How Cody Fajardo Saved Rider Nation

We aren't that far removed from the days when Darian Durant would step back after calling "black 182" and let a ball fly.  I wrote in those days about the feelings I had once he was recovered from his injuries and the sense of dread that would befall the stands at Taylor Field when he'd have to come out of the game.  The sense that 'well there goes this game' as someone relatively unknown would come in and the Riders would lose again.

Since then the Riders had Zach Collaros and while we all were hopeful that he'd be the right guy he never really caught on with fans.  I don't know why exactly.  I saw him interacting with fans at camp just like any other player would.  For some reason we felt detached.  I think that's why when he moved on to the Argonauts (where he didn't play a snap at all) and then the Bombers all of Rider Nation wished him luck.  We just didn't wish him THAT much luck.

Even the two of us in my household declared the 2019 Roughrider season over.

Cody Fajardo was completely unknown to us when Jeremy O'Day signed him in 2019 Free Agency.  All it took was once Kerry Joseph-esc play when Cody put it all on his own back and ran the ball into the endzone for a touchdown knocking the orange cone down in the process.  That one play changed the projectory of that game and the 2019 Roughrider season and the entire outlook for the club.

How did he do it?  With a sprinkle from Jesus of course.

How was he going to celebrate?  A Carnival corndog.

Sure it's easy to say he saved us all one corndog at a time but there's a lot more to it than a little catch phrase or a box of snacks.  For once, instead of feeling the dread of 'here we go again' Cody actually succeeded in scoring.  He scored a touchdown, got the win and gave every Roughrider fan hope.  Hope can be a dangerous thing.  Hope is contagious.

Even on Thursday March 12th, when all the worldly news was bleak, Cody shared an Instagram story which got shared in ABC Rider Fans and immediately boosted all the moral of those visiting the page.

He's welcomed new Roughriders signed in Free Agency.  He's congratulated Grey Cup Champions and those players on his team and others who have been given all star awards.  Cody Fajardo is an all around great guy and very much seems like one of us.  To me he also has some sort of familiar 1989-esc feeling to which we all know is charming and lovable. 

But I don't think I really need to hype him that much.  His actions speak for themselves.

Pogo Corndogs are on sale at the Co-Op $5.99 a box this week.  It feels like a good time to stock up.  Step away from the toilet paper though *wink*

5 Ways to Affordably Attend a Riders Game

Over the last couple of weeks talk around the water coolers aka social media has been about dwindling attendance across the Canadian Football League.  Even my Saskatchewan Roughriders who usually boast sell out crowds during the toughest of schedules have seen a slump.  Lot's of people say that it's just gotten too expensive to attend a game. I'm here to tell you that there are ways that anyone can go to a Roughrider game in Regina Saskatchewan and not break the bank in doing so.  You may not like what I'm going to tell you but it is all the truth.  We have to make choices and sometimes we can't have all the things we want.  If our committment is to the game and the GAME is the experience then we have to make certain concessions (no pun intended) in our life to make it possible. 

In this blog post I will tell you how you can do it and do it easily with a little planning.

1.  You need to secure your tickets to the game.  If you are already a season ticket holder like I am you've already gotten them and paid for them too.  If not then you either need to phone the Roughrider Ticket office (1-888-474-3377) or book them online Game Day Tickets.  Before you do this you should look at a map of the stadium and decide how important it is to you to sit in certain sections.  If you have a family I'd suggest the end zone.  There is easy access to entry/exit with the Rider Transit right out side.  The washrooms are close by as well.   A ticket will likely cost around $50 per adult with youth pricing also available.  Be aware that some games cost more to attend than others.  The Labour Day Classic is one of those popular games and a ticket will cost more.

There isn't a lot a person can do for $50.  Concert tickets are far more than that depending on the act you're seeing.  The last concert I attended was Alabama and my front row tickets were $300 each but again it was a once in a life time opportunity and I jumped at it.  $50 for an evening of Roughrider football is a pretty good time in my opinion.  $50 x 4 for a family = $200 approx.  My own season tickets are priced around the $85 mark per ticket in section 118.

Gone are the days where you can decide spur of the moment to attend a CFL game.

2.  How will I get to the game?  Regina has Rider Transit to and from every game.  Do not pay for parking.  Park for free at any of the drop points in the city and all you have to do is show your ticket and you ride to the game for free.  No need to battle parking lot rage or the blocked streets or park in someone's yard only to find out you can't get out for 2 other vehicles that pulled in behind you.  Find all the details at City of Regina.  I park at the Northgate Mall because I drive from Saskatoon.  It's the easiest place for me to get in and out of the city quickly...and after a loss we want out - right - now.

3.  Fine, but what about fuel to get to the game?  If you live close to Regina bravo!  If you are like me and drive 2 or more hours to every Roughrider home game start looking for discounts on fuel.  At Save On Foods you can link your More card to Petro-Canada and get points/rebates.  That's all fine and dandy but I can do better.  During the months of July and August when you purchase groceries at a Saskatoon Co-Op store or items at the Agro Store you are presented with a receipt which you can take directly to the gas station to redeem for up to 15 cents a litre off gas depending on how much is spent in store.  Plus when shopping at the Co-Op you get equity which translates directly to savings in your pocket when they send out their membership reports.  I just received mine this month.  Cha-ching!  In my Honda Civic I get to Regina and back on a tank of gas with a few spins around the city to spare.

I have an alternative if you don't want to drive to Regina.  How about riding with a bus load of other rowdy and rabid Roughrider fans? Engleheim has chartered buses that leave Saskatoon at the Circle Centre Mall by the Co-Op store.  For $50 you can ride the Game Day Express.  It leaves 3.5 hours before kick off arriving 1 hour prior to the game.  

4.  But I have to eat at the game.  Do you?  I am not a drinker so I've never partaken in purchasing beer at a game.  That's on you.  If you decide to have a beer you simply have to pay the price.  So that's why I ask if you really need it.  You also don't need to eat at Mosaic Stadium either.  A&W is a Game Day sponsor.  EVERY Roughrider home game day they have special pricing.  Mama burgers are $2.99.  Breakfast sandwiches are on sale and guess what?  A family of 4 can get the family combo for $24.99.  Four burgers, four French fries and four drinks.  That's a good deal.  Last Saturday July 20th it was free root beer day.  I took advantage of that and stopped on the Albert Street location.  We each had a burger and root beer and it cost us $6.  If you plan ahead in your travels then why not plan to eat before the football game?  You avoid the prices and line ups at the stadium.

5.  My kids need snacks and water.  Sure!  So do I!  Remember back in number 3 I said when you shop at the Co-Op they pass that saving on to you in fuel?  Head to the Co-Op and stock up on fun treats for the game.  We typically take Cheezies, granola bars, fruit gummies & cookies.  We also buy flats of sealed water specifically for football games.  Mosaic Stadium security allows you to take in sealed water and your own snacks.  I put mine in clear baggies just as I would if I were going through airport security.  I've never ever had an issue going into Mosaic Stadium.  I pack these things in the clear bag which came with my season tickets.  Security has told me they love these bags because searching them is a breeze.  You can also buy these bags in every Rider Store for $8.  The bag is a sturdy clear plastic with the Roughrider logo on it.  It's lightweight and super easy to tote to the game.

Well I've given you a list of great ways to be able to take in a game and support our Riders.  Now that I've given away all my secrets I hope to see more of you taking in these fantastic offers!  I'd also be curious to see what promotions there are in other cities and if similar things are offered in other CFL destinations in Canada.  If you know of any let me know and I'll share the information with the CFL Family.  Don't forget to check out my previous posts including Power Grouping, thanks for reading and Go Riders!

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?

It's Not June Yet

So a good friend asked me the other day, “Sandra, what's the temperament of Ridernation?”

Firstly, I think it's pretty cool that I can have these type of conversations despite the issue that many people are still shocked that I not only like football but that I love it and follow not only my Saskatchewan Roughriders but the whole CFL league. Apparently I don't look like a fan. How much green to I have to wear to convince people? Is there ever too much green?

Secondly, I've got the answers. The temperament of the average Roughriders fan is mixed and somewhat divided. This isn't new. Every time you think it's gotten better and the emotion has died off something else happens to ruffle the feathers. Some love the Chris Jones regime, others hate him and others just hate his personality but love the coach. There are still (in March – 2 months later) fans who bring up the whole Chick/Dressler releases. Ridernation doesn't forget much.

In contrast, there are fans such as myself who are completely encouraged by all the changes going on from coaching to recruitment to free agent signings. Misery loves company and in our social media age it is more popular to complain and pout than to be positive and enthusiastic. I once stated the louder voice isn't necessarily the correct voice nor the voice of reason. I stand by that and at the same time I also know that some of these voices will be the first ones cheering and going crazy with the first touchdown of the 2016 season while those of us who never lost faith roll our eyes.

Defining times in Roughrider history for me is hearing Corey Chamblin say things like “I guess that's how they're going to call it.” in regards to the new rules for 2015 and the referee’s calling interference penalties. Our undersized DB's had to play man to man instead of zone defence and the coaches stubbornness to conform to the new rules set in motion the demise of the whole season. The refs are calling the penalties that way because that's what the rules are. Period. Also, our undersized slower receivers were helpless against the taller DB's of other teams. Chris Jones has fixed this HUGE issue. You might not like how he's done it but in one swoop he upgraded the secondary and receiving corps.

Thank you Chris Jones! I've been waiting for someone who has the guts to make the tough decisions and stand by them. I applaud you!

Ridernation is passionate in all facets. Fans can be the kindest and warmest and the meanest and rudest all rolled into one ball of green and white. In February, I

Smartie loving Shawn Lemon & myself

went to the Rider Store at Lawson Heights Mall to meet three of the Roughriders. The line wasn't very long and I suspect that was due to two things a) it wasn't publicized well and b) fans didn't really know who the guys were. But I knew! ...and I was glad to be able to inform the elderly man who stood in front of me in line. Nic Demski, Shawn “Lemondrops” Lemon and the “Terrorist” Tearius George. What a great group of guys. I watched them greet people and kids of all ages and I got to see a jovial tender side of the players that I didn't know existed. I offered to take pictures for the elderly gentleman and did so with his cell phone. He was so thrilled to meet these players. We are family. Rider fans are my people.

It was brought to my attention that I have a history of disastrous happenings occurring after I've met players. At this point I really hate to bring it up, however over the course of several years I've realized that after I've met Roughriders players they've either been released or gotten injured. It is true and I hang my head in shame. I bought the Fantuz Flakes cereal and he left for the NFL then later went to the Hamilton TigerCats. I bought the Getzlaf cereal and he's been consistently injured and is now an Edmonton Eskimo. However, this is almost unforgivable...I bought Dario's and had them signed by Darian at the Co-Op in August of 2014 merely a week before the Labour Day Classic and he's been injured ever since. I've already pledged to stop buying CFL Co-Op themed cereal but this should also stand as a warning to any player I have met or will meet in the future.

I am not a season ticket holder mainly because living in Saskatoon it's tough to get to all the games. I am a proud flex ticket holder though. * smile * A few weeks ago I got an email from the Roughriders unveiling the new choose and pay system. Wow what a huge improvement! I used to have to fill out a shopping list and then wait to see if I got the tickets I wanted. Now it's all done online and I can choose different seats for different games. It's awesome. Hubby and myself will be going to 5 games this season. It's the Farewell Season and no rabid fan could possible stay away. I wish the home opener wasn't a late Thursday night game but it doesn't matter....I'm going to be there. I think every home game will be increasingly epic until the lights dim October 28^th. My 80 year old dad wants me to “swipe a piece.” I'm sure there will be a bit of that going on.

Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium has seen the worst of times and then glowed like the grand jewel she was in 2013. Tears will be shed. At the same time, we are living in the best of times and 2016 will be one for the history books. I can see tomorrow from here and it's all green and white.

A Birthday Being

Do I look older?

Well my birthday was monday and I proclaimed Sunday aka Rider Game Day "Birthday Eve".  Hubby doesn't believe Birthday Eve is a thing...he's wrong.  What can a rabid fangirl Rider fan want most for her Birthday Eve gift? A HUGE win of course.

So last week was Tino Sunseri's first start at Quarterback.  We can all agree that he appeared slow...took too much time in the pocket...and just wasn't seeing the field.  We lost that game to the Hamilton Ticats who looked to have it all together.  As you can imagine it not only added fuel to the Burris fire but "fans" were counting the Riders out of the Grey Cup chase and bailing off the bandwagon.

I remember back in 2009, a new starting quarterback named Darian Durant, spent the bye week by staying in Regina and practicing to get better.  Well, Tino took a page from the Durant playbook and had extra practices.  I liked that very much when I heard that.  Sunseri has the drive, I think.  If you read my last blog I think you'll know that I support him.  It's always important to put your faith behind developing for the future instead of trying to relive the past.

In Sunday's game, Tino came out and I immediately saw the progression over the previous week.  He looked much sharper and faster. Admittedly, it didn't look promising until Chamblin's honesty at half time.  "We're getting our asses handed to us." he said.  I've never seen him so fired up.  Obviously, it snapped everyone out of the fog they were in because the Riders came out fighting.  Terrius George recorded 4 sacks. Weston Dressler not only returned a punt for a touchdown but also scored a 60 yard touchdown that had me yelling WOW...WOW...WOW! from my frantically rocking recliner.

The Riders sure delivered a great Birthday Eve present wrapped in an overtime win.  But I'd sure love it it wasn't such a nail biting heart thumping recliner rocking ending!  And I don't know about anyone else, but when the REDBLACKS lined up for that field goal in overtime I had a Grey Cup 2009 flashback.  I was silently screaming COUNT YOUR MEN!!!!  But karma smiled on all the 13th men this time...and Peters blocked the attempt.

Wow.

The Riders now sit at 9-3 and second place in the West.  Hot on our heals are the Edmonton Eskimo's. What happens?  Well an Edmonton radio station puts together some very pathetic attempts at tongue in cheek sarcasm advertisements calling Rider fans great but "horrible human beings".  Wha?  So besides that a five year old can probably write a wittier ad - do they really think this will get extra butts in the seats at Commonwealth?  I'm not offended by the ads because I just plainly think they are dumb.  What I really don't understand is how this would entice Eskimo fans to buy tickets.  It certainly doesn't manipulate Rider fans into wanting to go.  In fact, I know of a few Rider faithful who live in the City of Chumps...er, Champions, who are seriously questioning giving up their season tickets.

I know the Riders have taken out all the billboards. "Green is the new Orange".  But isn't that a clever play on words?  It also doesn't insult anyone.  It isn't name calling.  In fact, if you have to resort to calling the fans of a team horrible, then you sound very desperate.  Come on marketers and radio ad writers...You can do a heck of a lot better than this!  And if you think Rider fans are obnoxious, it's because we demand better.

Geroy Simon promotes Coats for Kids.  John Chick helps the Diabetes Association.  There are Co-Op Game Day products with players like Durant, Dressler, & Getzlaf with proceeds going to the Childrens Hospital Foundation.  Rider fans help out with these projects.  Rider fans lead the league in supporting the CFL by buying merchandise.  If that's what you call a "horrible human being" then I'd rather be called that than anything else.

My name is Sandra.  I'm a rabid Rider fan.  And I'm a horrible human being.

Week Five

Here we are at the end of July and I am in full summer vacay mode and the CFL is heading into week 5.

Well, week 5 for the Riders.

This season is a weird bazarro world.  Not only are last years bottom dwellers of the Western Division now leading the league, but, because of this being an expansion year, we have a rotating bye week.  Some have discussed that it's hard to get on a roll when your teams bye week falls in week 2 or 3.  The media talked lots of a down week and "what are they lacking" in their broadcasts.  I thought that for the Riders the bye week would serve as a reset after playing 3 games ending in 1 win and 2 losses.  I think I was right because going into the bye week the bandwagon had a bit of leg room for the Rider faithful as people and media panicked, but the week off gave players time to reconnect, get their mindset right and come back with drive and determination.

During the bye week, I had the pleasure to stand in line at the new Co-Op store at the Circle Centre Mall in Saskatoon with hundreds of other fans to see Riders Quarterback Darian Durant.  We arrived a half hour early and the line up was already to the end of the magazine isle.  Poor bewildered grocery shoppers had no idea what was going on and just stared.  I took my two Darian's DariO cereal boxes to be signed.  They were empty.  We ate all the cereal.  I didn't see anyone else in line with cereal boxes although I saw anything ranging from Grey Cup jerseys to footballs.

My Hubby wasn't going to go with me.  I was going to go alone, but he couldn't help himself and donned his Grey Cup Champion tee shirt.  See I had to go...I missed training camp and didn't get any signatures this year, which is a routine for me as I've got four other signed footballs.  We even missed our annual voyage to the Watrous Co-Op customer appreciation days where Taj Smith and two other Riders went this year.

I never know what to say.  Something goofy always comes out of my mouth.  I wish I could have told Darian that I've believed in him since I met him in 2009.  But I didn't.  He gratiously signed my cereal boxes and poised for a picture.  Then I wished him good luck against Toronto and I saw his eyes light up.  And I knew.  I knew that he had this.  All the stuff the media says about aprehension and players not meshing and all that stuff went out the window.  I knew whatever it was that plagued them before was gone.



Then Saturday the Riders beat the stuffings out of the Argonauts. 

Oh how I love a good thrashing!  Remember how Ricky Ray was the #1 quarterback in TSN's Top 50 CFL players?  Well I shouted "TAKE THAT!" as Tearius George smashed into him and forced a fumble.  It felt so good!  Let's face it...it's how we always want the Riders to play.  Close games are exciting but my heart (and my fingernails which get chewed off every game)  can't take it!  No, I want a good old fashioned thumping!

So now the Riders are heading to Ottawa and I will be in a place where I won't even be able to chant "HEEEENNNRRRYYYYYY".  I am going into a wifi free zone for five days.  Not only wifi free, but very low to zero connectivity and (*cries*) I won't even be able to watch the game or listen on radio.

The horror!

But you know what?  I will still represent with all my little green heart has in me.

You can take the girl away from the Riders, but you can't take the Riders out of this rabid fan girl.

I'm THAT Woman

Yes, it's true.  I'm THAT woman.  I'm the one who cries over sports.  An even bigger confession is...I've cried over sports twice in the last week.  Football in particular, although I have been known to get choked up over a good Nascar win, but this blog is about football. 

The official unveiling of the New Mosaic Stadium was provided to us via a live stream on Riderville.com last week.  It opened with a video of all the legends and legendary happenings at Taylor Field.  I never stood a chance.  With tears streaming faster than the video, I viewed what the New Mosaic Stadium will entale.  What a presentation it was.  This new stadium will be amazing.  We will usher in a new era with this stadium.  It's going to have actual seats.  It will be a bowl style stadium.  It will be partially covered by a translucient awning.  The visuals were simply beyond my wildest expectations.

You can view for yourself here:  NEW STADIUM

Now, everything I heard from people I know was positive.  A new stadium is deeply needed.  But what the heck is up with media types?  I turned onto CKOM to hear the afternoon crowd being totally negative on multiple levels.  They don't like the locatioin.....they don't like the parking.....they don't like the absense of a roof.  Like what the heck!  The location has not been a secret.  We've known for ages there wouldn't be a roof.  These people, who admittedly do not watch football need to get educated on the subject before spouting off all their gobbly-goop which in turns gets fans all in an uproar.

We want change.  We need change.  This is very exciting.  We are going to usher in a new era with this stadium.  PERIOD.

Another time last week that I cried was when watching All In.  In case you didn't know [and every Rider fan does know], All In was the Roughrider dvd which came out last week available at the Rider stores and all Co-Op locations.  The dvd chronicals the 2013 season leading up to the 101st Grey Cup and including winning said most coveted trophy. 

Now don't get me wrong here.  I loved it.  The player and coach commentaries gave great insight into the whole season.  Seeing the prep for Grey Cup was interesting because most of us don't know what goes into getting an event ready and it also showed us how the weather affects and is part of the game.  I've seen everyone raving about the dvd but no one is saying what I'm about to.....It missed the mark.  Okay, well kind of missed the mark.  The feature began with the loss of the west final in 2012.  I feel that even though that's what spurred the planning for the 2013 season, the dvd should have began with the [Ridernation prepare yourself].....it should have began with the 09/10 Grey Cup losses.  Before you all freak out at me, my mentality for that statement is because for players like Darian Durant those losses are what created that monkey on his back that he desperately wanted to fling off.  The video also glazed over the whole Cornish/Sheets competition.  One of my most memorable parts of the 2013 West Final was when Cornish was walking off the field and Sheets was being interviewed.  They asked him what worked and he said "pretty much everything."  Another part that wasn't even mentioned was how the Roughriders refused to touch the West Final trophy.  There were many storylines which came together....Tristan Jackson working on the rigs when recalled to the team....Kent Austin being a Rider now a Ticat....Fantuz/Congi and other ex-Riders.....  But the number one thing the All In dvd should have included was the Grey Cup game itself.  If time or money was the issue, we all know Rider Nation would have gladly sat through a 3 hour documentry and paid much more for it too.  Hey, if we spend $200+ on multiple jerseys every year there is no doubt we'd fork over the dough for a monumental dvd and you all know it!

If you want to procure your own copy of All In just visit any Rider store or Co-Op store or order online at Riderville.com.

Did you miss this media announcement last week?  The Co-Op in partnership with many football teams are again coming out with Game Day products.  All moneys from these products go to charity.  I think that's a worthy cause to knock down the Co-Op doors looking for these items.  In Saskatchewan there will be Getzlaf Chris-py Dill chips and Darian's Quarterback Quench Sports drink.  There will be many other items available in Saskatchewan as well which you can read about here:  Co-Op Connections  This time around you will also see items Alberta with Stampeder players/logos and Eskimo players/logos.  Remember, it's all for a good cause.

Just today it was announced that Chris Szarka-train and Omar Morgan will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor.  They are both terrific players.  If Eddie Davis is in then Omar should be too.  Can't have one without the other.

Last thing, which may make us all cry depending.....the Players Association and CFL are set to meet on Wednesday again.  Will it be a major snafu like last week or will they actually come to terms?  I have a gut feeling it will be worked out and players will be at training camp next Monday as planned in Saskatoon.

If not.....you'll see the real  *ugly* cry from this woman.

Game Day Cookies

Everyone is talking about who got cut from the roster and how sad it is and all that stuff.  Yes, I feel bad for those guys like Eddie Russ who are great people but as we know, it is part of this crazy sport that we love.  So.....What better to soothe an achy heart than baking?  You will need a snack for game day after all.

I bought my football cookie cutters at Michael's.  I was just there on the weekend and they don't have them anymore.  But I know that you can also order them from Amazon.com or I'm sure a bunch of other online sources.

When I made these cookies, I must confess, I used the Betty Crocker mix.  I know.  I know.  Shameful.  If you have the time my Mom's Sugar Cookie recipe is much better.

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter (or margarine or shortening0
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients.  Form into a roll, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.

Roll out and use cookie cutters.

Bake at 350*C for approx. 8 minutes.  This recipe makes approx 5 dozen cookies.

The Betty Crocker mix makes considerably less.

I also took a short cut when it came to frosting the cookies.  Yeah.  I bought it too.  But you can get great tasting frosting in ready to decorate tubes at your local grocery store.  I like to shop at the Co-Op.....you know because of all the other game day treats like.... Geroy's Super Cream & Onion Ripple Chips.

So once you have your green and white frosting.....because why would you need any other colours? ..... you can decorate the cookies.

Mine turned out pretty great!

Things I Learned at Training Camp

My sparkly sneakers....just chillin' in the stands.

 I am a surprisingly nice person at 6:55am.  I hustled around and got ready for my first experience at Rider Training Camp.  As I was later told by a curly-green&white-wig wearing fellow, the ladies gotta represent.  I dropped Hubby off at work and treated myself to a Timmies breakfast sandwich and cafe mocha before heading to Griffith Stadium.  I arrived about 8:30 after hiking from the parking lot off Preston, which if you didn't know, is free.  But don't park there because then I won't have a spot!

I sat on the 55 yard line.

After snapping a few photo's with the Canon Rebel, I quickly realized we need a better zooming lens.  I've reviewed pics and need to fix and crop and such.  The other thing is that I am sooooo out of practice and easily distracted.  The team would break off into practice groups and I found there was so much going on I didn't know which way to look.  I am a girl after all.

Greg Carr.  Holy doodle is he a tall boy.  I saw him get a nice grab.  Anyone else would have had to jump and leap.....or get a step ladder, while he just reached up like it was no biggie.  Chris Getzlaf looked good.  I saw him get a few nice short passes.  I saw Geroy Simon drop a few and I saw the coach not let him get away with it.  Taj Smith was notable. I thought Robb Bag looked like a beast.  He looked good and healthy.  Where is his Co-Op Game Day cereal, huh?  I think the big story is Weston Dressler.  He played all out.  All or nothing.  Go hard or go home.

Also heard another receiver went home today.  He wasn't cut.....just went home. Yamon Figurs was his name.  Apparently, he was supposed to be very promising.  We will never know.

I enjoyed watching Kory Sheets and Jock Sanders.  I think there's something brewing there.

The snap calls have changed.  They seemed more 'american'.  Instead of the familiar "1-81, 1-82" they were replaced with words.  After hearing them all morning, would you believe I can't remember them now?  Ugh!

I was surprised by the media.  Some are dressed in suits while some look like they want to be rock stars.  It was an interesting mix.  I think the real rock star was Rod Pederson, who came to the fence and chatted with some fans.  He spoke with them for a really long time.  I thought that was really cool for them and for him to take the time to do it.

I had a moment of panic when a media crew started interviewing fans in the stands.  I thought "I'm not prepared!  I didn't think of anything witty to say!"  But they didn't talk to me in the end.  Whew!

At the end of practice, Scott McHenry came over and talked to the same fans who Rod Pederson had spoken to.

I'm somewhat glad that practice ended when it did because it was getting really hot.  At 8am it was only +4 and I'm sure it was 20 by the time practice was done and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.  Later in the day, I realized I was actually sun burnt on my neck/chest area.  I wear spf 30 with titanium dioxide for a sun allergy.  Weird, I know, but even more weird to get a sun burn.  Oh and only I have the talent for getting the lovely tan line of my rider necklace.

I was happier than a June bug to go to practice this morning.  I'm not sure I'll make it back this week.  But I have big plans to go to Green & White Day on Saturday at Griffith Stadium at 2pm.  They're having an autograph session!  The excitement in Riderville North never ceases!

Cortez, Superman & Jinx

"Let's turn January into Christmas." ~ Cory Chamblin

As I recently said, every time I come up with a blog topic the news changes and the subject is moot.  Ugh!  I'm not going to bother with what's happened in December because apparently January is the new December.  

Monday the Riders announced the hiring of George Cortez.  All of Riderville is a buzz.  I've heard people saying he is the greatest offensive mind out there.  But hold the train!  I thought we didn't like Cortez.  I mean, he had tons of weapons in the Ti-Cat arsenal and that didn't seem to get the offence anywhere.  I even said to my husband, "I thought we didn't like Cortez."  His reply?  "Of course not, he was on the other team."

Okay.

After a week of a nagging dull headache and a few sleepless nights I was finally able to sleep well and wake up feeling normal.  Well, as normal as I ever was.  Anyhow, it figures that this of course would be when the biggest CFL news of the week would break.  Geroy Simon has been traded to the Riders for Justin Harper and a 3rd round draft pick.  Huh.  Actually, I think my words were Holy Crap!  At least that's what I heard someone say to the TV when it was talked about on the noon CTV news.  And by the way, Trish Cheveldayoff.....football is a 12 months subject.

Courtesy Darian Durant's Twitter page.

I don't know if you've read any of my previous blogs.  If you have, you might recall that Hubby and I ventured to Watrous last summer for a special Co-Op Customer Appreciation BBQ.  If you haven't then you should go read it.  LINK.  So this was the second time we've gone for such an event.  In 2011, we saw Cary Koch, Barin Simpson and James Patrick.

Courtesy Watrous Co-Op Facebook Page

The following off season Cary Koch was traded to the Eskimo's.  Barin Simpson retired.  James Patrick was injured.

Jinx.

My signed print of Efrem Hill.

When we went in 2012 we visited with Efrem Hill, Justin Harper and James Patrick.  I don't know if you can see where I'm going with this, but shortly after that event Efrem Hill was released.  With the Cortez news on Monday it was announced James Patrick was released.  Then today.....we traded Justin Harper to BC in exchange for Geroy Simon #81.  

Jinx.

Before this news, I was chatting with a Tuesday student who is also a Rider fan.  It totally made sense to her.  She pleaded with me..... "Don't ever meet Weston Dressler!"

Doh!  Too late.

I told her I've met Chris Getzlaf, Kory Sheets and Darian Durant too.

She screamed.  "Ah!"

I'm sorry.

If it helps.  I did not get to chat with Rob Bagg and he got injured and I never did have the pleasure of talking to Andy Fantuz no matter how much I tried.  So I cannot be blamed for that.

Still.  I'm a little worried because I had plans to attend training camp in Saskatoon this spring.

Ack!

Football in the Family

Make a slideshow

Five Things Football Friday

1.  Top news this week is that Nick Graham and Chris Patrick were released.  Nick Graham was a terrific guy and I know there are several fans out there who will really miss him.  According to coach Chamblin the player ratio came into play.  Sadly, that's football.  Chris Patrick?  Well, he did take a few bad roughing penalties this year which I think directly resulted in the advancement of the other team.  Bad news.  You can't do that dude.

2.  All the Darian Durant haters have broken out of the closet.  When are these people going to realize that he's not going anywhere?  Ron Lancaster was a hot and cold player too.  Look how we look up to him as a legend!  I think what the problem is, we know that Drew Willy can really light things up.  But that is his job as back up.  If we had a backup QB who sucked no one would care.  Anyhow, I am a HUGE Durant supporter and always will be.  Give the guy a break.

3.  Two years ago, at the Saskatoon FolkFest there was a Riderville pavillion.  There should always be a Riderville pavillion.  I know it might be hard to get players out but do we really need the players there to make a pavillion?  There could be Rider costume contests, kicking demonstrations, and cheerleader tryouts.  Food doesn't have to be just stadium food but imagine a real Tailgater!  Buy a burger out of the back of a truck just like on gameday.  For dessert Jerry's Food Emporium could supply Rider Pride ice cream.  Get the Bath Goddess involved for the ladies by having their bath and body products for trial.  I think it needs to happen.  Riderville is a nation after all.

4.  I was in Michael's Craft Store last week and they have a little section of football things for football parties.  I bought football glasses.  *smile*  They had cute little cartons for hot dogs or hamburgers that looked like footballs or fields.  There were napkins and cups and pretty much anything you'd need for a party.  It was all affordable too.  I need to remember this and stock up for Grey Cup.

5.  I have a fellow Rider friend on Twitter who lives outside the province.  He was in desperate need of some of the Co-Op offerings.  I sent him some things, honestly out of the goodness of my heart.....I really am that nice.....and this person *points finger in general direction because you know who you are* was super duper extraordinaire and sent me the most marvellous care package from his town.  I never did it with the expectation of getting anything in return.  This is a little reminder of how great Rider fans are and that we are indeed everywhere.  Let's paint the world green.  =)

The Curse of the Cereal

The Riders sprang out of the gate winning 3 straight games and exuding spirit and confidence. Then the wheels seemed to fall off the team bus. I'm not one to lay blame and I would never do that to one of the team members or coaches either. So I've searched my heart and soul for some other possible explanation for dropped balls, missed catches and interceptions where there weren't any previously and it has nothing to do with the shirt I wear, how I do my make up or any other game day tradition.

Nope.

It comes down to the only conceivable thing.

The curse of the cereal.

On July 29^th, 2010 the Roughriders and Federated Co-Operative launched Fantuz Flakes. According to the Leader Post, it was directly after a win against Edmonton. Ironic. It was a very tasty almond oatmeal cereal and immediately sold out. A successful second edition was later released.

Now the curse didn't spring into effect immediately, although it may have played a part in the 2010 Grey Cup. Instead, it waited until the off season. That's when Andy Fantuz became a Chicago Chipmunk....er, I mean Bear. And I wished him luck. I really really did. But when he didn't make the NFL roster and returned for the end of the dismal 2011 season, he was never able to make the same impact, got injured and finally was signed by the Ti-Cats for this season.

In the teams efforts to move on in 2011, Darian's Dari-O's were released. And if memory serves correctly, they were launched at the very beginning of the season. Poor Darian Durant was plagued the whole season by an O-line that couldn't protect him, interceptions, turn overs and screw ups from baubled snaps.

I could just rest my case here. It's obvious the cereal is to blame. But no. The year is now 2012 and the Roughriders have moved on in so many levels.....except this year on July 21^st there was the launch of Getzlaf Triple Berry Waggle Cereal. This was supposed to be Chris Getzlaf's break out year. It might be. It still could be. He could be incredible.....if he could only catch and secure the ball.

Batman & Robin

So you see the curse of the cereal is truly the only plausible explanation. What's going to happen next year? All I know is, if someone approaches you with a new Roughrider cereal idea.....I'd be heading for the hills because I'm convinced the Curse of the Cereal will soon follow.

Road Trip!

Hubby and I were invited to the Watrous Co-Op for a Customer Appreciation BBQ.  Lucky us!  3 Riders were in attendance…Efrem Hill, Justin Harper & James Patrick. 

We arrived a little late because we had to drive from Saskatoon.  We missed the watermelon helmet carving competition but saw the remnants on the floor. 

The Rotary Club served hamburgers and hot dogs.  Customers also got a free pop and bag of chips.  Later on, a girl came around and gave everyone a watermelon Popsicle….Gameday Approved of course!

Efrem Hill signed my picture of his Superman non-touchdown from the game against Calgary.  I got pictures with both Justin Harper and James Patrick.  Man, that Justin Harper is a tall boy!  He stood up and his legs just kept unfolding making my 5’3” stature gnome like.

After the festivities we drove to Manitou Springs and saw the famous Danceland with the horse hair dance floor.  I’d like to spend some time in Manitou Springs.  It looks like a great place to camp or hang out at the spa!

I’m glad we got to go again this year.  The Rider guys were so friendly and nice.  It was a great little community event.

Breakfast of Champions

Well.  OK.  It wasn’t breakfast.  It was lunch.  And a late lunch at that.  And never mind that I’m not a champion either.

Armchair Quarterbacks are a type of champion.

Right?

So.  What are we having?
 

Co-Op Gameday Approved Roughrider Pancakes of course!  We’re talking green pancakes.  I’ve never had green food before.  We are not talking about the back-of-the-fridge-science-experiment food here.  They are green of course and Bursting with “Blitz Bitz”, which if you read the ingredients are dyed cornmeal bits.



I’m not certain if that’s what Aunt Jemima’s mix looks like.  I rarely make pancakes.  I must also add that there are also directions for making this mix into waffles.  Since I do not own a waffle iron…..pancakes are the safer bet.

The directions are simple.  Add 1 cup of water to 2 cups of mix.  Well, I am only one person so I didn’t feel like cooking a whole bunch of pancakes and having left over pancakes.  So I halved the “recipe.”  I know what you’re saying…..”how to you expect it to turn out if you don’t follow the instructions?”  Well.  Pfft.  As they say in New York.  WHATEVAH! 

So I added a 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of mix.  I ended up adding a little more water because it was a little thick and sticking in my whisk.  It did say to use a whisk.  See?  I can follow directions!



It kinda just looks like a regular mix with green dots in it.

I sprayed my non-stick pan with PAM and ladled some mix into it.  I am really amazed with this mix!  They puffed up a lot.  They made healthy sized pancakes!



My Dad is a Pancake Connoisseur.  My Dad loves to make breakfast food.  He makes the bestest pancakes EVAR!  Because of my observant nature and years of surviving….er, I mean, enjoying Dad’s pancakes, I have learned that you cook the pancakes until bubbles come to the top of the batter and then you flip them.

My pan was a little too much PAM’ed.  They were slippery little suckers but I got them flipped. 

Now.  This is an important thing for me.  I do not believe that fruit and pancakes mix.  No way!  So I put a little Imperial Margarine and some ED Smith pancake syrup on top.  I like ED Smith because it’s sweetened with grape juice rather than other sugars.  Dang.  Did I just break my no fruit rule?  Meh, whatevah!



I really like this mix.  The pancakes aren’t totally green and the Blitz Bits don’t taste like anything but because the mix is completely easy to use and doesn’t require eggs or any other funky ingredients, I give this a thumbs up.  AND they cook up HUGE!

You will also notice that the Co-Op also made something called Kick-Off Coffee.  I think they only made it last year.  It’s a canister of coffee beans made by Kicking Horse Coffee Company.  I think, Kick-Off coffee accompanies these pancakes perfectly.  [Say that three times fast!]

Batman & Robin