5 of the Most Viewed Posts of 2019

Here we are at the end of the first month of 2020.  I've decided to look back at 2019 and see what the most viewed blog posts were.  Enjoy!

5.  The 5th most viewed blog post of ABC Football is a bit disappointing and shows that drama draws people in.  I want to say that the experience in the blog Gong Show was reviewed and corrected.  There was a follow up blog explaining what happened but it didn't seem to get viewed in the same light.  Please read A Feel Good Story so you know the entire outcome.

4.  5 Things Said in Free Agency was a fun blog.  It was about things the media thought was going to happen and then didn't or other surprising things and how Free Agency 2019 transpired.  It would be fun to track Free Agency 2020 in the same fashion and then compare the outcomes.

3.  5 Reasons the CFL Beat the AAF.  Well we all know what happened to the AAF.  In 2020 we have the XFL starting up and many are saying since there's more money injected into it that it's going to be successful.  I find it hard to think that because it's very hard to compete with NFL dollars.  We just have to wait and see!

2.  If you've noticed the trend here - it seems lists are a popular blogging style of the last year.  I haven't gone back to the Friday Five trend and I've also noticed other writers haven't either.  Maybe that's over.  At any rate, the 2nd most viewed ABC Football blog was actually the 5 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2018.

NUMBER ONE

5 Reasons CFL Trumps NFL  In this blog post I give reasons why the CFL is a more fun league to follow.  Obviously football fans can follow both or all football leagues and don't need to chose one over the other.  We are diverse like that.

Most Viewed ABC Football Posts of 2019

5 of the ALL TIME Most Popular Blog Posts

A lot of CFL fans are done looking back and are now looking forward to the new season.  Well, I'm not one of the usual fans.  I think it's interesting to always take stock of where we are because it helps us to see where we want the future to go.  So I've compiled a list of ABC Football's 5 most popular blog posts of all time - all time being since the inception of this blog page approximately 10 years ago.

Yikes, it's been that long.

< Narrator: It's actually been longer >

So here we go.

5.  This is a little bizarre.  It's a list.  A list on a list.  It's the 5 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2018. Wait...2018?  Well I guess I'm going to have to do a list for 2019 as well! 

4.  Weighing a Response is the 2nd in a two parter about the sizing of CFL merchandise for not only women but every fan in general.  I'm glad that I wrote to the Commissioner and I'm pleased I got a response.  I also think that for the most part this issue has been addressed.  You can read more down below though.

3.  5 Reasons CFL Trumps NFL is number 3 on our list.  I'll admit timing and wording helped me out with this post but it did garner a very nice comment from Drew Edwards telling me he enjoyed this post.  I really appreciate that and am always shocked to find out actual people continue to read my page and follow along!

2.  The Elephant in the Room continues to be a popular post.  It's a recap of the whole Darian Durant saga.  At the time there was a great divide in how fans saw the ex-Rider.  Now that he's been retired basically for the 2nd year there is still nothing that irks more fans than the subject of Chris Jones and Durant as will as the release of other favourite Roughriders.  Do Rider fans ever get over anything?  No not really.

*drum roll*

1.  The number one ALL TIME Most Popular Blog Post on ABC Football (get on with it Sandra) is...Sizing Up the CFL.  This was the first part that went along with Weighing a Response.  It was about the poor sizing of fan merchandise, poor quality and pricing.  Last year NuEra took over the licencing of CFL branded team merchandise.  I saw more variety in fabrics and quality and sizes were available in more options.  The price though... It's not easy to be outfitted in Rider gear without breaking the bank.  Some fans own multiple jerseys and that is great but this fan just can't justify even upgrading from my old Reebok style.  The options have certainly gotten better but they still have a way to go in my opinion.  I know the pricing isn't likely to change soon but I'm happy that the CFL saw a problem and worked to fix it.  That rarely happens...but I'm not naming names there.

This is ABC Football's Top 10

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!

Let's Go Camping

On the May Victoria long weekend I was able to get away to my parents house in Prince Albert, the home of the WHL Champion Raiders, and while I was there we took a day trip to Waskesiu National Park.  We checked out some camping spots for my parents upcoming camping adventures.  A lot of CFL fans were looking forward to a different kind of camping though as team Training Camps opened across the country.  I was two hours away and my beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders were arriving at Griffiths Stadium/U of S for the opening of Training Camp. 

Most years this single occurrence is what gets me through the winter/spring doldrums.  In 2019 things have been different and I've mentioned it in previous blog posts how I've become discouraged mostly because of the negotiations between the Canadian Football League and it's players to come up with a contract.  How could I totally commit myself when we didn't even know if camp was going to happen or not?  Well, it finally seemed as if all was a go then the CFL did some swindling by changing the language of the contracts and all H-E-double hockey sticks almost broke loose.  Some last minute negotiations took place and in the final hour the agreement was ratified.  We sure came close with that one!  Far too close for this fan.  All the players had arrived and schedules were set.  What a disrespectful (dirty) thing for the league to do to the players and the fans.

The launch of the Nu Era CFL merchandise was unveiled Thursday morning.  For most teams there was little change except in the manufacturer and some teams going with a new helmet design.  I thought this had been the case when it was announced that Nu Era was taking over.  I know what many of us are looking forward to is better fitting size appropriate clothing.  Last week I had the chance to peruse the Lawson Heights Rider Store and as expected the new merchandise wasn't there yet BUT I do own two Nu Era tank tops from last year which are my very favourites.  I still own a cursed (to put it lightly) Reebok jersey and it remains crumpled in the back of my closet where it was discarded last season.  My wardrobe is no place for bad mojo.  I have a gift card so I'm looking forward to injecting some winning attire.  Let me know if you have any of the new items and what your impression is.  We all deserve amazing CFL gear.

Don't forget appropriate sizing!

Some CFL media types have released a list of Preseason Power Rankings which to me seems awkward because all they really are doing is comparing the talent on the paper.  One doesn't know how any of it will pan out until they play a game.  We usually can't tell much from Preseason games either because coaches are busy trying players out in different situations in real game time.  Some Training Camp stars are big flops in real time.  Taking all of these things and the time it takes to sit down and construct power rankings into account I wondered if I should continue with my Power Groupings which I've done over the last two seasons.  I put the thought out on Twitter and what I discovered is that I actually have a following.  Thanks!  What started off as I-don't-like-your-list-here's-mine has become something that others look forward to and I really appreciate it!  This season they will be published right here on my blog page instead of their own page.  It's just a far simpler system.  I'm leaving the 2018 posts up so you can all critique...ridicule my artwork.

Green and White day will be held Saturday at SMF Field in Saskatoon.  This is a terrific event if you can't make it out to the mornings of  Training Camp.  You'll get to see the team do a light workout, the Drum Line will perform as will the Cheer Team.  The part I look forward to is the "scrimmage" and of course the team lining up for a meet and greet with fans afterwards.  Lot's of people ask me how I've managed to meet so many players and this is it.  If you can't get to the annual Labour Day event then this is the one to be at.  I will never forget standing in line in the rain in 2013 to meet players.  Don't miss out making a memory.  You'll remember in November how it was all worth it.

Believe (BEL13VE) was the slogan the Roughriders used in their social media posts following the 2017 season.  It was a hashtag that many of us aligned ourselves with easily.  It embodied the Riders as underdogs and how the belief of fans holds them up and elevates their performance.  Unite in Green is the new 2019 hashtag.  It doesn't roll of the tongue as easily but as we all dust off our gear (or invest in new merch) we all end up pilgrimaging to the same destination with the same goal in mind.  We do unite and nothing truly brings us like the community of Rider Nation.  There is never a question which CFL team you should cheer for.  You won't find another one like the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Isn't it great that CFL football is back?!  Let's Go Camping!  Go Riders Go!

Football Funk & Other Football Friday Fun

It's been a while since I've touched base with you, my readers!  Even I feel like I've been leaving my blog out.  Now, I was on vacation for 10 days so that's a thing and then there's the vacay prep as well as getting back into the groove afterwards.  I *think* I might be caught up.  In spite of May being my busiest month of my teaching musical life I found a few hours to put some thoughts down for you in blog form.

I hope you enjoy Football Funk & Other Football Friday Fun.

Say that 5 times fast.  Thursday there was the major announcement from General Manager Jeremy O'Day via live stream that the Roughriders had signed Solomon Ele…elemi...ele…  Elimimian.  Yeah, there's that.  We have a couple weeks to learn how to say the Riders newest all stars name correctly.

I was away for 10 days over Easter Break in Utah and Arizona and it was FANTASTIC.  While shopping for snacks in a market in Kabab, Utah and sporting my Roughriders tank top a man remarked about it.  He knew what it was and I smiled and it made my heart feel well.  Rider Nation is recognized everywhere.  Also while out hiking we at Bryce Canyon National Park we saw an SUV with Saskatchewan plates and a sticker that said Carlton Honda.  My people.  My home away from home.  In all seriousness though, go see Utah, it's amazing.  Also if you haven't heard or tried "fry sauce" it might change your life.

Check out my Instagram: smilingriderfan for more vacay photos!

Wednesday Ricky Ray announced his retirement from the CFL.  What a stellar career he's had and nothing rocked the football world (CFL anyway) like the trade from the Eskimo's to the Argo's.  My only wish was that his career could have ended on the 2017 note and not that horrific injury from 2018.  What I don't get it why when something like this is announced that journalists/columnists/fans feel the need to rank their play.  It really doesn't matter who thinks who is the most legendary...let's appreciate what they did while we got to watch them play.

Tuesday Dan Clark was in a car accident and it was reported he was in "stable condition" in hospital.  He was enroute from a speaking engagement in Cudworth to his home when the accident occurred.  As fans I think we forget how much players do for our/their communities in the offseason.  I'm sure most players give back but it seems to me that players from Saskatchewan get out to more places in the province and do more than any others.  I don't know what this means for Clark's season but I hope he fully recovers and we see him back on the field soon.  Also, let's not pass judgement on the use of seatbelts, not much is going to hold a person the size of this O Lineman in his seat in a rollover.  This aspect of the crash should be the least of our concerns.

Before I embarked on my epic trip I had made a social media comment about how I've been feeling that my excitement has been waning for this 2019 season.  My season tickets arrived and I'm still a bit "meh" about it all.  I did receive a few responses from people who are feeling the same and they weren't all Rider fans.  Usually at this time of year it's all I can do to contain myself from the excitement of camp opening.  But is it really opening or are the players going to strike?  We just don't know.  It would be fun to plan an ABC Rider Fan meet up at camp...but there might not be much to meet up for.  It's really hard to stay in my fandom state of mind and I've found myself delving farther and farther into other interests.  I've even watched basketball.  Send help.  Or, get a jump on the Roughriders season by staying in the know by "liking" the ABC Football Facebook Page and joining ABC Rider Fans.  We are coming up on our 1 year anniversary.  Thanks to everyone who continues to make it a success!

As things try to ramp up it was announced that the Nu Era merch is coming soon.  I am excited about this because not only does my old Reebok jersey have a hex on it (it's been crumpled in the back of my closet since last season) but I'm looking for a better more comfortable fitting jersey.  The design of it or whether the pattern is different doesn't really matter to me.  I want a jersey that makes me feel comfortable.  Fingers crossed.  I also have a gift card to spend so YAY!  At the same time, in recent days I've seen an alarming amount of "sponsored" posts on Instagram and Facebook advertising CFL items.  It's buyer beware.  These items are not CFL licenced and the logos are used illegally.  Usually the items come from the US or outside Canada and are over priced and under delivered.  The sparkly bunnyhug I saw on Facebook, which did look amazing in pictures was really unwearable as reported by one fan and another said the sparkles were actually a print on it and not sparkles at all.  If we really want to support our CFL teams let's ensure we purchase from team stores or they include CFL logos so we know they are official merchandise.  When we finally get to see our Riders hit the field we want to look our game day best. #UniteinGreen.

5 Reasons the CFL Beat the AAF

Last week the news came down that the AAF had closed down shop.  It had seemed so promising and I admit it was exciting to have some football when nothing else was going on.  Then when the league needed an injection of money, games weren't shown on regular network tv etc, you had to know it wasn't long for this world.  So now we wait for the CFL season to start...  But wait...the CFL is boring you say?  At least that's what Ben Volin thinks according to his article Failures of AAF a Predictable Call.  Well, Ben if there's one thing CFL fans do, it's defend the league they/we love so much so thanks for the apology but no thanks.

These are my 5 reason the CFL beats the AAF (and any league really). 

5.  The CFL doesn't proclaim to be a feeder league for any other league.  The Canadian Football League is it's own league and doesn't try to be anything but.  Yes, players sometimes come to Canada and become well known and then return to play in the NFL but that in no way influences the purpose of the CFL to provide Canadian rules football to it's fans.  If you like high scoring, down to the last second, chew your nails off excitement then the CFL is a league for you.

4.  The CFL is a small league.  Because there's 9 teams (soon to be 10) spread throughout the nation it's easy to form a loyal allegiance.  Many of us are born into fandom.  It was difficult to choose an AAF team to root for and I found myself simply choosing a team based on who had the most ex Roughriders.  NFL fans didn't even give the time of day to AAF so no one there chose a team.  How do you choose a team when the league is brand new and you have less than zero feelings about it?

3.  We were all afraid that the AAF was going to steal CFL talent from under our noses.  That never happened.  It did give some players an opportunity to play who wouldn't have gotten a shot any and otherwise.  Let's remember that CFL players need to be great athletes.  There's not only the Waggle to contend with but a lot of other movement that other leagues do not have.  You have to possess great endurance and skill to be a great CFLer.

2.  The Rouge.  Some people don't like it but it can be used as strategy and I think that is the real essence of the CFL.  There are subtle rules which set the league apart from others and those same rules make the game far more exciting during regulation time and in over time.  The rouge itself can prove to be the difference between winning the game or heading to overtime.  

1.  TSN.  The main reason the CFL is so successful is because of the big TSN deal to broadcast all games bringing the game into our living rooms and hearts.  Even if you are a fan of one team you can watch and follow all league games easily.  You can stream them on the TSN apps and webpages as long as you have a cable subscription.  Because of such a great tv deal, the CFL is visible to anyone who wants to watch it. 

If you liked this blog post you might also enjoy a previous post titled 5 Reasons CFL Trumps NFL.  Need more football in your life?  Don't hesitate to look up ABC Rider Fans on Facebook and join a great bunch of fun loving Rider fans.

News of the World

Is it just me or has March felt like it was 60 days long?  No matter as we will soon be in the glow of the upcoming season and all will be right in our world once again.  In the meantime, let's have a look at what the top 8 CFL stories were (in random order) over the last month.

1.  The Randy Ambrosie Tour.   The Commissioner of the CFL visited each franchise city to connect with management, fans, season ticket holders and who ever else wanted to gain insight.  He talked (hyped) a lot about CFL 2.0 and what that means for the leagues future successes.

2.  The CFL & Players Association met for talks over 3 days and pretty much nothing was accomplished.  At least, there's been no news and not even any rumours floating around.  The current CBA expires May 18th so there's still plenty of time to get things worked out.  Us fans are antsy and would like things settled sooner than later.

3.  Ratio Ga Ga.  There was a massive discussion surrounding the ratio rules of the CFL's Canadians but also about the proposed amount of Global players.    What we did see was an outpouring of CFL players posting their thoughts all over social media and often getting in arguments with each other or fans which was pretty embarrassing.

4.  The Combine was held.  I was otherwise distracted...Life, but thankfully I had some great people (John Strutt) who kept me in the know or at least updated about what was happening.  I understand that the Combine is like a coming out party for possible players because it gives perspective teams a chance to view their skills.  What I've always failed to see is how that might make someone a great player in the end, but that's just me, there must be something to it because it's done.  It's important to note that this was the first time Global players were invited to attend and because of that there was gained exposure from both their leagues and Canadian media.

5.  Mosaic Stadium was going to be home to an NFL preseason game...on second glance, nope it's not...or maybe yes?  Between this and Olive Garden my Twitter feed was full of the ying yang of polar opposites.  Some (John Gormley) wanted to say it was the Riders who put the kibosh on the event but when they later put out a statement about how the turnaround from an NFL field to CFL field less than 24 hours later, well I believe them and let's all be honest here...would you have really gone to see the Raiders and Greenbay's 3rd stringers anyway?  I know I likely wouldn't have especially when I'd have to travel again the next day for the Rider game.  The NFL was at first reported as unwilling to change the date and was looking elsewhere, like Winnipeg and Edmonton.  Fine with me.  Bob Irving also posted his thought that CFL franchises should be pulled for supporting an NFL game...Come on Bob!  We are versitile people and can enjoy many forms of football in the world!  For the record, I also welcome Olive Garden.  The more choice the better.  

6.  The Alouettes are for sale.  Firstly, the report was denied but then the truth came out as it always does.  It's seemed to me for some time that their owners had lost interest in what was happening with their team and so I'd think new ownership would inject a much needed infusion at a time when they desperately are in need of it.  What is curious is that the CFL wants to be the middle man here and take it off the Wettenhall's hands before selling it to...?  Call me crazy if you'd like, but isn't this akin to Trudeau buying the pipeline?

7.  Remember when we all felt the CFL was threatened by the AAF?  Well Wednesday there were several stories about how the league is out of money.  There was a multitude of potential here and I think had they secured a TV deal that allowed us all to watch instead of having to subscribe to yet another channel or streaming option most of us forgot about following it all together.  Without exposure, there's little desire for anyone to attend the games and there have been some dismal crowd shots of the games that even make the Argonauts chuckle.  Let's not forget that Johnny Manziel recently signed there too and many of us thought this was his last kick at the can but when it comes down to it there may not be a can left to kick.

8.  There are some proposed rule changes surrounding the health of our players and the rolls of the referees and who and when penalties can be called.  I'm all for progress.  When you think of the end of the Riders season and the "I couldn't see" fiasco it was apparent something needed to be done besides adding more eyes on the field.  It'll be interesting if all of this does indeed come to fruition.

There you have it!  Those are the 8 CFL Stories of March.  What does April have in store for us?  We will have to wait and see.  In the meantime, don't forget to check out ABC Football's Facebook page and if you'd like to have a fun discussion with some other passionate (and slightly crazy) Rider fans, search and join ABC Rider Fans.  When the 2019 season begins, we all want to know all the latest news and I don't know a of better way to get involved.

Go Riders!

Any Way The Wind Blows

There hasn't been much going on in the CFL lately.  Pieces of news have been few and far between.  They've resorted to articles about players pets and who can be named best dressed CFLer.

Meanwhile...

* crickets *

...a dog barks in the distance...

🎵 a birdie chirps...

With this lull in activity every off season I find that my own rabid fan status wains and I wonder over to other activities and my influences change.  Some people turn to other sports - Saskatoon Rush, Nascar and hockey of course. Many of you haven't known me a long time but March seems to be a time for when I explore.  There was the Dean Martin infatuation of 20-something.  We won't discuss the whole vampire thing. Last year I researched my family tree and actually found a cousin living in Montreal who I didn't know existed. This off season was going along like normal and then in February I watched (finally) Bohemian Rhapsody and it seemed like everything changed for me.

I've made no secret that while I write this blog and am administrator for ABC Rider Fans, that in "real life" I am a piano teacher.  While I've always maintained that music is what I do - it's not my life...it's an illusion because it really does consume my life.   Where I am able to strike a balance is that I only teach after school hours so while you are likely gearing up to go home after your work day, I am gearing up to start teaching.  'Tis the life of a musician I suppose.  What these hours allow me to do is follow football during those off times except when I need to do research or find music or actually come up with a plan or strategy for my lessons, which by the way is unpaid time but I'm dedicated and I do it happily.

So there I was coasting through CFL off season and coping with some other health things that always seem to crop up at this time of year but you know everyone has "stuff" to deal with.  One of my students...my best student if I'm honest (and fav but don't tell the others!), is playing Bohemian Rhapsody for the SAM music festival in May which runs close if not at the same time as Roughrider training camp.  We had decided on this selection before Christmas so it had nothing to do with my off season doldrums but everything to do with the reason one quiet Saturday night I decided I should watch the movie.  I called it Professional Development. I actually streamed A Star is Born the same night but for whatever reason (I'm heartless?) it had zero effect on me, yet the story of Freddie Mercury made me feel a whole myriad of things that I can't even begin to sort out or explain in any form.

I was 18 when Mercury died from Aids in 1991 and when I think back to "me" back then I often refer to myself as a stupid teenager.  Maybe I was just oblivious? I remember the news but life went on.  I didn't realize until now how excruciating that event actually was.  Is it possible to mourn someone nearly 30 years later?  Well just like I seem to be stuck in this musical cycle, many football fans are stuck as well.  Bring back Dressler is one of the newest cries.  When will Rider fans move on?  Are we still in 2009 mourning too?  The Roughriders need to continue to move on to the future instead of looking back.  Unlike, Queen's front man, most football players are replaceable even if we've loved their character and personality.  To everything there is a season.  The show must go on.

With most things in my life even when I don't think music plays a roll it's there in the background noise.  If you're still with me here and wondering what any of this has to do with the football blog you've grown used to reading well it made me realize how much I've grown in all ways and continue to evolve and how fortunate...blessed really, I am to have a slightly successful page which is somewhat accepted by a mostly male dominated sort of hobby and industry.  No one ever told me I couldn't and I always knew I could do things, mostly artistic types of things with extreme ease.  I can do anything! I've often said. So while Roughrider football is an obsession in my life, music is a thread weaving itself deeply through it.  A team wins a championship - We Are The Champions.  A Calgary Stampeders game comes to an end - Sweet Caroline.  The Saskatchewan Roughriders score a touchdown - Green is the Colour.

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When the city of Regina hosted the 2013 Grey Cup they knocked the halftime show out of the park by having flying snowmobiles and a rocking Hedley (at the time) group.  Randy Ambrosie said that the Riders pitch was so good they could have landed the Olympics so naturally that makes me question what kind of half time show was pitched.  Does the halftime show need to be Canadian or should they reach farther into the stars to bring the most epic halftime ever?  Can both be done?  What's your opinion on this and who would you like to see as the 2020 halftime show? 

This time of year - March, the cold snap finally comes to an end and we are looking for signs of life.  While it'll be a while until we see daffodils here in Saskatchewan, birds are returning and the snow is sinking as the sun grows higher and higher in the sky.  Our beloved CFL teams will be re-awakening after all the moves in free agency.  The CFLPA negotiations will get settled.  Soon it'll be draft day. Some people are already looking forward and talking about training camp in Saskatoon.  Our passion is renewed.  The season is renewed.  We feel anew.

I'm ready for the next chapter.

Go Riders.

CFL Fans & The Price of Social Media

I had full intentions of this post being about the new Alliance football league.  I even posted as much on my ABC Football Facebook page on Tuesday.  The reaction I received, not even remotely football related, made it evident that perhaps I shouldn't dedicate a whole blog post to that one subject.  Especially when it's possible another subject landed in my lap.  Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day and that coupled with the fall out of my Facebook post was a clear sign that CFL fans once again need some reminders.  Sure, who am I to tell others how to behave?  I'm not an angel either, but I try to treat everyone with kindness and know there is a clear line between poking fun and being fanatical.

We spend a lot of time with our youth telling them that it's okay to speak their minds.  It's okay to be whatever you want to be.  No one will judge you.  Is it true though?  Kids are still bullied and it's nothing like it was when I was a kid in the 1980's.  When things happened to me at school I just figured there was something wrong with the kid putting me through that and I never internalized those feelings.  The problem is that it's 2019 and we live in an age where we don't leave the bullies at school.  They follow us on Twitter.  They're on Instagram.  They're on Facebook and they likely have a couple fake accounts besides the obvious one.  They might be hanging out on your favourite football teams fan forum too.

When we post or share on social media we have to be prepared for the reaction we get.  I've said that many times.  Why should I though?  Why can't I post my thoughts and if you disagree you just pass on by?  Why does someone feel that they can call the poster names or reply incessantly?  Why do people think they can do this from behind their smart phones or laptop screens?

Would you ever do that to my face?

Would you allow your son or daughter to behave that way?

In 5 Things Said in Free Agency I ended with a point about Saskatchewan Roughrider fans.  I received some constructive critisism at number one and my thoughts lost some people.  Fan is a shortened version of the word "fanatic".  There is a very appropriate definition for this word: a person filled with excessive and single minded zeal.  That describes Rider Nation to a tee.  I'm not oblivious to the fact that I am one of them.  We ride the highest of highs and other teams fans find us hard to tolerate.  We also fly off the handle, seem to be easily offended and wallow in the deepest of sympathies which often make us the butt of jokes around the league.  It seems we are either riding the bandwagon or jumping off the cliffs.  To quote myself "As Rider fans we can be better and we should be better".  Really, that statement is true of all fans and what I meant by it was be better to each other.  We all belong to the CFL Family and love and promote our favourite teams.  We can do it together.  Diversity really is the strength of the league but not if we troll each other, lob insults and ban others from fan pages over hurt feelings.

Have you seen the disgusting video of the Live on-air licking of a TV reporter?  It's disturbing on several levels.  It appears as if a bystander begins to lick and kiss the neck of the reporter and then you see it...the Roughrider bunnyhug.  Thanks for that.  According to the CityTV story which I tagged, the man is Saskatchewan born Boyd Banks and has some film and tv credits.  In what world is this okay?  Never mind what the man was wearing, this behavior is despicable, but to do it while wearing one of the most recognizable logos in the world...well, I shake my head and sigh.

Lady Gaga said on Jimmy Kimmel Wednesday night that social media is the gutter of the internet.  It can be but it can also be a terrific place.  I've gained many good friendships through Twitter and Facebook and of course I use both to help promote and spread ABC Football and ABC Rider Fans.  Tuesday I made a post in a CFL forum and was immediately called an idiot.  Listen, I'm 46 years old and I've been through a ton of things so your little petty words which you spread through your anonymous account don't hurt me. I survived the 1980's. We need to walk the talk about being kind to each other in person and on line and just plainly everywhere in life.

Dan Clark appeared at schools in Saskatoon Wednesday to spread the news on Pink Day and everyone was encouraged to use the hashtag #besomeoneshero.  It's basically a do something mantra.  If you see someone being bullied, come to their aid because the statistics say that when you do the bullying ends.  On the internet you have to be your own hero.  When you must learn how to block and report.  Use Ignore and mute.  Sometimes even Retweet can help you out in a pinch.  Be your own advocate and think twice before you post replies.  Sometimes it's just not worth it but always...always try to get along.

You also have to be you.  Be the music teacher who is the crazy football fan.  Be the football coach who loves to paint.  Be the football player who writes books.  Live your life unapologetically because in the end none of it really matters - you have to be happy with who you are.  There is a price to pay for standing out but it is always worth it. 

Saskatchewan is Always the Best Choice

With wild anticipation Roughrider fans waited for the announcement by the CFL of which city would be hosting the 2020 Grey Cup.  Three cities had put in bids - Montreal, Hamilton and Regina.  The talk around the water cooler had it narrowed down to Hamilton and Regina with the scuttlebutt waffling between which city deserves it most.  While Hamilton has not hosted in recent years lot's of people feel they deserve to host it the most.  The bidding process is reportedly to be narrowed down by which economy and city can support all the events and which one can put the most successful promotion together.  Does deserving it come into play?  There wasn't even a whisper as to a hint of how the announcement would play out but in my classroom (my student had cancelled for those wondering) I listened to the announcement on my phone on the Rider app.  The city of Regina and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the 2020 Grey Cup.  Was there ever any doubt?

Players sign in big cities and markets for a bigger salary but it's not until they make the move to places like Toronto or Vancouver and discover the cost of living there is much higher.  A price tag of $2000 a month for rent on a cardboard box of an apartment is shocking.  To get affordable accommodations players need to live farther away from their host cities.  In Saskatchewan, you may have a little less in your bank account but you will have a spacious place to live and still have money left over to have a life. While this doesn't affect a Grey Cup bid, it does effect the product a team puts on the field and the likelihood of said team in getting to the big game.  In Saskatchewan, we like good hearty players who see the value in playing for the organization but also contributing to the community.  We know your name and lineup in droves at autograph sessions.  The love we all share makes Saskatchewan a warmer place despite the temperatures on the newscast.

If you are a Roughrider fan or a CFL fan coming into the province for a regular season game or a special event there are many options for you.  Back in 1995 the Roughriders Grey Cup slogan was Huddle Up in Saskatchewan and fans were encouraged to open up their homes to visitors.  Is this where the CFL Family was born?  Lot's has changed in Saskatchewan since '95 and there's been great strides to attract and build hotels for all the special events which now come into the province.  If attending CFL festivities the week prior to Grey Cup aren't your thing then it's only a short jaunt down the road from Moose Jaw or Saskatoon.  In 2013, Saskatoon was known as Riderville North and hosted fans and watch parties.  Finding a place to lay your head after a night out with your CFL pals has become exponentially easier.

Green is always the colour in Saskatchewan and is the model for many other CFL franchises.  Fans in 2018 were concerned about these new football leagues sprouting up and while those concerns have been laid to rest after seeing the dismal attendance at AAFL games the CFL needs to show off it's league and there's no better way to do that than have the Grey Cup in Regina.  The 2018 Grey Cup in Edmonton, while a failure for the Eskimos, was an immense success for the city of Edmonton.  The CFL needs to continue the momentum and continue to provide strong showings after Calgary in 2019 which will no doubt be a rousing success as well.  This is one reason I believe Regina was given the 2020 Grey Cup opportunity.

Many fans think that the city of Hamilton got the short end of the stick.  The last time the Grey Cup was in Hamilton the year was 1996.  The Macarena was all the rage...remember that?  Fargo had us all wondering why the movie was based in Minnesota and we were all shouting SHOW ME THE MONEY!  While both Hamilton and Regina have new stadiums, the opening of Mosaic Stadium was next to glitch free while Tim Hortons Field had construction, contractor issues, repairs and lawsuits.  It was just last year that a two year legal battle was finally settled.  It would seem to be reasonable to give Hamilton and the Tiger Cats some extra time to settle in and get everything sorted before hosting a Grey Cup with the entire nation and several other countries watching. If you'd like to know more about Hamilton's bid for the Grey Cup this CBC article is a great read: 5 Things to Know About Hamilton's Bid to Host the 2020 Grey Cup.

From Andy Hamilton Photography. Grey Cup 101 - From My Perspective

Do you remember how Taylor Field sparkled at Grey Cup 2013?  It was breath taking.  She was old and dilapidated but held together with memories and love.  Flash forward to the jewel that Mosaic Stadium is.  It's November something 2020.  It's a record sell out for the Grey Cup.  The aerial shots are spectacular.  The prospect of what that will look like in a TSN shot makes my Rider green heart palpitate.  I'm going to be honest here and yes my Roughrider bias will show...when I started seeing the pictures of the Roughriders watch parties from the Canadian Brewhouse locations and live from Mosaic Stadium, I knew 2020 was ours.  Why wouldn't you want it where football is king even on a random Thursday in February?  There was never another choice.  

5 Things Said in CFL Free Agency

CFL Free Agency opened at 11am Saskatchewan time Tuesday and while we anxiously clicked refresh at the top of the hour all remained quiet until the news of Mike Reilly signing with the BC Lions broke.  Some media types called it a wild day but I'm not so sure.  Players come and players go and it did seem the CFL cards were completely reshuffled with many asking where did that leave our Roughriders?  In the words of GM Jeremy O'Day "you don't win the Grey Cup in February".  I couldn't agree more and still there were many things discussed and speculated on by fans and sports media outlets.  The following is a list of 5 things in random order that were said in Free Agency and how they panned out.

5.  The Roughriders need Willie Jefferson back.  I was a huge fan of Willie Jefferson and no doubt at least a couple of the games won in 2018 could be attributed to his play.  I thought for sure he'd be off to the NFL with his Cameron Wake reach and know how.  He didn't try out for any NFL teams and said the tape stood for itself.  Then last weekend on his Instagram Story there was a post about his first time testing Free Agency.  On Tuesday Willie signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and I won't pretend it sucks every time a fan favourite signs with our arch rivals but we also cannot fault someone for going after their best opportunity.  It's been speculated that the Riders never put forth an offer, but as fans we never really know those details nor should we.  As fans came down in a wrath which would make Smilin' Hank shake his head news descended that the Riders signed Micah Johnson.  All might have been forgiven.  A word about the social media rampage that fans go on... don't tag players in your emotional ranting.  It's completely embarrassing to your fan base and it likely only serves as fuel when the players see it.  I'm glad we had Mr Jefferson for 3 seasons and while I wish him luck with his new team...I won't ever wish it in September or the playoffs!

4. Jeremy O'Day wasn't prepared for Free Agency.  Part of this argument is the continuous blame which people lay at the feet of Chris Jones who departed in January for an NFL position.  It goes that because of his departure O'Day wasn't able to effectively formulate a plan to go after free agency players who the fans decided should be brought into Riderville at all costs.  I think the idea that O'Day was caught off guard is wrong.  We have to remember that no matter the player personality that running a football team effectively is a business first and foremost.  Even if you go after the biggest player in the league and offer top dollar you are doing that at the cost to the rest of the team.  It wasn't that long ago that the Riders signed Darian Durant for $500,000 and then couldn't lure offensive lineman to protect him.  The stakes were much higher in 2019.  You need an entire team to play to win and I guarantee that one person can lead but it takes the team to follow.  The high priced Quarterbacks were signed elsewhere but meanwhile O'Day and company made other valuable signings for the betterment of the Roughriders.  No team wins the Grey Cup in February and a lot will happen before the season opens.  Let's see how that plays out before condemning a man.

3.  Mosaic Stadium and Regina can no longer attract talent.  This attempt to dishonour the jewel of the league was immediately debunked when Micah Johnson took to the podium in his media introduction.  Cody Fajardo said something similar in that he couldn't wait to be on the right side of the stadium in green and white.  There is no other facility in the league that comes close to having what the Roughriders call home.  If a player doesn't sign with the Roughriders it's not because of the facilities they play in.  Reilly chose to be 2 hours from his home and family.  Brett Lauther was willing to go unsigned if his contract wasn't extended by the Riders.  To me that speaks volumes.  Sure Regina is a small town and there isn't a whole lot to do but at the same time during the CFL season I expect a player to be living and breathing football.  They shouldn't be out on the town living it up.  We know that when they are bad situations happen.  Craig Dickenson said that we expect players to contribute to the community and to me that means charity work and appearances not hanging out on Dewdney.

2.  The Roughriders failed to sign a quarterback.  High expectations lead to huge disappointment and irrational emotions.  Did you really really think the Riders had a chance of signing any of the available "elite" quarterbacks?  For weeks we were told Mike Reilly would sign close to home.  We were told Bo Levi Mitchell, who let's face it, Rider Nation didn't want anyway, would re-sign with the Stampeders.  Who was left?  Pardon my expression but everyone else was moderately successful.  Wasn't it the best move to sign a quarterback who already knew the system and schemes?  I think so.  Yes, there are some health questions with Zach Collaros but with him being backed up by someone solid not named Bridge the Riders might be better off than okay.  Let's all remember there are at least 5 quarterbacks brought in to Rider Training Camp in Saskatoon.  While the Roughriders have stated Zach Collaros is our number one pivot, they will all compete and competition is a good thing in a world that tends to hand out participation ribbons.    

1.  The sky is falling.  Well Henny Penny you need to take a good look at the Roughriders roster to see that the sky is still intact.  Step away from the ledge and social media while you're at it.  It seems to me that there are two basic types of fans. A: The Riders are the only team you follow and players are their identity.  You completely over react at any type of different news other than what you were expecting.  You post all over facebook and twitter that people should be fired and often tweet regrettable statements.  B:  The Roughriders are your main team but you follow the CFL as a whole.  You know that football is a lucrative business and hard choices not only need to be made but have to be made.  You wish ex-players luck with their new teams and rejoice when good players are brought in.  Look at A and B closely.  Which one are you?  Which one do you want to be?  Rider Nation is known for being passionate but other fan bases often look over the Saskatchewan borders and laugh at us.  Players want to be on our team because of the passion but it's also one of the most critical fish bowls in the league.  As Roughrider fans we can be better and we should be better.