CFL Subscription Club

Imagine experiencing the same anticipation every month that you have when waiting for your season tickets to arrive.

I drink tea at least every evening.  Sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's iced.  I decided to treat myself last week and looked into what kind of subscription boxes are available for such a thing.  I've subscribed to Ipsy before so there surely must be something for a tea connoiseur.  I found a relatively inexpensive Canadian company called The Tea Club and for less than $10 a month I get samples right to my door.  I'm not trying to recruit you but if you want I do have a code which saves you some $$ if you sign up.

There's subscription boxes for all sorts of things.  You can watch hours upon hours of unboxing videos on YouTube.  There's a box out there for everyone.  There's one for the make up artists, book lovers, exercise people, candy and meat people...

What if there was one for the football fan.

What if as a CFL fan you could receive a specially curated of goodies from your favourite CFL team?  Imagine once a month receiving a box that included a player autograph, a CFL sponsor coupon, a pin, players favourite snack, a Charleston Hughes recipe, a small item from the team store, a post card... the list could go on.  You could get the Quarterback box which may include Spitz and Twix and coffee coupons. 

I'm just an ideas person.  I have no idea how to make this happen.  What I do know is that after putting this out on Twitter Sunday night A LOT of people said this would be cool and amazing and would be totally on board with signing up for something like this.

It has to be relatively affordable.  I know the subscriptions I've had have only been around $20 but I could see a CFL box being $30 with quality items. 

This would be a whole new way for the league to reach fans around the world.  It's marketing to people who possibly can't get out on game day and who maybe never will due to location.  It would create a buzz because "oh did you get this in your CFL loot crate?" No, what is that?  It's an exclusive club that a lot of people would want in to just to get the special items that you wouldn't be able to get otherwise.  Mail subscriptions are trendy and it could lure in some of the borderline aged fans.

This idea is a way for the CFL and it's players to reach out to fans when 2020 is so unpredictable.  We have no idea what's going to happen.  Will there be a season or not?  No one knows and everyone is frustrated and impatient over it all.

Of course there's no way to get this off the ground for 2020, I know that.  Like I said - I'm just the ideas person.  I'm sure someone out there might see this and think I'm on to something and hopefully they would know how to make it happen.

Just think.  What if your CFL box was due to arrive tomorrow.  Wouldn't that be amazing?!

Everything's Changed

This last weekend should have been Green & White Fan Day in Saskatoon.  CFL Training Camps should have gotten underway across Canada.  We should have daily updates and giddy anticipation for the upcoming season and games.

Except that's not the case is it.

I started working from home on March 17th.  I had no idea how to teach piano lessons via Skype.  In the course of 24 hours the music academy moved nearly 600 students to virtual music lessons.  I quickly learned how to deal with it all.  It seems that in the "new" world we are forced to adapt and adapt quickly to be able to continue in our work and businesses.

How does the CFL adapt?

Everything has been in a holding pattern.  So much is up in the air.  There's no way to know what's going to happen.  At first it seemed like the CFL was just going to wait and see what was going to happen.  Then it became clear that camps couldn't open because not only are we not able to gather in large numbers but with the Canada/US border closed to travel, players are wherever they call home.  Being stuck at home certainly isn't hard but it is frustrating when you thought you were on a certain path and want to get your plans underway.

Normally this week is my busiest week as a piano teacher.  It would normally be our huge music festival.  I equate it to the Grey Cup of music festivals.  Everything my students have worked for the last 5 months would pay off during this week.  Except it's been postponed.  Likewise, we found out last week that the CFL season is also postponed and *if* things play out the way we want the best case scenario is the season gets under way at Labour Day.  Don't we always say the real season begins on Labour Day anyway?!  Because of this, the season may only be 8 games long and there's the likelihood that the Grey Cup will be pushed back to December.  

Oh and Regina/Saskatchewan was supposed to host the 2020 Grey Cup.  That's been cancelled too.  It's been written that Roughrider fans aren't upset.  What choice do we really have?  I myself have high anxiety about just getting prepared to go grocery shopping.  I find it very hard to picture myself with 30,000 people in a few short months.  The protocols that would have to be in place are mind boggling.  I mean wearing masks are one thing but how do we physically distance?  How do we have handwashing?  Do we market Rider hand sanitizer next?  If it takes waiting in line at the Co-Op for 15 minutes to get inside...what does it look like for people to gain entry to a football stadium?

Then again maybe in a year all of this is just a faint memory.  Maybe we will laugh about it like Y2K.

Yes, I know that's doubtful.

The trouble is that while being a CFL fan is what unites us, we also have to face facts that this is about much more than football.  It's about players, coaching staffs, their families, the people who work concessions, the people who work security, the volunteers, tourism, restaurants, hotels... I could go on and on. It's a tough concept to think about.  A CFL season or no CFL season - the effects are felt far beyond the game day.  We just don't know enough at this point.  We don't know enough to decide whether we can even have a season or even if the league can survive 2020.  What we do know is that after the Spanish Flu ran it's course, life did resume.  I stay hopeful that the same will be said when 2020 is all said and done.

Some great things have emerged to help us during this time.  If you are on Twitter then you definitely need to follow Dan Clark.  Everyday or regularly he posts a "would you rather" and it's nearly mandatory that you respond with gifs.  Charleston Hughes is either building flower beds or meals.  The pictures are phenomenal. The Rod Pedersen show has been ticking along happily all during this time on Facebook Live.  Today he had on Randy Ambrosie and it was a great interview!  The CFL has from time to time posted and encouraged fans to show their loyalty via photos using the hashtage #HowICFL.  If Twitter isn't your thing then try following your favourite players on Instagram.  I love to see Cody Fajardo's posts and his cute doggie.  Love seeing who Isaac Harker is throwing footballs at next (spoiler it's usually his brother).  Facebook might be more your thing and you know that even though the news is few and far between fan groups like mine (ABC Rider Fans) are still active.  Not all the posts are football related anymore but it does certainly give us that sense of being together in the same community while being apart.

Thank you for the friendships running this blog has afforded me.  Thank you for all the social media interactions.  I hope to see you all again soon.

Go Riders.

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!

Forever in Rider Nation

I was happily strolling the isles of Costco Saturday and completely oblivious to the Roughrider roster releases.  That was until I returned home and saw the post on the ABC Rider Fan Facebook page. 

What the.....

Rob Bagg?  Bakari Grant?  Chad Owens too?

Man, cut down day SUCKS!

It doesn't matter how much a fan prepares or rationalizes the changes to their beloved football team - these changes shock you.  Sure, the Riders *had* to cut players to get down to the regulation 46 man roster and the Riders brass have far more expertise as my own and far more tools in hand to make these decisions than I do and for that I am thankful because it has to be the hardest job in sports.  I cannot imagine how hard it must have been to tell Rob Bagg he was no longer a Roughrider - the only CFL team he'd ever played with in his career.  The same goes for Chad Owens whose off season training had been featured on The Grind.  Bakari Grant may be the hardest one to swallow since he was coming off a 1000 yard year.

We love these guys.  We feel like we have a relationship with them.  They play for our favourite team and they've entertained us.  So why can't we be happy for them?  Be happy and celebrate that they were on OUR team in the first place instead of relishing in their demise.

Thank you for one of the Most fun years of football Rider Nation! Every good thing must come to an end... ~ Bakari Grant

THANK YOU RIDER NATION. ~ Rob Bagg

Last week at Green and White Day I am ashamed to admit when Chad Owens came over to sign my BEL13VE tee shirt I felt a bit weak in the knees.  He looked me in the eyes and smiled.  Maybe he recognized me from one of the other 2 times I'd been lucky enough to meet him.  Aren't we blessed as CFL fans to be able to meet these athletic idols! 

Some other tidbits from Green and White Day.  It was pretty hysterical when Charleston Hughes set down his helmet to sign autographs and Caleb Holley thinking it was a fans signed it.  That still makes me chuckle.  The more I see of Charleston Hughes the more I am appreciating that he came to be on the Green and White this year.  He told me he's looking forward to sacking Bo Levi and I told him to hit him hard.  He quipped "I might even take a fine." 

As most of the players met with fans they asked how we are and said thanks for coming out.  When Ed Gainey came to me along the fence line of SMF Field I said "So you're going to get 10 interceptions this year?"  "No", he stated. "Sixteen".  I LOVE IT!

So we get to have all these amazing experiences with these CFL players and it totally and completely endears us to them.  Does that relationship mean they should get to play forever?  

“We certainly are appreciative of all the people who watch our games,” Jones said. “You have to have fans in order to have a league. At the same time, you have to be willing to make hard decisions. If you start letting the media or somebody else’s opinion on the decision that you made affect you, you end up being weak.” ~ Chris Jones

In an interview with the Leader-posts Murray McCormick Rob Bagg talked about an ankle injury he had at Training Camp in Saskatoon and he decided to continue on instead of resting up.  He said that probably wasn't a smart thing to do.  We only do what we think is best at the time, right?  I'm in no way saying his career was over but sometimes these decisions of when not to play have to come from other people.  Is Chris Jones at fault for having a role in which he's paid to put a viable team on the field in order to try to win the fans a championship?   

Some people (when scrolling through the Twitter pages) appear to be fans of the players and seem to prefer their favourite players be kept over the betterment of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  I just fail to understand that mentality and I feel like I've been preaching this same story since 2015/16.  When Chris Jones arrived in Riderville he cut an enormous amount of players and while some did go on to be signed with other teams many did not and when you look around the league the ONLY player still on a roster is Weston Dressler who has also spent every season banged up.  There is a time to move on and if you don't evolve and continue to want to improve you will end up being weak and you will not win and there will not be any championship dreams.

The 2017 Roughriders football season ended in the East Division final losing to the team, the Toronto Argonauts, who would go on to win the Grey Cup.  For some that still equals no wins so what difference does it make.  Well for this fan it makes a world of difference to play into the post season or miss it completely.  It's the difference of a 3-15 season or 10-8 with Eastern Semi-final and Eastern Final games.  Of course I want to win it all!  But, I can also see that we aka The Riders, always need to be adding faster talent and often that means younger talent and that also means bidding some of our favourites adieu.  While our team is doing this, every CFL team is doing it and the Riders have to keep up or surpass with what is going on around the league.

I am a fan of the team with the name across the front of the jersey...not the back.  It's not about individuals.  It's about a team and putting the BEST team on field for 2018.

I wish all the players leaving their respective teams well.  To Chad Owens, Bakari Grant and especially Rob Bagg, we will not forget what you've sacrificed for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  Even though you won't be on the field for us any longer - you will be forever in our hearts and an integral part of Rider Nation.

 

 

Making the Grade

If you know me, you'll know I'm really stressed this week because in real life I'm a piano teacher and it's our music school's major music festival this week. I've found myself struggling with how to justify the senior classes adjudication. At one point the adjudicator said that the students themselves know how they did and it doesn't really matter what place or mark he gives them.  If only that medal didn't mean anything.  That single performance doesn't show all the hard work, learning and practice that goes into that 4 minute performance and single judgment. I wish everyone could see how students persevere, how they overcome fear, how far they've come since they started learning their pieces in January.  Then it dawned on me, perhaps grading your football team is similar.  How do you figure out which players deserve a roster spot? How do you figure out who gets sent home? It's a quandary...and they're all working towards the biggest medal of all - The Grey Cup.

One thing that came out of Sunday's preseason game between the Riders and Eskimos was that it seemed the fans looked at these two teams very differently.  Most Roughrider fans looked to evaluate the players.  We wanted to see how certain players in certain positions reacted and played in a real time game situation. Because of this there was a long long list of starters who stayed back in Saskatoon.  The Edmonton Eskimos played many starters which made sense since their game was at home and didn't have to transport a plane load of players to another city.  Eskimo fans were quick to rub it in Rider fans faces that they won.  Rider fans were quick to point out it was a meaningless game.  Why do fans put so much stock into winning in preseason?  In recent years, 2013 for example, the Saskatchewan Roughriders lost one game and won the other preseason game. Did this predict how the regular season would finish or the play off run ending in a Grey Cup Championship? The Eskimos in that same year finished the preseason with that same record.  

Marquise Williams was brought in last season and there was plenty of hype surrounding his arrival. All it took the phrase "he broke Darian Durant's records in college" and we were all hooked not really knowing anything else about him. In Sunday's preseason game Williams had all the same body language too.  It would be sooooo easy for Ridernation to fall in love with him - that is, if he wasn't running around, not seeing the field and pretty much failing in all facets.  It was pretty disappointing considering he's had that year of being on the practice roster under his belt. He should have shown the most poise after a year, not the least. It must be hard to end your career in this way. You've played football most of your life and after a quarter of football you're done. 

Very thankfully teaching piano lessons and helping to mould young pianists is not the same as crafting the next batch of football players.  Music is and can be a life long interest.  For a very select few retirement from the CFL game doesn't necessarily mean the end of their career and it could just be a launching point into another phase of their football life.  For example Darian Durant announced his retirement one day and a short time later CKRM announced he would be joining the Rider Radio pregame broadcast with a segment called Doubles Take.  How cool is that?!  I'm sure DD has a wealth of knowledge to share with us.  There is a similar story for the newly retired Nik Lewis who has made his home in Regina for some time now.  Nik not only got to be in Roughrider camp as a guest coach but he as well will have a segment on the Rider Radio pregame show.  I will look forward to all their insights.

Camp opened on May 20th and while I did attend on the holiday Monday I haven't been able to get out there otherwise.  What I did notice is there is a big void of CFL media while all the regulars are there, the media circus has found a home in Hamilton instead following Johnny Manziel.  Last year that was the Roughrider story with Vince Young being in camp and well, this year, things in Rider camp are relatively quiet.  There has been so much discussion about Johnny Football coming to the CFL for what feels like EVER.  Other American players come to the CFL thinking they're going to blow up the league and often usually end up slinking away.  The CFL is not a joke.  You have to be athletic to play the CFL.  No one takes a down off.  If Manziel is indeed serious and he works hard then he might have a chance.  Good luck to him and the Hamilton Tiger Cats...just not too much *wink*  

The Riders time in Saskatoon is soon coming to an end and I know I've been waiting for Josiah St John to step up.  It was so disappointing for him to come up injured at the start of camp but even more so to see him leave Thursday's practice "injured" on a mental practice day.  From my understanding the day was much like a walk through.  I think this is a situation to keep an eye on.  Pulling from my teaching experience, when a student doesn't seem to show motivation or drive during lessons or practice then the rest of the situation doesn't work out very successfully.  Of course I don't know the man, but it sure doesn't bode well to me when he held out of his first CFL camp for contract negotiations and then really doesn't show up at his next camp.  In 2017 he only dressed for one game and was a scratch for most of the season.  This was very much a make or break season for St John and I'm sad that once again our draft pick seems to not pan out. How are we to know? We simply can't know.  We will all continue to watch what happens and assess the situation.

Tomorrow is the yearly Green and White day at SMF.  The forecast is for rain.  In 2013 I dragged my husband to Griffiths Stadium for Green and White day because I was hell bent on meeting all these guys who were brought in to stack our team.  I didn't get to meet Geroy Simon.  We did have to stand in the rain for what must have been an hour in the rain.  I recall the day following the 2013 Grey Cup win my husband said "remember standing in the rain at Green and White day?  Was it worth it?"  OMG A THOUSAND YESES IT WAS WORTH IT!!!  You may also know that there is no fan base as superstitious as Rider Nation.  If that experience in 2013 means anything - then I predict we are in for one heck of a ride in 2018.

It was brought to my attention that at this time of year many CFL fans are restocking their closets with gear and I was also reminded of my blog criticizing the sizing of CFL merchandise.  While I did get a response nothing has been addressed.  There is a new line of clothing in my Rider Store which I did check out.  In the email I received advertising it the clothing was touted as being comfortable and a new fabric.  This did appear true and the sizing went to a 3X in ladies however, it was still not the standard size.  I don't want to discourage anyone from supporting their team BUT I did also recently purchase a very comfortable tee shirt from Giant Tiger for $15.  I personally refuse to be uncomfortable in over priced clothing.  Once this is changed I will once again support the Riders and CFL by purchasing their clothing.  In the meantime, it's all about the accessories!

I wish that I could end this blog with saying I'll see you at the game when in fact I cannot say that.  The same responsibilities that have kept me from Training Camp will also keep me from the home preseason Rider game against the Calgary Stampeders as well as the Home Opener.  Who thought the home opener on a Friday night in June was a good idea?  I mean we have the largest travelling fan base in the nation and a 7:30 start on a Friday is less than ideal.  I will be teaching my piano students and wishing I was there.  My tickets are for sale through the Rider Ticket Exchange if you are wanting some great seats.  The end zone is one of the most fun places to be for a Rider Game.

Instead.  I will leave you with this MAJOR announcement.  I have created a fan page on Facebook.  It's for readers of this blog, Twitter followers, friends, family to go to discuss CFL news and while it will obviously be Rider fan friendly all other fans are also welcome.  Join the discussion at ABC Rider Fan page.  Just search for it and wait for approval.  I look forward to sharing even more content with all of you!  Even you Bomber fans *smile*

Happy June.  Happy CFL season 2018!

TGDC

T. G. D. C.

Thank Goodness for Duron Carter.

Besides my own vacation to the Big Apple over Easter little has happened in the CFL. Every team has had their mini camps and we are awaiting the CFL draft on Thursday but really most of us fans are just sitting here waiting for any shred of news that will raise our excitement for the upcoming season.  So when Duron Carter tweeted out that the Riders should change the entrance song of the team for game day because Bring Em Out is corny, well of course we jumped all over it.  The debate has broken up the doldrums and thank goodness for that!  We know that nothing is sought after more than tidbits from Duron Carter.  Some CFL writers thrive on his every word.  Life.

April was such a sad month.  I returned from New York City the week following the horrible and tragic Humboldt Bronco's bus crash.  I started two separate blogs to convey my emotions but just couldn't get the wording correct. How do you write about something that devastated so many families?  It's pretty tough but nothing compared to what the survivors of the crash are enduring.  I didn't know anyone involved but as so many have done throughout Canada and the world - we came together and we grieved. 

The snow melted, the winter boots got put away and now we wait. Roughriders Training Camp opens in Saskatoon May 20th. Can we survive until then?  For myself, it's the one thing that gets me through winter.  I've always thought the Saskatchewan Roughriders holding camp in Saskatoon did several things.  It makes the team more accessible to those outside Regina.  Fans get to gather and see the prospects for the upcoming season.  We share our bicycles with players, get their autographs and learn just who they are. It's special for those of us outside Regina. While it does that for the community it also helps to bring the team together.  They stay in dorms and are forced to become a unit.  No one has to worry about finding temporary housing and connections are better through the Saskatoon Airport than Regina so players can arrive and leave with less hassle. We are so fortunate to have a facility in the city of Saskatoon to host the Roughriders and their coaching staff.  I can hardly wait!

The parking at the U of S last year was a challenge as security was out in full force to make sure fans paid for parking instead of leaving their vehicles at the Field House. That was pretty disappointing. What is even more disappointing is the decision for Normanview Crossing Mall in Regina to complain about being a Rider Fan Express pick up location and back out of it this year.  What I gather is tenants complain that due to all the vehicles left for the Rider games there's no parking for actual shoppers.  While that does make a bit of sense I also find it hard to believe it makes that much impact with majority of games happening later in the day and on weekends.  I've heard some patrons are going to boycott that shopping mall.  Which impact will be more detrimental?  If it were me I'd market the heck out of being a bus pick up location. I'd have game day deals in my eateries and make everyone feel welcome. It's always much better to warm the hearts than harden them.  Since I drive in from Saskatoon our bus stop is Northgate...along with 1000's of other people coming from the same direction. Pick up doesn't seem to be an issue but when the game is over the exit sure is a headache.  The city has given more funding for this service and I hope it works much more smoothly for 2018.

Rider Great Donald Narcisse announced that he's moving back home. We have been so blessed to have Don in our midst.  After being inducted into the Plaza of Honour a few years ago he moved his family to Regina.  He held youth football camps and has been a terrific ambassador for the Roughriders. I wish Don all the happiness in the world in his new journey but we will surely miss him.

Last weekend I was shopping at Giant Tiger.  In the men's section they had Roughrider tee shirts in two style for $15.  I purchased an XXL and it fits very nicely!  I know that when we don't buy from a Rider Store the proceeds are distributed throughout the CFL but since I haven't seen anything in the way of sizing reform I will spend my dollars where I can find comfortable merchandise.  Just today I noticed on the Torrid website that they are also carrying MLB teams.  Some leagues seem to be getting the message.

Before my trip to New York I was making sure to get in 30 minutes of exercise a day.  Many people are posting on social media and joining in to #TheCFLGrind.  It is so encouraging to have so many people getting active and motivating and supporting each other.  It's not necessarily about losing weight but about being healthy, having a good attitude and being in tune with you body.  Brodie Lawson started the initiative last fall with the Fit Up For Grey Cup and now this spring has fans all over working out.  What a fantastic roll model!  

CFL news will now be ramping up and we won't need anyone creating news stories for us anymore.  In the meantime, it sure is fun to talk sports and discuss our thoughts of the rituals of game day.  Imagine if you'd never been to a Rider game before.  Imagine if you are planning your first trip in 2018.  What will you look forward to the most?  For me it's the adrenaline - seeing the ball in the air and leaping to my feet as it's caught by any one of our amazing receivers...it's hearing Green Is the Colour as Gainer gets driven around the field...and yes, it's even the crescendo of Bring Em Out as I see the Riders in the tunnel from my seats in 126.  It's been an interesting off season but, man, am I ready for some football!  Is it May Yet?  Heck yeah it is!

Harps & Angels

Saturday June 10th was the first ever CFL Preseason game held at new Mosaic Stadium.  Hubby and I left Saskatoon and arrived in Regina at 5:30.  We stuck to our normal game day routine of eating at either A&W or Wendy's...choosing Wendy's this time...and heading to Northgate Mall to catch the Football Express to the game an hour before game time.


We anticipated more people taking the bus shuttles for two reasons: they are now free and there are next to no public parking spots at the new stadium.  As new season ticket holders we received an email informing us that limited parking spots were available for the season for $300 and were first come first serve.  They sold out quickly, but we decided for the traffic hassle and money we were better off to stick with the Football Express.


We arrived at Northgate Mall at 6pm to a very busy parking lot.  I pitty the people who were just trying to go to Lowe's to pick up a few things because the parking was full of Rider fans.  We had to park near the bank, walk through a maze of cars and people and waited in line down the first isle of vehicles.  We didn't have to wait in line for long as the buses were coming frequently.  I thought back to 2013 and how we stood in line at Southland Mall to get to the Paul McCartney concert.  This was a far better experience bus wise, yet the excitement and butterflies were still certainly there.  I call those "yay it's football season" feelings.


The bus stopped right at the main entrance of Mosaic Stadium and directly in front of the fancy new Rider Store and Office.  Our gate was Number 2 which was directly to the right.  Going through security was quick and easy.  We walked on to the concourse to see the field open up before our eyes.  We stood against the railing...


...and I swear I heard the plucking of harps and angels singing.


I have never seen anything so amazing before in my life.  Okay, well I've seen Niagara Falls and that's pretty impressive too but this football stadium...Mosaic Stadium...it sparkled and twinkled in anticipation.  It's been there waiting for us to give it personality and here we were to open it up for the first time.  My eyes may have leaked a little.  I thought about last year how the confetti canon went off at Taylor Field plunging everything into darkness and how over yonder Mosaic Stadium was all lit up in it's glory.  I also noted that in the Fan Code of Conduct confetti canons are now banned.

We strolled around the concourse noting the locations of restrooms and concessions.  Hubby went to the upper level and much to his delight found the seats of Roughrider legendary running back George Reed and his wife.  I'm sure he probably got first pick of best seat in the house, however I expect every seat in this house is a good one.  Gone are the days of lugging in seat cushions for the metal planks or wooden bleachers.  Gone are the giant concrete steps of the East Side.  Instead, there are spacious seats complete with cup holders and enough room for spectators to come and go without spilling their wares on you.

We found our way to our seats in end zone section 126 easily although we had two separate couples try to convince us we were in their seats when they were meant for section 127.  I just sat in full awe watching players warm up and stretch but looking around at the wide open space. "It's really real." I kept telling myself.

It's real and it's spectacular.


Just to the right is the Riders tunnel.  I had no idea when I chose our season ticket seats.  We could see them standing and waiting. It wasn't the full on Bring 'Em Out but it was still pretty amazing to see it up close.  I loved how Willie Jefferson came "flying" out with his arms outstretched.  "This is all for us" I thought, "We built this."

It was very disappointing that fans decided to leave early.  The couple beside us said "We've seen how this ends before." as they passed by.  We stayed.  The game ended in a 25-25 tie against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after rookie QB Marquise Williams got us the yards needed for Quinn Van Gylswyk to kick the field goal for the tie.  I laughed as the kids behind us shouted "Go Home!"  We start them young around here.  Since there is no over time in preseason the game was over.  Riders still undefeated at Mosaic Stadium!


It was quick to exit the stadium and we chose to go through Gate 3 to our bus.  We did have to wait in line for a time but it wasn't bad.  We chatted with a few others during that time.  Some people came from Winnipeg for the preseason game.  One fellow was wearing a Bomber jersey and a Rider hat.


The Football Express rolled slowly passed old Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium.  I had a quiet feeling of sadness as it stood completely empty and deserted.  It too had been a place of sparkle and glory only 4 years ago in the 2013 Grey Cup.  It felt like we should be quiet and give it a moment of silence out of respect but that didn't happen. 


The Beast on Piffles will always hold great memories but we have a new home and new memories will be made.  It's where we can cheer, laugh at Gainer, do the wave and enjoy the game of CFL football together as one big family.  Canada Day is the official home opener when Canada's Team...our Saskatchewan Roughriders...will take to the field and christen Mosaic Stadium properly.  I'll be there to celebrate Canada's 150th.  It's going to be a party.  I hope to see you there. 

All Heart - All In

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Go Riders Go!

Puke, Confetti & Smith

What a beautiful day in Saskatoon. My window is open with the sounds of chirping birds outside and the Rouge White & Blue podcast piping through my wireless speaker. It's Monday, the first day of summer and ten days until the Roughriders season opener at Old Mosaic Stadium.

Let's recap. In the last seventeen days, Chris Jones has wanted to puke, we've endured the confetti canon power outage and we've released Brett Smith.

GASP!

Chris Jones is nauseous after every loss, he says, and admitted in every media scrum that there's lot's of work to be done. I believe him. I think we have the talent but remember the majority of the players are new to the Roughriders so have all new schemes and plays to learn. Is 17 days long enough to learn brand new material? To put this in perspective, it takes every beginner piano student 8 weeks to play Hot Cross Buns well. EIGHT weeks. As fans we want them to stun everyone out of the gate when I really think we have to be patient, however, Riders fans are not known for their patience. This team is going to win...eventually...and I suspect the fan base is going to lose a few to panic attacks of their own because of a slower start but I predict by Labour Day this Rider team will be rolling. Isn't it better to be a strong team at the end of the season? It's not how you start – it's how you finish.

TSN and the CFL were brought to a grinding halt over a confetti canon.

~ face-palm ~

A confetti canon is a little hand held tube which can be bought at discount stores like Giant Tiger. Seriously. This little devil was shot at various power lines, transformers and such around the Old Mosaic Stadium area sending the stadium into darkness at half time while longing eyes gazed over to New Mosaic Stadium lit up in all it's glory mocking with it's generators. We can't get over there soon enough and yet what a way to start the farewell season than with an epic blackout. It's hysterical and amazing at the same time.

To contrast, the Roughriders second preseason bout was in Edmonton against the Eskimo's. This game was not broadcast on TSN nor did the “schmoes” allow anyone to stream the game stating it would detract from ticket sales. So those of us in Saskie had to rely on good old fashioned radio like the game blackout days of the 1980's OR you could have watched the periscope of an Eskie fan via Twitter. C'mon TSN! This is the best you can do? No wonder the CFL has such a hard time being taken seriously. The story line was a huge one with Chris Jones returning to his spurned ex team for the first time, the Roughriders with the biggest fan base in the country and the Eskies being defending Grey Cup Champions. Apparently 5 TSN channels of golf is more important.

- eye-roll -

Nope. We didn't “see” a thing.

Hard to justify the player cuts which were submitted to the league office 10am Sunday morning and not made public until approx 12:15pm and 10,000 screen refreshes. Terrance Cobb, Qudarius Ford and Clarence Denmark were released but what has everyone churned up was the release of the 2015 backup QB Brett Smith. In the training camp situation I honestly couldn't tell him apart from any of the other quarterbacks with the exception of Darian Durant. I thought when I saw Smith in the Green White scrimmage that he still had the happy feet and was too eager to run and I still thought that when he was in the first preseason game. Sure, having escape-ability is one thing but after lot's of intense thought of the situation I've formed a few thoughts:

• When your QB is indecisive your offense doesn't know what you're doing and this often results in missed opportunities and holding penalties.
• The game was not slowing down. He was having issues seeing the field and going through his reads.
• Smith's instinct was to use his legs. Did our porous O line in 2015 wreck his development?
• Smith was spirited. He wasn't executing the play. He defied coaches and took selfish penalties. There is no “I” in team.

Don't get me wrong because I completely still think Smith has potential and maybe he'll have the opportunity with another team...it just won't be the Roughriders in 2016.

Now we wait for Chris Jones and crew to bring in a third Quarterback. They've got 10 days to make changes and get ready for the home opener against the Toronto Argonauts on June 30^th under the lights at Old Mosaic Stadium. In the meantime, the Riders have a week one bye which gives Rider Nation just enough time to invest in enough Pepto-Bismol to settle our stomachs. Buckle yourselves in to the bandwagon, folks, we are in for a heck of a roller coaster ride.

Throw Like a Girl

I've spent many summer vacations at Waskasiu Lake. There's lot's of fond memories of the beach, campfires and strolls to the Big Olaf for ice cream. One that stands out is a time at the beach with my sister in law and we were attempting to toss the football around. “You really can't throw.” She said. Sadly it's true. I have less than zero skills when it comes to me participating in the actual performance of sports.

I throw like a girl.

I like to think that what I lack in coordination I make for with enthusiasm.

Football and probably all sports have a dominant male fan base. Most marketing, talk shows, podcasts etc are aimed towards the male fan. Even though the Saskatchewan Roughriders were always in the background of my life, it wasn't really until my husband started watching and following them more that I decided that if I wanted to spend time with him I better watch too. Who'd have thunk it that I'd become the bigger fan? Truly not me.

It started with asking questions. I began to know players names. I formed opinions. I learned the rules. Next thing you know, I'm standing in lineups waiting to meet Rider players. I wear mostly green from July to November. I paint my nails green and wear watermelon earrings. I found a group of people who love the game as much as I do and are willing to talk about it 24/7. Rider Nation. My people. Hubby's ex coworker has said “you are the luckiest man on earth.” in response to finding out about my rabid fan status.

Capture of Riders Live! Doubles looking trimmed down.

It's not about the tight pants for me as it might be for some fans. I'll admit that when that photo circulated of the mostly nude Rider player in the locker room ( who was that again? ) that it garnered some fun comments. I am not the girl swooning at the biceps of Rob Bagg although Ricky Foley has been known to make me weak in the knees for a fleeting moment. I am the girl who pays attention to the play, jumps up and down celebrating touchdowns and knows what a flea flicker is and I'm also the one who spends the most dollars at the Rider Store.

TSN holds the rights to broadcast all the CFL games. Jennifer Hedger is a host and if you didn't hear what she said I'll tell you now.

“Toronto hasn't won a championship in pro sport since 1993.”

Now even as a purely only Riders fan I went....wait, huh? I mentally counted back. Riders won in 2013 at home....Argo's won in 2012 at home.... Okay. So the Toronto Argonauts aren't a professional sports team. Huh. Go figure.

But I digress, a long time ago I noticed the obvious missing gender from programs I watch and listen too. Women have had guest spots on some of the programs but rarely do women get the chance to announce games, interview players or provide commentary. Last year, Jeanine ( @OttawaJay ) was on a podcast and I applauded her. Now she's a regular contributor to @bleedredblacks podcast. This season Arielle Zerr ( @arielle_zerr ) is a reporter/producer for CJME/CKOM and @HomeoftheFans. She's been faithfully covering and reporting on Riders Training Camp in Saskatoon at Griffith Stadium. 

Hurray! 

So we've made a few advancements. Still here is TSN touting their female broadcasters as “not only beautiful but they know their stuff.”

Sigh.

Here is a link to the beautiful women of TSN who I'm sure have brains too ---> The Lovely Ladies of TSN

And you know what? That attitude sucks. It just sucks for women.

Tina Fey from the movie Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

I started writing this blog for a few reasons. Firstly, I needed a place to vent and tell my point of view in what couldn't be said in 140 characters. Secondly, I don't want to be just a “pretty” face. I wanted to be the woman who wrote about sports and knew her stuff and didn't embarrass all the other serious fans in the process. I strive to do the research and get the facts correct. No one pays me. I write when the spirit moves me. I haven't done it for 'likes' or highest number of views but I always appreciate those who engage me ( @smilingsandra ).

All I can do is draw attention to the situation. Knowing is one thing while working towards changing the culture is another. Do your part. We can do better. Don't make it about the tight ends. Don't be such a girl.

The annual Roughriders Green & White Fan day is tomorrow June 4th from 2 - 9pm at SMF Field which is BEAUTIFUL.  At 8pm at the same venue the Saskatoon Valkeryies are holding an event.  It'll be a great day to celebrate football for both men and women.

Open Season

Three more sleeps.

Tree.  If you're Andre Proulx.

Once again we made it through the off season.  We made it through training camp.  We made it through the cuts and we made it through pre-season.

How did your team fare?

Pretty much everyone I know was shocked when Paul Waldu was one of the people released from the Roughriders.  I know defensive back is an important position but it's just not something I pay lot's of attention to.  I've heard that it's not because Paul was under performing but he just wasn't showing anything different.  It's hard to say.  I wonder if the change in the rules made it tough for him to adapt this year.  I also wonder if he'll take the Tristan Jackson route and this release will make him hungrier to compete.

Alex Peirchalski.  He was one guy who I thought was assured a spot on the roster.  I saw him out perform Chris Getzlaf.  I really thought it might be Getzlaf who was in jeopardy.  I think there were a few things that weighed into this decision.  It may not have been that Alex wasn't "good enough" for the Riders, but if you give him the spot...who goes?  I hypothesized Getzlaf's release or trade.  Yet I cannot debate the veteran presence and chemistry there is between him and Darian Durant.  There is a bigger risk if you go with youth and it doesn't work out.  Even I have to face it.....if we want the cup - and we always want the cup - then we have to go with Getz.  Unfortunately, a practice roster spot wasn't what AP was willing to do so the REDBLACKS snapped him up.  Hopefully, that choice doesn't come back to bite us in the butt.

The first day of training camp at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon I witness Ray Early kick a boomer that made my jaw drop to the concrete.  One of the players we missed the most last year was Ricky Schmidt.  There were many instances when poor punts resulted in poor field advantage and determined plays.  The Riders desperately needed someone dependable who can flip the field.  They needed someone who was consistent and dependable AND someone who could kick a field goal when Milo was having a rough game.  So it was no surprise to me when Hugh "the beard" O'Neal was let go.  *shudders* Ick.  I will never understand the appeal.

My Saskatchewan Roughriders.....Canada's Team.....went 0 - 2 in the preseason.  I'm okay with that.  It's preseason.  Preseason doesn't determine how the regular 18 game schedule will work out.  Sure coaches want to win every game and so do players, but the reason for these games is to figure out who rises to the game occasion.  Some guys suck.  Some guys are amazing.  Plus I don't think you want to risk injury for an exhibition game.

This brings us to Saturday and the home opener in Regina against the Blue Bombers.  I cannot tell you enough how it makes my stomach turn that my very own husband thinks Drew Willy is the second coming of Ricky Ray.  What I can tell you is that when you meet the same team three (tree) times in a season and you share the same division every game is a must win.  Our Roughriders absolutely MUST win every game at Taylor Field.....Our House.

I'll be there to find out what happens from my new seat in the end zone.  It's going to be a gorgeous evening with a temperature forecast of 31 degrees.  Remember to stay hydrated and wear the sunscreen!