to see a new neighbourhood spring up.  Will houses be built on the 55 yard line? What will the name of that street be? And how cool would it be to tell that story!

The Riders find themselves at 10-7 and even though I am the supporter that I am - I only pegged it as a 9-9 season so man, am I happy!  We do seem to find ourselves thanking our high school math teacher because all the football math scenarios boggle the mind and make those blue eyes glaze over. 

Here are the different ways Week 20 in the West may play out:

1) If Bombers win and Riders win - Bombers secure 2nd & Riders get 3rd & Eskimos head east
2) If Bombers win and Eskimos win - Bombers finish 2nd & Eskimos 3rd & Riders head east
3) If Bombers lose and Eskimos win - Eskimos finish 2nd & Bombers 3rd & Riders head east.

I was remiss in mentioning in last weeks Conspiracy Theory blog that there is a contingent of fans who believe the CFL wants it to be a Redblacks and Roughriders Grey Cup in Ottawa in Canada's 150th year.  Had you told me this in July or even August I would have rolled my eyes...but here at the end of the season it doesn't seem so far fetched!  Does the CFL want it? Well, there's no denying that would be one heck of a story.  In order for my Riders to make it to the Grey Cup they'd have to secure 3rd Saturday Nov 4th then beat both the Blue Bombers and Stampeders to win the West.  The same thing goes here and a month ago I wouldn't want that scenario but it seems both teams are faltering and well...it could totally play out that way!  OR once again, my watermelon is on too tight.  At any rate, no one can deny Saturday's game against the Edmonton Eskimo's in Regina will be a BIG one.

I have renewed my season tickets.  It seems section 126 Row 5 is stuck with me and my cowbell.  I love the sight lines.  I love being 5 rows removed from the field.  I love being so close to the Riders tunnel.  I love everything about my seats and the people who sit around me.  I'll love being there one last time in the 2017 CFL season to cheer my Saskatchewan Roughriders to victory in the house Rider Nation built.

As Always - Go Riders!

I BEL13VE 

Origin Story

This week - week nine in the CFL, was the Roughriders second bye week of the 2017 season. It got me to thinking about how I became a fan and how that has shaped how I cheer for the team and show my Rider Pride.  We all have stories.  This is mine.

My first Roughrider memory was from the early 1980's when a player came to my elementary school in Prince Albert,

Saskatchewan. I have no idea what he spoke about or if other players were with him and until a few years ago I had his trading card.  He wasn't a big name Roughrider (Lawrie Skolrood) but was a Rider for several years. Interesting enough, none of my classmates remember this happening and all recall the yo-yo guy instead.  I wonder what it was that left an impression on me and no one else.  In 1980 the Roughriders went 2-15 and yet these Roughrider players were out interacting with the communities in the province like my class at Arthur Pechey Elementry School.



My Dad (2nd from right) with his 3 brothers @ Taylor Field

Being a Roughrider fan back then wasn't popular. There weren't Roughrider stores and of course no internet so next to zero fan interaction except for "guy on the street" contact.  Tickets were easy to get and didn't cost a lot.  As a teenager, the last thing I'd ever do was profess my love for the Roughriders.  I remember my Dad being excited in 1989 and saying how he thought the Riders were good that year.  So when I was in Regina in about 1991 I bought him a Roughrider tee shirt from the hotel gift shop. Even then and only a couple years removed from being Grey Cup champions, the cashier thought I was crazy.  Why on earth would I want to spend $20 on that?

Then I was busy getting married and starting a career and football wasn't even on the radar.  Hubby and I moved to Saskatoon and while our lives evolved changes were happening in Riderville too. The Shivers/Barrett era was over and in came Jim Hopson, Eric Tillman and Kent Austin. Everything changed.  Everything.  Suddenly it was cool to be a Saskatchewan Roughriders football fan.  The team was winning and everyone far and wide was clamouring for Rider gear.  One time on game day we were at the Co-Op and another fan stopped us in the isle to ask where we got our cool Rider shirts.  People started to take game day very seriously and would dress up even if staying home, fly flags from their cars and merchandise flew off the racks.  We ate Fantuz Flakes, Dario's and All Dressler Chips.  Rider Nation went nuts.

My favourite chips

The life we lived then was different from now. It wasn't even a thought that we'd attend a game never mind purchase season tickets. Hubby had been to Rider games having grown up farther south, but me...I had never been to Taylor Field for a football game until 2014 when the Ottawa Redblacks came for their preseason game.  We sat in the first row of section 25 and Hubby told everyone it was my first time...which was so embarrassing!  I mean here I was a HUGE fan and had never been to a game there before. (I had been there in 2013 for the Paul McCartney concert) What I've realized since is that it doesn't matter how big your fandom is - it's always someone's first.  That game the Roughriders were the visitors while the Redblacks were the home team. Bizarre right?  When the Redblacks came on the field Hubby shouted "Welcome to the league boys!" and the experience grew greater from there.

Now why wasn't I at the 2013 Grey Cup? I still don't know what I was thinking. I tried to make up for by being at several important Farewell Season games last year.  I saw the 1966 team, the 1989 kick re-inacted, and I saw Darian Durant send off the ol' lady in a storm of fireworks.  It still bothers me that I wasn't at the biggest game in the Roughriders organization history.

This year, the Inaugural Season of Mosaic Stadium, we do have season tickets.  On August 13th we had pregame on field passes.  For one hour prior to kick off we got to stand in the end zone of this magnificent new stadium and talk to other fans, players who came out to shake hands and create more memories.  Duron Carter chatted with players and signed the football of a young fan.  He went along the railing and greeted all the kids.  Rob Bagg came over as did Cameron Marshall and Willie Jefferson. It was awesome.  It was military appreciation day and I watched as players thanked all the personal who came out onto the field.

My photos from pre-game August 13th

Waiting in line at the Gate 2 entrance I met a woman from Weyburn who told me she was so glad she had family to stay with so she could attend games.  We stood in the shade and talked about how great the facilities are.  I met a man who travelled from Ottawa just to see his team, our Saskatchewan Roughriders play in person.  I asked him if he attends Redblacks games and he said, "No, I'm a Roughriders fan."  We met another couple who lectured my Hubby on Rider Pride when he said the Lions were going to beat us by 15 points. * smile * If you know who you are...I'm pretty sure my husband owes you twenty bucks!

Hubby & I @ Taylor Field 2016

Seeing Taylor Field being slowly dismantled makes me wish I had more memories there but right next door I'm creating amazing new ones.  Lawrie Skolrood's playing days may be in the rear view mirror but I am so thankful I have that connection because it's shaped who @smilingsandra is today.  Rider Nation is a terrific (crazy) fan base and I'd not want to be a part of any other no matter how much you make me shake my head and roll my eyes.  How and when we became fans changes our perspective on every issue.  Were you a fan in the aching 80's? 70's? 00's? It's been awfully easy being a fan over the last 10 years and I think sometimes we need to reflect to appreciate just how far the Saskatchewan Roughriders have come.

What's your Origin Story?

All Heart - All In

My Dad worked for the PA Daily Herald as Press Room Foreman for half of his life.  He had immense pride in his work and I enjoyed the excursions he would take me on when we'd pop in on a day off.  I remember the smell of the machinery and ink like it's hanging in the air in my dining room as I type this.  I remember the excitement as the first editions of the newspaper would roll off the presses.  I suspect this is why when it was time for me to go off to university I chose journalism...however, I was already teaching piano at that point and well, my heart wasn't quite in the whole university scene.


But I remember that feeling as the press bells sounded and it whirred to life....


Saturday I felt my little green heart whir back to life just like that.  We attended the Roughriders Fan Day at SMF Field.  The event started at 2pm with cheer leaders, Gainer and face painting.  At 3pm was the State of the Union address.  4 o'clock was what I was really there for and that was for the Scrimmage game.  We found some good seats relatively easy even though there was a very large crowd on hand.  I was doused in sunblock in the 30 degree sun...having learned that lesson the hard way at Griffith Stadium Monday.  Then, Rod Pederson came over the PA system "Introducing your Saskatchewan Roughriders!" and the crowd leapt to their feet, me included, clapping and cheering and I thought....I wish I had remembered my cowbell.


I'm not going to recap the scrimmage because frankly you can find that info almost anywhere.  What I will tell you was that it was fun fun fun.  The team looked totally improved from last season and even though there were time count violations they looked much more cohesive than before as well.  There's wasn't scrambling and it appeared as though every player knew their assignments.  There was a sense of camaraderie and that rippled through the crowd as we compared comments with our neighbours in the stands.  It was so much fun to see Chad Owens, Willie Jefferson, Duron Carter and others not only do their jobs but get that acceptance from Ridernation. 


After the game, Rider fans were invited to stand along the fence and the players would come to us for autographs and pictures.  Hubby and I found our spot beside a young man who had an injured wrist from a sport and was delighted when players asked him what happened.  The other side of me was a young boy who barely reached the height of the fence and he was very particular in who signed his shirt.  Myself, I got every players autograph except for Vince Young who for some reason didn't start at the end of the field and only signed half the autographs.  It was terrific and awe inspiring to meet these players up close...some sharing jokes and thanking us for coming out. 


There is a big connection between the Roughriders and the city of Saskatoon.  We give them our bikes to use for 3 weeks but we also give them our thumping green hearts.  We turn out in droves (pay the U of S to park) and tolerate the elements for a glimpse of the newest Riders.  We LOVE having you in our city and I hope you keep coming back.  For some of these people/fans, it's their only chance to see and meet a professional football player and I know it's my only chance to connect too.  I have American friends and family who ask how I manage to meet these players because it's practically unheard of to meet an NFL player.  We are so incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to see our Roughriders develop in front of our eyes over the training camp weeks.


We all love our Riders and there is nothing more fantastic than talking about it with fellow fans.  We meet up at Camp and discuss this and that.  It's a commonality in the grocery store lineup as well as at the football field.  Walking into SMF Field at Gordie Howe Bowl and seeing all the Rider green...well, it's so great to walk among my people.  Besides the music studio, Ridernation is where I fit in best.  We accept you for the green jersey, the green hair, the pirate patch, the watermelon helmet...the costume doesn't matter...you are one of us.


The next best family is the CFL family.  Sure, we have varying opinions and loyalties but we all end up cheering for the same teams come November.  The CFL family is bigger than just football.  We share in joy, pain and loss.  I've seen more fan bases come together this off season than any other to support our fans.  You might be a Bomber fan and come off as annoying but so does my older brother.  Under the football umbrella we can all come together and forget about our worldly troubles.  Isn't it awesome!?!


This Saturday is the pre-season game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers at new Mosaic Stadium.  It will not be on any of the 5 TSN channels.  I'm pretty excited to see the stadium from my new seats in section 126.  It'll be amazing to once again chant Bring Em Out as the team runs on to the field, high five after touchdowns and ring that cowbell.  If you recognize me come and say hi - we are family!  Like Derek Dennis said to me at Fan Day, I am all in.  That thumping of excitement in my chest and butterflies in my stomach can only mean one thing...football is back!


Go Riders Go!

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.

Legends & Lore (aka The Hall of Fame Game)

Ages ago, months really, in the off season I had a discussion with my Rider Soul Sister (same team, different parents) about choosing which games we could go to, to increase our chances of meeting up this year. At that point in time, it must have been March when the Roughrider flex packs went on sale, RSS said “you want to go to the August 22^nd game for sure because it's the Hall of Fame Game.” And thus, I added that date to my flex pack shopping list.

I don't know how RSS knew this tidbit of important information but she did and I am glad. She is out of the Rider loop, as it were, because she lives amidst the Evil Empire but bleeds pure Rider Pride. Because RSS knew, I knew, and I waited patiently for the hype.

* Pin drops *

I saw a tweet mentioning tickets for the CFHOF gala dinner at the start of the CFL season. I looked into it but yikes, at $230 a pop, that's a lot of beans for Hubby to count at work to earn the moola for an evening out. I really wanted to go. I really did. To think of brushing elbows with some of the CFL's greatest of all time.....wow, just wow.

Time was passing. Still no one was talking about it. The second week of August I tweeted Rod Pederson, the Voice of the Riders, to ask if he was taking his show The Sportscage to Saskatoon to cover the HOF gala.

“Nope”.

FINALLY, the day of the Hall of Fame gala I started to hear rustlings of stories on CKOM and on CBC TV. Why wasn't this event talked about more? Why didn't anyone seem to care? And why wasn't anyone calling the August 22^nd Rider game against the Calgary Stampeders The Hall of Fame Game?

Shrugs.

Saskatchewan media – you failed. You failed fans. You failed the fine men who were inducted.

Who were these phenomenal people who now wear Hall of Fame jackets and have their faces cast for us to admire always? Leroy Blugh, Eddie Davis, Dave Dickenson, Gene Makowsky, Bob O'Billovich, Larry Reda, and Bob Wetenhall. You can read all about their careers on the CFHOF web page:  Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Living vicariously through Cody Whiteman.

Two of our very own Saskatchewan Roughriders were inducted into the Hall. Friday aka Game Day Eve there was an autograph signing at the Rider Store at Lawson Heights Mall. It was a no brainer that I'd spend a day of my summer vacation at the Rider Store. I secretly hoped Geroy Simon would happen to be there but alas, he was not. I had a near meeting with the GOAT in 2013 but I digress.....

I arrived and stood in line for a few minutes but the line was relatively short so I ventured into the Rider Store. There were some very nice Hall of Fame tee shirts so I purchased a couple to have signed. When I returned to the line there was only one lady waiting. She asked me a couple questions about who the other men were besides the Riders and I admittedly/shamefully did not know which of the other men they were.

Then it was my turn. I shook both their hands and smiled and as nervous as I was and always am when I've met players, I actually didn't spout nonsense this time. I told Gene how Hubby's cousin played football with him at the U of S and what Cousin Mark is doing now. I asked Eddie where he lives now and he was eager to tell me that he lives in Calgary and even when he played for the Riders travelled back and forth. Heck, they have those “Chinooks” there.....I'd even take winter there. Maybe. I ended my conversation with asking if they both would be at the football game Saturday and they said yes and that they hoped it went well.

* Fingers crossed *

The Roughriders sold out Mosaic Stadium for the tilt against the Calgary Stampeders. The weather was not going to be optimal. It was going to be chilly and there was a great possibility of rain. I wore three layers of clothing for the first time since February.

“When Riders make a comeback, what a story that will be.” John Chick

Well that story isn't being written just yet. I wanted it to be written. I wanted it to be legendary and rate right up there with the Black Out Game or the Labour Day Classic of 2007. It wasn't meant to be. Yet.

0 - 8

I saw an injury decimated passionate Roughrider team take on the defending Grey Cup champions and come within 3 points of winning. I saw a 3^rd string young rookie quarterback take a beating and get back up every time and keep pace with a Grey Cup champ and starting quarterback. I saw a first year punter attempt a 64 yard field goal when the opposing vet (*) never had to take a risk at all.

I'm not going to talk about moral victories, accepting mediocrity or coaching changes because I don't believe in any of that stuff. For those who rant about those things – it's exhausting – find a new crusade.

I will tell you that this Rider team has progressed greatly since week one. It just might not be the progression you expected or wanted to see. Didn't Coach Chamblin tell us at the end of the 2014 season that we would see a very different team in 2015? What I will say to you is that fans, and that's me included, need to change our perspective.....we need to have different expectations of this team. An attitude adjustment.

This is not the 2013 Riders. This is not even the 2014 Riders. And they are a far cry from the 1979 Riders. There are too many odds stacked against us and in spite of it all this team is competitive. No one is blowing this squad out. That's why today I have sore arms from clapping and a hoarse voice from yelling. That's why in two weeks at the Labour Day Classic I intend on doing it all again.

The men honoured at half time can attest to the down times in Rider Nation. Gene Makowsky, who had his entire 17 year career in Saskatchewan can tell you he never even considered he'd ever be a Hall of Famer. Imagine, these players today who are criticized.....they are the Hall of Famers of tomorrow.

The 2015 football season is an experience and not a destination.

Wouldn't it be a shame if you missed the journey because you couldn't deal with a little adversity?

The choice is yours.....do you want to be the fan riding on the bandwagon or the one running to catch the tail gate?

I am here. I am seat belted in. I believe. And I can't wait for the story to be written.

Stay the Course

How many of you were around in 1979? I was. I was seven. At age seven I don't even recall the word Roughrider muttered in our household. No one ever mentioned them until I was what I refer to as “stupid teenager” in 1989 when my Dad professed that 'the Riders are good this year'.

That's a small snapshot of what life was like when the Riders sucked.

Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister. People played Atari. We listened to music on a Sony Walkman if you were lucky enough to have $200. We watched M*A*S*H* and wondered who shot J.R.

Social media was chatting with the cashier at the grocery store.

2 – 14

That was the how the season went and that's why no one talked about them.

There were only four recognizable names on the 1979 team roster. Ron Lancaster had forfeited his role as quarterback and became the coach. Tom Clements was the quarterback and he had huge shoes to fill on a team that had to find a new identity. It was doomed from the start.

We live in a different world now. Rider fans came out of the woodwork during the 2007 season. Something magical happened and we had to put lifters on the bandwagon to support the additional weight. Now we wear our Rider green every single day and we aren't ashamed. We put it on our cars and houses and tattoo it on bodies. It's Rider Pride and it's been easy to back our team through recent winning times.

Roughrider fans are now are young and impatient. They weren't here in 1979.....weren't even a sparkle in someone's eyes..... and don't care to learn about the past. They point fingers, ridicule and want people to lose their jobs. The worst part is they are the loudest voice on social media. Instead, of doing their homework they follow the ill words of others like sheep.

Let's face it.....weeks before Gary Lawless wrote his article talking about Coach Chamblin being fired it was being discussed everywhere. All the radio programs were talking about how changes needed to be made and even though they weren't calling for heads to roll it doesn't take much to plant that seed of doubt in a smart phone obsessed mind. Who was Lawless's source? Heck, it could have been all of Rider Nation.

I for one have greatly adjusted my attitude. So what? We (the team) may not have glorious wins this year. Every game will be a struggle that will make you want to rip of your jersey and throw items at the TV. That's okay. That's passion. That proves you care. But when it comes down to it.....isn't it wonderful that we have this team in our province, which helps define our province and community? Isn't it great that we can come together to cheer for these guys who have left family and loved ones and come from across the United States and Canada to become the 2015 Roughriders!

We are so blessed.

The 13th Man.  Other CFL teams WISH they had a fan base like ours.

So I dare you – this week, week seven, look for the good things. Look for small improvements. Look for someone doing their job well. Look for better instead of the best. Trust me, we will all be happier and more content for it. This team has faced a HUGE amount of adversity this year that not many other CFL teams could easily recover from and now is the time to stick with this Roughrider team. The payoff will be down the road but I know in my greenest of hearts it will be sweeter than you could ever imagine.

And if not, well, I'm sorry you feel that way. Just know that one bad decision could turn the time back to 1979 and as much as I enjoyed Atari, I love the 2015 version of the Roughriders far more.

Stay the course. Persevere. And Always Bleed Green.

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!

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.

Double Double Toil & Trouble

Oh crap no.

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!

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 ;)

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.

66 89 07 13

From the moment the Roughriders beat the Stampeders in the western final, I was in a panic.  I couldn't sleep.  I couldn't eat.  I couldn't think about anything but football.  I think I lost 20 pounds.

I wore green all week.  In fact, I realized I could probably wear Rider gear every single day for two weeks without running out, although some of it is rather ill fitting.  Still.

I hung my 100 Years of Pride flag up at work.  I felt awkward doing that.  In 2009, I hung a Rider sign on my classroom door.  We know how that turned out.  Monday when I arrived at work the sign had been ripped off and tossed in the garbage.  I promptly retrieved it and put it back on the door.  I told people, "The Riders need us more now than ever."

Wednesday I watched the opening of Riderville streamed live on the Riderville.com website.

Thursday I started seeing pictures of the Coaches press conference.  Corey Chamblin wore a suit.  Kent Austin was wearing a track suit.  Chamblin looked like the coach of a championship team.  Austin looked like the coach of a college team.  That might sound mean, but I expected more of him.  It doesn't matter that he had to go out to the field right after and hold practice because Chamblin had to get on a bus and drive to Moose Jaw for practice.

I could not wait for the week to be finished.  In all honesty, anything that wasn't football related is a complete and utter blur.  I just felt like it was time.  It was time to get the game going.

Sunday, game day, Grey Cup day was an incredibly beautiful day.  Man oh man, I felt such regret.  Why the heck didn't I try harder to get tickets?  Oh yeah, I know there weren't hotels available and we'd have to get a dog sitter.  But man.  We should have been there.  We went to the Co-Op for groceries instead.  I bought 3 bags of Geroy Simon Super Onion & Sour Cream chips.  They were 3 for $4.98.  Secretly I hoped Geroy would be a huge factor in the game.  I hoped that maybe he'd get 3 TD's.  Little did I know that Superman had not scored a touchdown in a Grey Cup game in his career.  Wow.

I wore the same outfit I'd worn for the Western Semi and the Western Final.  My Celebration in Ridernation tank top which I had worn to Watrous and met Dwight Anderson, Macho Harris and Jock Sanders.  I wore my grey bunnyhug.  I had to wear my hair down and my watermelon earrings.  Pants didn't seem to matter....as in colour/style etc.  I try hard not to be superstitious, but I guess I am after all.

The anxiety I had all week had reached an epic state of butterflies by game time.  The TSN pregame was amazing.  I hope someone somewhere snags a video of that Saskatchewan feature because it was so amazing and heart warming that I'd love to watch it over and over again.

Finally.  It was game time.  BRING EM OUT.  BRING EM OUT.  BRING EM OUT.  The Riders skipped the formality of player introductions and rushed out onto the field sending TSN into a frenzy.  It was hilarious on tv because for once, Rod Black aka Skater Dude was silenced!  It was exhilarating to watch the players gather and dance.

The sky shots of Taylor Field were breath taking.  Seeing the Snowbirds flyby was purely amazing.

Why the heck wasn't I there?!

I don't think I actually started breathing until the 3rd quarter.  It felt like Hamilton was going to make a comeback.  They started to see something or get something working in the 3rd quarter.  Hubby said "oh don't worry we've got this."  But I'd seen it before.  Then something miraculous happened.  Everytime the Riders offence was on the field they scored.  Let's face it.  The Riders played the way we have always wanted them too.  The way we have dreamt they could.

The Roughriders broke a record for points scored in the first half of a Grey Cup game.  Kory Sheets broke the rushing record for a Grey Cup game.  Geroy Simon got his first and second touchdowns in a Grey Cup game.  Everyone got to touch the ball.  The offense was spread around.  George Cortez was freaking amazing with his play calling.

Then we won.

The Riders won their 4th Grey Cup in 103 years of the football club.  The 101st Grey Cup held right in historic Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.  2013.  The year of the 13th man.  Vindication.  Redemption.  What happened in 2009?  I can't remember.  It's been erased.  Once Darian Durant grasped that cup and held it over his head in celebration.....it was all true.

That.  Just.  Happened.

Football Friday

The question is not "will the Riders do it" but, "how will the Riders do it."  

1.  The Roughrider have to play a mistake free football game.  No penalties and no stupid plays.  The team who makes the least amount of mistakes will win.  That means, no silly pass interference calls [who knows what that is anymore anyway], no roughing calls and no interceptions or turnovers.  The Riders have to play the cleanest game of their lives.

2.  There is no debate this time around about Cornish versus Sheets.  You know I'd vote Sheets any day of the week and twice on Sunday.  Sheets set a goal for himself and the whole team rallied to help him out.  He is a clear motivator.  Cornish has trouble keeping his pants up and is only concerned with himself and how he's "the best".  The guy who puts this silly topic out of their mind and performs will come out the winner.

3.  Gainergate.  In 2006, Gainer was banned from the west semi final in Calgary.  Riders won 30-21.  It was announced today that Gainer will not be making this trip.  It was not mentioned that he was banned or forbid from attending.  I think this is a good omen.

4.  In 2010, Jerrell Freeman won us the game.  Times have changed and Jerrell Freeman is a beast with the Colts.  However, we do have John Chick who makes me weak in the knees every time he walks across my big screen tv.  It could come down to the best defense or a big defensive play.

5.  The last time Regina hosted the Grey Cup was 2003.  Mike McCullough was drafted that year.  The Roughrider season ended 11-7.  Our Quarterback was Kevin Glenn who is the started for the Stampeders this Sunday.  Our coach was Danny Barrett.  The Edmonton Eskimo's went on to the Grey Cup to defeat the Montreal Allouettes.  Interesting that the talk is Danny Barrett might be in the running for the Eskies new Head Coach. 

Those are my thoughts for the day!  I'll see you on the flip side.....Monday.  When the Roughriders are Western Division Champions.  Go Riders Go!

Eighteen

Eighteen.

The number of CFL games in a season.

Where did the time go?

We spend the off season yearning for football and then poof it's all over.  Well, nearly.  In case you missed it, my Saskatchewan Roughriders are in the play offs.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

It would have been nice to go into the playoffs with some momentum.  But we didn't.  I think that has something to do with people feeling a little blaise about the whole thing.  The team was so dominant during those first eight games.  Where did that spark go?  I don't know.  I don't have the answers but I certainly hope the Roughriders coaching staff does.  I hope that they've been holding back.  I did even hear Sportscage's Rod Pederson comment a few weeks ago about seeing practice and seeing things that would make our jaws drop open.  I hope so, Roddy!

I'm disappointed in the whole Cornish - Sheets debate.  It was a media thing.....pitting them against each other.  In my mind the best back will be the one who gets to hoist the Grey Cup.  What happens in the regular season is nice, but getting that cup is the real prize.

Nine Roughriders were named to the All Star Team.  There were several names on there that made me cheer.  I've been a big supporter of Darian Durant for years now.  I was so happy to see his name on the list.  Also Dwight Anderson.  I know people don't care for him.  I love his passion.  I love the commradery he brings to the team.  He was terrific when I met him.  He liked my Party in Ridernation tee shirt.

Okay so this Sunday is the West Semi Final.  The Roughriders get to host it.  I've heard plenty of complaining about ticket sales.  I think the problem is all the extra Grey Cup seating.  Usually the game would be sold out.  With all the extra seating and it being winter now.....people aren't jumping to buy tickets.  Fans also aren't really sure which Rider team will show up.  Personally, I think we've got this.  I feel the butterflies but that can be a good thing.  I just know that the hype doesn't seem to be there.  I'm not seeing the people wearing the colors on game day.  I'm not seeing or hearing people talking about it.  The Riders need to win this game and then I'm sure everyone will be honking their horns and gearing up.

One thing I know for sure.....I'm not ready for this season to be over.

Go Riders Go!  Let's tame those Lions!