A Throw Back Blog: Hello Goodbye

The following is a blog published in May 2016.  I began by talking about how busy the season was and I begin now by saying all those busy events are now in question as we fight this global pandemic.  I don't want to go on about that, but I want to give football fans some brightness in what might be some dark days.  

 

So share with me...your memories of Taylor Field...your first memories of Mosaic Stadium and any other happy things about being a Roughrider fan or CFL fan in general.  I think we all need it right now.

 

HELLO GOODBYE

 

The end of May signals two events for me in my life. It's the SAM music festival which for many of my students is the culmination...Grey Cup if you will...of their piano music year. My reward for successfully navigating the four day event is that Roughrider Training Camp starts at the end of it. Finally, the off season is over, the new regime has rebuilt our team and Rider fans can finally move on from 2015. Just as I tell my piano students, if you can make your audience feel something, whether good or bad, during your performance you will be more memorable. They may not recall the notes but they will recall the emotions you evoked. The same can be said for Roughrider fans. We've ridden the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. We've run the gamut of emotion and that etches deep memories in the fabric of Rider Nation.

I was asked yesterday about my memories at Mosaic Stadium. 2016 is the final year at Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium before the Saskatchewan Roughriders move into their new digs at “new” Mosaic Stadium. Being as big of a fan as I am, it haunts me that I wasn't at the 2013 Grey Cup. Why? WHY? Wasn't I there? I try to tell myself that it was too cold the week before and we didn't know what the weather was going to do. Then there was the question of accommodations and oh yeah, Hubby and I didn't have tickets.

* Sigh *

What I know for sure is that on that single night in November 2013 The House on Piffles shined and glittered like no other stadium in the league. The aerial shots on TSN were breathtaking. Winning the 101^st Grey Cup on our own turf was magical. From the Bring 'em Out ditching of the player introductions to the final snap, Darian Durant led our team to glory under the lights before those colourful seats and 44,710 weeping fans.

If 2013 was the year all our dreams came true then 2009 was the ultimate nightmare. It's true to some extent that the 2013 Grey Cup win was redemption for losing in the unspeakable fashion that my Riders did in 2009 however, nothing can erase the bitter taste and sickened stomach as I recall kneeling on the living room floor praying for that kick to go wide...again. The next day was cloudy and insanely quiet. I stopped at a nearby Tim Hortons on the way to the music academy where I rolled my eyes at a poor fellow sporting an Allouettes jersey who obviously had lost a wager. I silently swore I'd never teach that song again. When I arrived to my classroom my Roughriders poster had been pulled off my door and tossed on the floor. Emotions were the lowest of lows but in true Rider Pride fashion it didn't stop fans from welcoming the team home to Mosaic Stadium. Darian Durant returning home cupless, broken hearted and devastated yet swearing to be Grey Cup contenders again was inspiring misery.

When you go to a football game at Taylor Field/Mosaic Stadium it is a total experience. Tailgating is a real thing where there are barbeques in the backs of pick up trucks, fans wandering in 'get ups' from watermelon helmets to green Spiderman outfits. It's a meeting place for fans who have connected on social media. It's a type of congregation. The house on Piffles of Roughrider worship under the retired numbers of the players who we continue to honour. If you haven't been to a game you absolutely must. No questions. It's heart pounding, messy, and exhilarating fireworks as Gainer rides around the field after a touchdown to the ear splitting chants of On Roughriders.

Seriously, go before you can't.

I am too young to know what Taylor Field was like when Ronnie and George made their mark. I was a stupid Grade 12 student and didn't appreciate Kent Austin enough in 1989. I wasn't there when Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones or AC/DC played Mosaic. I made absolutely sure that I was there to see Sir Paul McCartney. Imagine! One of the Beatles coming to Saskie to play a concert! Mind blowing! I've never attended a concert that made my jaw drop open in disbelief and left me feeling so incredibly loved and positive. I'll never forget Mosaic Stadium lit with thousands of tiny lights for Hey Jude or the eye popping fireworks of Live and Let Die.

I remember a time in the province of Saskatchewan when concert events didn't come here. People fled green pastures for Alberta oil fields. Lot's of musicians, if they came to Canada on tour only went to Toronto or Vancouver. It seems like another world now because we are attractive to CFL players who not only want to play here but live here. The province attracts business and promotes a sense of community. The Roughriders and Saskatchewan go hand in hand. Football is something that binds together neighbours and citizens right down to Premier Brad Wall. “How are the Riders doing?” It's something we can all discuss while waiting in line at Timmies or around the water cooler. It's also why we are picked out in crowds world wide. We are green, proud, this is where we come from and this is what Rider Nation represents and that's why it's so fitting that SASKATCHEWAN is embroidered in the very fabric of every new Adidas jersey.

It's What We're Made Of.

So how did I answer that question about memories at Mosaic Stadium? The season opener of 2015 was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Darian Durant was back after his shoulder injury on labour day the previous year. Excitement was at an all time high. Everyone was hopeful. This was supposed to be a great group of players. We wanted them to get on track and get to that Grey Cup again. It was awesome to feel the elevation and leadership when Doubles took the field. It sounded right to hear the “black any choice” of his voice over the hush of the crowd. Then the unthinkable happened and Darian Durant went down with what we now know as an Achilles injury. “Something's wrong.” I said to Hubby. “Oh no oh no oh no. He's hurt.” And with that the stadium fell to pin dropping quiet.

I wish I had remembered anything else. This isn't exactly a happy memory. I could have recalled the preseason game against the newly expanded Ottawa REDBLACKS when it was their home game so the Riders were on the visitors bench. I could have remembered Labour Day 2015 and the massive card trick that changed from BRING 'EM OUT to the Canadian Flag. No, I mentioned our doomed seasons with Darian Durant's injury instead. It's because of the roller coaster emotion and that's what I remembered most.

We might not remember how Park de Young and Park Hughes came together to form Taylor Field. The memories of Ken Miller in red curling pants fades over time as will the pain of the 13^th man. As we know the opening refrains and dynamic endings of anthems past, the middle parts become blurry, but those middle parts are where the life of Rider Nation happens...where bridges and next verses are composed. We find ourselves in a sweet evolution chorus of saying goodbye to Old Mosaic while waving hello to the New...

...And I can't wait for more memories to be made.

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!

A Feel Good Story

Many of you likely saw my Gong Show article.  It was an account of a Roughrider Game Day experience gone wrong.  I want to be clear - I love the Riders and the actual End Zone experience was great and something everyone should do at least once.  Any time you get to field level it's pretty exciting so that's not where my "beef" was, instead it was with the process of redeeming the rewards, what followed and my disappointment.

I want to give the Roughriders top kudos and high fives all around for how they responded to me.  An organization of their calibre really didn't have to do anything and could have swept it under the rug.  I'm just one crazy fan who shares her thoughts on a little blog page and in ABC Rider Fans.  When they reached out to my Twitter Direct Messages on Wednesday I had immediate thoughts of "whoops I screwed up here".  They asked for my email address for a further conversation.  I obliged.  It's not every day the Riders show up in your DM's.

Let's not discuss what does usually show up in your DM's.....

Late Thursday morning I received an email from Andrew Craig (apologies because in my email I called you Craig *blush*).  Andrew is the Community Relations Manager for the Roughriders.  The Rider Rewards are one thing that he manages in his job.  He related to me the following which I totally appreciate:

For some reason I received an email when I redeemed my points that's no longer in use.  They are looking into how that happened.  From conversations I've had on the Facebook pages and Twitterverse other people received emails which had waiver forms attached.  My email had nothing of the sort and if you recall from my previous blog all it said was that my passes were now ready for pick up.  I was the lucky one to get the wrong email.  Had I received the correct email it would have had details for the experience and the needed waivers that everyone attending with me would have to sign.

They've all reviewed the redemption process and agreed that it was too complicated.  They've made changes - YAY CHANGE!  Going forward they've simplified the process and in Andrew's words it'll be "efficient and easy".  I think this is huge.  This means it'll not only be easier for the Volunteers and Ticket Office people to understand and relate to us but us fans will have a better understanding about what is expected.  For me this means the disconnect I seemed to experience going from the office to the concourse has been fixed and everyone involved will know procedures and therefore all game day reward experiences really will be as awesome as promised.

Some people around the social media feeds viewed Gong Show as whining.  I was told a lot of things like I should just get over it.  The thing is that we live in a world where it's far too easy to be complacent.  Yes, I could have kept my thoughts to myself but when I didn't I also learned that other people had similar problems surrounding Game Day.  A fan travelling from Calgary in search of the Ticket Office stopped to inquire with Security and Security didn't know where it was located.  Another was nearly escorted from the stadium after their experience due to a different kind of mix up.  Let's not disregard the New Gainer in this conversation either.  My good friend Maria Vincente launched a one woman campaign/petition and while social media wasn't exactly kind to her either she did get lot's of real media coverage from CTV, CBC, CityTV, Regina Leaderpost, CKOM/CJME, Huffington Post and the Globe and Mail.  I'm not sure if she single handedly got Gainer's eyes to change colour but if she'd just sat back and accepted it like many would have liked her to we'd perhaps still be subject to his strung out crazy eyes.  

To rectify the situation, Andrew and the Riders have given me two End Zone Experience passes for July 20th.  From the bottom of my Rider green heart I thank them.  This is one reason I love this CFL team more than any other.  They saw an issue and they've done their very best to fix it.  * applause *  I can't wait for that game when we take on the BC Lions who are coming off their first win due to a very controversial Rouge.  Emerson Drive is performing at the half time show and as per the email I received as a season ticket holder there are various Rewards available including a meet and greet with the band.  How cool is that!

I can't wait.

But first - Week 5.

Is Bye Week over yet?

Gong Show

What a gong show.  I wish I was only talking about the product on the field during Saturday's late (8pm) tilt between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders.  Instead, I'm going to relate to you a different story.  This is a fans perspective and has little to do with the game but perhaps gives us some behind the scenes insight of some kind and a warning of expectations.

View from the End Zone Field level

I am a Roughriders season ticket holder and as such accumulate Rider Rewards from various things including purchases and attending games.  You redeem the rewards for different "experiences" on game day.  I redeemed 1000 rewards for two pregame end zone experiences.  I received an email confirmation stating I would receive another email regarding details.

The confirmation email came Saturday.  Remember it was a Saturday game.  I also live in Saskatoon so that means it's a travel day.  The email stated the passes were now available to pick up and that I would need to provide photo ID and it gave office hours.  That's it.

I replied to the email and asked for more details such as what time do I need to be there?  Which to me if of the utmost important part of the whole experience.  What if I was coming from Nipawin?  What if I was coming from out of province?  I got the response below:

Did you see instructions?  Because I don't see instructions.

OK.  Fine.  Whatever.

We set off from Saskatoon to Regina.  I arrive at 6:30 and go directly to the Ticket Office (Hubby entered the stadium) where I was directed to the game experience desk.  There was a huddle of people - fans and volunteers.  The Volunteers smiled and said I'd have an amazing time.  I talk to the Desk Person and checks the list of people who have redeemed rewards and my name is not on the list.  Great.  Another Desk Person checks and there's an envelope there with my passes in them.  Great!  They add my name to the list, oh but first I and everyone in my party needs to sign a waiver.  Wha?  It's in case I get hurt or they want to use my image on the Maxtron.  Ok.  Weird but I sign the thing.  I mean I could get hurt at any point in the stadium just sitting in the stands couldn't I? NO ONE CHECKED ID NOR ASKED FOR MY TEAM CARD. Remember my Husband had already gone inside?  So they tell me to talk to the Volunteers inside and he can sign a waiver there.  They stamp my hand and I leave with my passes.

Good grief.

Inside Mosaic Stadium I hunt down my Husband and we go find the Volunteers to escort us down to the field.  They check my pass and check my stamped hand but I'm not on the list.... Then I mention (and I shouldn't have) that Hubby had not signed a waiver....  Mass confusion.  They didn't know what to do.  One person said go down.  Another said to wait and they'd ask another guy.  Finally the guy says screw it and let's us go down.

Now once safely in the end zone the experience was pretty cool.  Naaman Roosevelt came along slapping everyone's hands and I was amazed how sticky his gloves were.  I saw Manny Arceneaux greeting fans.  I saw Zach Evans with fans.  It was pretty need to stick my toes on Mosaic Stadium turf.  We took a ton of photos.  

We loved it.

The getting there not so much.

Will this prevent me from wanting to redeem rewards for other things?  No.  I expect better though.  The email wasn't straight forward.  The people in the office didn't know what was what.  The volunteers were confused.  This is the jewel of the CFL.  Everyone should know what's going on and be in control the whole time.

Then there was the game...

If you missed the game these were the highlights - Gainer's eyes returned to black, the St Louis Blues were there with the Stanley Cup, Tenille Arts sang a cool rendition of Oh Canada and our offensive star was the little girl in sparkly sneakers running out to retrieve the kick off tee.

Around the league attendance is down and on July 6th 29000 were in the seats.  It was a super late game and frankly, Rider Nation is tired of turning up.  We've typically been the fans who show up no matter what and what I'm seeing has nothing to do with ticket prices or game day experiences.  We are fed up with always being the ones who are the example and for what?  To get slaughtered 37-10 in our own house.  It's embarrassing.  It's shades of 2015.  

Let's hope we see a different organization when the Saskatchewan Roughriders host the BC Lions in Week 6.

Let Me Introduce Myself

You might be a long time reader of this blog or you might have just happened upon this site from a link from social media and I thank you regardless of how you found your way to ABC Football.  We are only a few days/hours/minutes away from the opening of the 2019 CFL season and I thought this was a good time for me to reacquaint myself after an interesting off season.

If you'd like the condensed version, I don't blame you at all, after all our attention is pulled in several different directions these days... then please click on my About Me tab.  You'll find all the necessary information there.  If you prefer the long winded version, then by all means stick with me. * smile *

This is not a blog post about how I became a Rider fan because I think I've already been there, done that, and bought all the Rider tee shirts. If you are interested, this is my Origin Story.

I grew up in Prince Albert and in 2001 moved to Saskatoon.  I took music lessons all of my teenage years and when I was 17 I began teaching piano lessons.  Music has always been a huge part of my life and livelihood.  Except for a 5 year hiatus when we moved, I've always been a teacher.  My interest in practice ebbs and flows but I strive to keep learning and being the best instructor and mentor I can be to all the students who cross my path.  I probably should have become a school teacher but...well, I didn't.

I thought I was going to be a writer.  I did a few years of Arts & Sciences...basically enough to know that I was neither good at learning in that forum and that the learning how had nothing to do with the act of actually doing it.  Now I know that I could have made different choices but things always have a way of working out and because of them I met my Husband who you may have seen me refer to as "Hubby". We celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary in December and the one thing we enjoy doing together is going to football games.

I've always been able to succeed at pretty much anything I've ever tried.  That's not me being egotistical.  It's the truth.  No one ever told me I couldn't do something.  I always felt that I was free to pursue my passions.  I play music, I bake, I travel, I draw, I snap photos.....

On a social media forum which has long become extinct I began blogging about every day life, my love of donuts and my teaching stories.  My readers ( a handful of friends ) became wildly aware around 2008-ish that a lot of my blogs were about football.  Some of those very early blogs can be found in the archives on this very page.  It became apparent that I could just write about sports and eventually my page got moved here to Blogger and eventually through a few name changes we arrive at what ABC Football is today.

This page will always be from the fans perspective and over time I think I've become more level headed and logical and less radical.  Yes, I know, crazy words from a Rider fan!   I try to not take football or myself too seriously and I think that's evident through my CFL Power Rankings.  I think we can look everywhere, especially in Saskatchewan, and be bombarded with Roughriders news from sports media people.  I try to not let what's going on around me influence my perspective.  Why try to fit in?  The Power Ranking can be found under the 2018 tab of this page or by clicking this LINK.  In 2019, my "grouping" will appear under the Blog heading and there will be a separate tab where I will post my Garfunkels...er, art.

Sometimes you have to excuse me.  I am the music teacher after all and that often takes precedent.  It also means you might be swamped with vague musical quotations from my current obsessions.  It might mean I don't get to write regularly because of my schedule.  I'm okay with it and I hope you are too.  I will always share my newest posts on my Twitter account, Instagram and the ABC Football Facebook page.  I firmly believe that while I am a Roughriders fan first and foremost, that is not all that I am.  I am diverse and sometimes complicated.  I can enjoy several things at the same time and remain smilingsandra or smilingriderfan or whoever I am :)

I am the administrator of ABC Rider Fans on Facebook.  The group doesn't have the big numbers that some Facebook groups do but the people who are on the page have fun.  It's not uncommon to go off topic or to joke around with each other.  We are friends.  If you've joined, you can expect Game Threads hosted by moderator John Strutt and we love it when everybody posts and shares.  You can expect CFL news while being Rider fans.  The rules are simple and easy to follow.  Search the group up and join in.

A question I get asked often is "why ABC?".  At the time, I wanted something that would come up on a Google or Facebook in an alphabetical type of search.  I also thought ABC could refer to the abc's of football and almost in a football 101 type of way.  Yes, it is also an acronym for Anyone But Calgary and that's a cool thing too but it does not mean the group/page is completely anti-Stampeders.  Not really anyway.

I am a Roughriders season ticket holder and this year will be in section 118.  I'm pretty excited to sit in a different part of the stadium.  I'm also pumped for the home opener on Canada Day.  Who doesn't love cheering on Canada's Team on the same day we get to celebrate our nation?!  If you see me, stop me and say hi!

I'd love to interact with you.  If there are blog topics you'd love to see me discuss then by all means let me know.  Thanks for reading and as always...

...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!

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!

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.

5 Things Every Roughrider Fan Should Know

Does the weather in Saskatchewan have you down?  I hear you.  I don't ever remember it being -43C ever before.  As I'm bundled in my warmest clothes and not wanting to crawl out from under the warm blankets in the morning I think back to the warm summer night games at Mosaic Stadium and also look forward to what the team will look like in 2019.  With CFL 2.0 put into action by Randy Ambrosie there might be an influx of new CFL fans wanting to know who they should pledge their allegiance to and if the Riders are their choice (and they should be) then this post includes everything that a first time Saskatchewan Roughrider fan should know.

5.  It's ROUGHRIDERS not Rough Riders.  One word.  Change your spell check and correct Siri.  At one time in the CFL, as odd as it was, there were two teams with the same name and the only difference besides location was the difference of one word or two.  The Ottawa Rough Riders were founded in 1876 and was one of the oldest teams in the league...that was until 1996 when the franchise fell on hard times.  Then along came the Ottawa Renegades but they ceased to exist in 2006.  Then in 2014 the Redblacks entered the CFL for the 3rd kick at the can.  Meanwhile, the only change for the Roughriders was a name change from being known as the Regina Roughriders to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and why not?  Rider Pride is province wide.  The community owned team, founded in 1910 has had hard times but due to fan support, a couple telethons and outside donations the organization made it through to become one of the most prosperous teams in the CFL.  We say Rider Pride is World Wide but that's only because of the plethora of any and all merchandise found everywhere on the globe.

4.  Who was Piffles Taylor?  Neil Joseph "Piffles" Taylor was a World War I pilot and also a football player.  He lost an eye when his plane was shot down and spent a year as a German prisoner of war.  Even though he was missing an eye he was able to quarterback the team to the Hugo Ross Trophy.  He was a player, a head coach and became a football executive in the west.  The then home of the Roughriders Park de Young/Park de Hughes was renamed in his honour Taylor Field.  It remained Taylor Field as a stadium was built which was much later named Mosaic Stadium and the street it was located on named Piffles Taylor Way in Regina, Saskatchewan.  When the new Mosaic Stadium was erected a block away, the old stadium was auctioned off, dismantled and toppled over.  There isn't any new development on the site yet and I bet it now looks much the same as it might have when Piffles himself played there.

3.  The duo of Ron Lancaster and George Reed is legendary.  Ron Lancaster was the starting quarterback for 16 seasons and led the Saskatchewan Roughriders to their first Grey Cup victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1966.  Because of his small stature he was nicknamed the "Little General" but nothing about him was little.  He led the team to 14 consecutive play off games and played in the Grey Cup 5 times.  He won 170 games with his only losing season his final with the Roughriders.  By his side, was running back George Reed.  He is known as the best running back in CFL history.  Mr. Reed played his entire 13 year career with the Roughriders.  Both of these outstanding men have their jersey's 23 and 34 retired and their statues can be seen outside new Mosaic Stadium.  While Ron Lancaster passed in 2008, George Reed still lives in Regina and visits Roughriders practices and has the best seat in the house for home games.

Screen grab after a re-creation of the 1989 kick during a game in the Farewell Season

2.  One of the Saskatchewan Roughriders biggest rivalries is with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  The Winnipeg Football Club hasn't won the Grey Cup since 1990 and it's fun to remind them about that.  They also like to remind us Rider fans that we've only won 4 times and while this is true they are 4 of the most epic wins in history...or at least I'd like to think so.  The first win as mentioned above was in 1966.  It was a game in which everyone thought Ottawa was going to win, so much so according to George Reed that all the championship regalia had to be moved from the Ottawa locker room into the Riders locker room.  The next Grey Cup championship didn't come until 1989 which many CFL fans tout as the best championship game of all time.  Everyone had counted out the Roughrider team.  We were the under dogs who won on the leg of a Robokicker aka Dave Ridgway.  The next game came in 2007 against those aforementioned Blue Bombers.  For all accounts, the Bombers should have won too if it weren't for their starting quarterback Kevin Glenn breaking his arm the week before.  The next Grey Cup win came in 2013 at home in front of Rider Nation at Taylor Field in a rematch of 1989 against the Henry Burris led Hamilton Tiger Cats.  They didn't stand a chance.  There was a lot on the line for Saskatchewan - redemption for the 13th man fiasco in 2009, the monkey on Darian Durant's back and just the pure pressure of getting the win at home.  You can kid us all you want about these 4 championships but it's the down time, the heart break and frigid temperatures that make Roughrider fans all the more passionate in Saskatchewan.  The Roughriders are bidding on the 2020 Grey Cup.  Can we do it again at our new home?

1.  Roughriders helmets are green and watermelons are green so why not wear a watermelon on my head?  If you have any doubts and have gotten to this point on the list and thought wha?  It's true.  Roughrider fans are known for wearing fruit on their noggin's.  I've not personally carved out a helmet, but word has it that you have to do it far in advance so that the rind dries out enough for you to wear it.  Otherwise you'll end up with a drippy sloppy mess on your head and I'm not sure that's the conditioning treatment your beauty regime really needs.  It's likely because of this that newer fans are opting out of this head gear.  You can bet that on special game days that anything and everything goes at a Rider game.  Star Wars fan?  Check out the crew at Piffles Podcast in their game day attire.  Are you more of a Saskatchewan Pirate?  We've got fans who dress as those too.  Everyone looks better in green and the more green the better.  A trip to the nearest Rider Store will have you decked out head to toe in everything from jerseys, pants, nail polish, and your green hearts deepest desire.  Don't forget, it's not just for game day either because Roughrider fans wear it everywhere.  It's worn at weddings, funerals, on vacation and at other sporting events.  There's one in every crowd and there's no other group of people I'd rather identify with.  Rider Nation are my people.  Why not make them yours too?