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!

Looking Back ~ Looking Forward

~ sigh ~

There's no better therapy for escaping the stresses of renovation than a trip to a football game. No electrical issues to worry about. No waiting for paint to dry so walls can be painted again. No crazy contractor to deal with. Yup, there is not a thing I'd rather do than hop in the Sandra-mobile and head to a game at Old Mosaic Stadium on Taylor Field. This is exactly what the Hubster and I did last Saturday in wild anticipation of an old fashioned Lion taming.

Waaaaaalllllyyyyyyy

Okay, so maybe no Lions were tamed as the final score was (gulp) 40 – 27 in their favour. Without going over the minute details of the game because they've all been hashed to death by now, including how Brooks maimed our franchise Quarterback. THANK GOODNESS, it wasn't a serious injury. Darian Durant is a total beast and competitor which is apparent since he not only remained on the field to throw a touchdown pass after the injury but also has been in practice since as well. There is only one other Roughrider legend who has been known to be as Saskie tough.

George Reed.

I had the pleasure of meeting George Reed when the CFL was celebrating it's 100^th anniversary by having a train visit several cities and Saskatoon happened to be one of the stops. I waited in line for what seemed like forever but it was completely worth it by the time I made it to the autograph table. He was immensely gracious and I was in complete awe.

I was equally in awe on Saturday in my section 43 seat on the West side when the 1966 Grey Cup winning Roughriders entered the stadium right beside us and marched the Grey Cup by. WOW. What a different time. Everyone stood and applauded in our section. I've never seen anything more beautiful than the Grey Cup with July sunshine glinting off of it.

1966 Grey Cup winning Roughriders

At halftime, highlights of the 1966 Grey Cup were broadcast on the Sasktel Maxtron. Then each player was introduced. Some are not with us anymore and some simply were not able to make the trip. I watched as two RCMP marched out and a stunning red mustang convertible drove to midfield containing the cup and I have to admit my eyes started to well up as we also learned the car contained Lana Mueller, daughter of Ron Lancaster, sporting a #23 jersey.

There we were celebrating the 50^th anniversary of this epic victory over the Ottawa Rough Riders while saying goodbye to the place that's been home for not only the Saskatchewan Roughriders but home to us fans as well. The lady behind me talked about how badly she wanted to take her seat number home with her. Funny, I thought as a man who was sitting a few seats down had gashed his leg on the seat back metal. I've done it and I bet you have too!

Taylor Field.....the site of so much happiness, tradition and heart bursting memories.

New Mosaic taken from the West Gate ramps of Old Mosaic

This Friday when our Riders take on the Rough Riders...er, Renegades...er, Redblacks (what is a redblack anyway?) there will be a celebration of the 1970's. The 70's were not kind to us GreenWhite fans although I was barely around to know or remember. I would have been 3 years old in 1976 when Saskatchewan met Ottawa in the Grey Cup but trust me I know about Tony Gabriel and “the catch”. 
 

Songs like Don't Go Breaking My Heart and Play That Funky Music were top of the music charts. People were watching Rocky, Carrie and The Bad News Bears. The Timbit was introduced in 1976 and our Prime Minister was Trudeau.

It's fun to look back isn't it?

Traditionally the Roughriders have not been a highly successful team. The team which was established in 1910 has only won 4 Grey Cups. Fans have endured extreme heart aching defeat and incredible emotional highs. Isn't that what being a fan is about? The roller coaster? The face palms and the eye rolls? The jumping and high fives? It's about supporting your team whether the record is 3-15, 9-9 or 0-3. Sure, it's more fun to drive the two hour drive home from Regina after a win but haven't we been lucky to have this team all these years! Because of us...the fans, players have made Regina and this province home, some staying here like George Reed, while others like Don Narcisse have returned. Isn't that wonderful!?!

There's no other fan base I'd want to be a part of...Rider Nation you crazy wonderful community you! I love ya!

Thursday aka Game Day Eve, the Grey Cup will be at the Co-Op which I frequent on 33^rd St West in Toon Town. Hamburgers will be sold with proceeds going to the Scouts. I plan on seeing Earl Grey's contribution close up. 

~ sigh ~

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.

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.

Travelling Rider Fans

One of the things that makes Ridernation so unique is how fans travel from all over the country to take in games. It's not uncommon for someone to drive not only a couple hours but all day or night or even hop on a plane just to get to Mosaic Stadium. I am also one of these fans. I live three hours away in Saskatoon. I'd love nothing more than to be at every single game, but it's not always possible due to driving hours versus work hours. It's not only the time but the money involved in getting to games. It's an all day adventure.

Game Day Eve we start to get ready. I make sure I have bottled water and snacks for the trip. I make sure our tickets are packed. I actually make sure the tickets are there repeatedly. How bad would it be to drive three hours to only realize the tickets were forgotten?! Ack! We also have a special Rider satchel to carry our seat cushions in which handily has enough room for all the other stuff too. Because I have a condition called Solar Urticaria, there is also an ample supply of sunblock. You have to look after the skin!

As I said, going to a game is an all day affair when travelling from Saskatoon. Hubby is an accountant and has crunched all the numbers and for this reason we don't buy food at the stadium. Oh, we'd love to! It smells awesome! We also do not indulge in wobbly pops. We are there to enjoy the game and driving home can be treacherous enough as it is. We do, however, make sure to have a substantial breakfast or lunch before jumping in the car.

Hmm...is it Steve?  Is it really?

Last week, since the game was an early game, I found a recipe for “Egg Muffins”. I'd seen them posted on Pinterest but never really knew how they actually tasted. They are FREAKING AMAZING! You cook them in the oven in a muffin pan and they pop out and are totally portable and freezable for another time!

My Egg Muffin Recipe

Prepared Egg Muffins...YUM!

6 eggs

1 cup diced omelet/pizza mix from the Co-Op deli

1/2 cup grated tex mex cheese

dash salt & pepper.

Whisk or mix the whole thing up. Portion out by soup ladle into a muffin pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cook in 350 F degree oven for 15 minutes or until the centers are solid. Makes 9 egg muffins @ 56 calories each.

Anyone ever go to the A&W on Albert Street? It seems to be our stopping off place once we've arrived in Regina. It really helps that a few weeks back we were delivered a whole page of coupons in the mail. This is our pregame meal. Usually we'd have a Teen Burger combo or something similar, but last game we managed to get to Regina earlier than expected and they were still serving breakfast...probably because there wasn't a check stop in Chamberlain. Anyone who knows me knows I love pancakes or waffles. I was so happy to be able to have pancakes on game day. The syrup it's served with is pretty great too. 3 pancakes for $2...sign me up! My only complaint about that A&W is the size of the restrooms. I've been in bigger broom closets.

I get parking lot rage. I admit it. I cannot stand driving around looking for a place to park and I detest having to walk miles from the car to the stadium. So because of this The Hubs and I catch the Fan Express from the Northgate Mall. It's pretty handy. The first bus comes 90 minutes before game time and for $3 drops you right outside the south gates. The price went up over last year though. Now it's a $12 bus ride for us. Still it's a great option. We just hop on after the game and get delivered back to the mall and before you know it we're back out on the highway heading for home.

On the car ride home we eat sandwiches (honey ham for that trip with a smattering of mustard) which we packed picnic style and listen to the post game show on ckrm with Michael Ball and guests. It helps to keep the mind occupied while driving and winds us down and helps us rationalize all facets of the game. The callers make us angry and make us laugh but most importantly, it's broadcast long enough to get us to our doorstep and for that we are thankful.

The game? Well the Roughriders/Argonauts game was highly entertaining. I've never seen our offence so dialled in. It was amazing. Kevin Glenn performed awesome and I'd argue Durant couldn't have done better. Argo's Trevor Harris played calm and cool and collected. Many have complained about the officiating and phantom penalties, but I'm not going to go there. What I do see is a very strong Rider team and I think if they clean up the penalties this team will be the team to watch. The defence and coaching of Corey Chamblin was under question but I really didn't see a failure there at all. Remember there is no fan base as finicky as Rider fans.

After all, it's not the start of the season that matters...it's how you finish!

What's your game day regime? Have any tips for those of us travelling? Let me know! Maybe I'll include them in future editions of this blog.

Until then, I remain faithful. I believe. And I predict a win in BC Friday night.

Go Riders Go!

Zooming into Training Camp

A week ago, I was returning to Louisville, Kentucky after an epic day spent at the Indianapolis 500.  One short week later, I spent another equally great day at day one of Roughrider training camp here in Saskatoon.  I love this life!

The Hubby and myself flew into Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby, on Friday May 22nd.  We rented a Ford Focus and hit the interstate to Indianapolis where we stayed at the Mariott which is the swankiest hotel I've ever stayed in.  On Sunday the 24th we headed to the Speedway.  Our tickets were in the Paddock and opposite pit row.  The atmosphere was much like that of Rider game day except much more pomp and circumstance.  

I've heard many joke about "go fast turn left" and really that's more of a Nascar thing than Indy car and many people who make that joke do not know the difference.  What I do have to say is that as a "part time" race car fan, this race was much more exciting in person than it is on TV.  The speed of the cars is incomprehensible.  In the blink of an eye the car is passed you.  These drivers endure speeds of 200+ mph and need conditioning and endurance training to be the best at their sport.  

It was incredibly exciting to be across from Juan Pablo Montoya's pit when he won the race.  It will be something I won't forget.  

zoom.

zoom.  zoom.  zoom.

Today was the first day of Roughrider training camp.  We didn't go to the morning walk through.  Even at my best I am not a morning person...more of a mid morning person.  So we took in the 3pm practice...along with throngs of other fans.  I was really surprised to see the stands nearly full at Griffiths Stadium.  

I'm assuming because there were hundreds of people there they ran out of roster pamphlets.  I would have really appreciated one.  It took a few minutes to get my mental focus and remember who was who.  It's sad because I still see a 74 and think Keith Shologan or 95 Ricky Foley or 1.....

If you've never been to a practice or training camp know that there is a ton of stuff going on all at the same time.  Receivers are practicing waggles, RB's are carrying the ball and under attack, D Line is doing drills and so on.  It's difficult to watch everyone do everything so you kind of focus in on the players you like to watch.

What I did see was Darian Durant taking a lot of reps.  Frankly that's really reassuring.  I never doubted he was healthy and seeing him out there being normal and doing his job was great.  It was fun to see Kevin Glenn too.  It was obvious to me that Sunseri will be number 3 even though I've heard reports of that not being carved in stone.  There's little doubt that Glenn is a better QB and has the experience to go in for Darian when the need arises.

AND OMG WE DON'T WANT THE NEED TO ARISE AGAIN!

A highlight of day one was several booming kicks by number 39.  Who is this guy?!!  I had no idea until I got home and asked Mr. Google.  Ray Early is the mans name and he was just added to the roster today.  This man has some strength!  He kicked one to the coffin corner and the crowd applauded.  This is what we've been wanting!!  Let's see how he develops as camp goes on but I have to say I think Milo better be checking his rear view mirrors for this guy!

There was more to see at practice but my stomach told me it was time to head for home.  That and we had also recorded the car races for today.

This.  Is what I've become in the off season.

Thank goodness for June!

Thump

.....thump.....

     .....thump...thump.....

Did you feel that?

Thump.....THUMP.....

It starts with a little nugget of news.  It grabs your attention.  Then you feel it in your chest like when the Grinch realizes he doesn't hate Christmas after all.  Your little green Rider heart starts to beat.

Rider Nation is coming out of hibernation.

Today is the CFL Draft.  Many are debating who gets drafted and what team should make what pick.  Meh.  This is totally a guy thing.  Honestly, my eyes glaze over like a Timmies boston cream.  There's no point debating it.  What will be will be.  Someone will get picked.  Someone will get to play for who they want.  Someone else will have to play for someone they didn't want to.  Stuff will happen.  These players most likely will not be starters unless they have uber talent.  It's probable we won't know the impact of the draft for a year or more.  Yes, someones dream will come true but these Draftee's still have to prove themselves...they haven't made it yet.

So the verdict of Deflete-gate came down Monday.  I really think they got this right.  Cheating to change the outcome of a championship game cannot be tolerated.  I know what you're going to say...wife beaters blah blah blah.  Deflating balls and knowing about it and condoning it directly changes the game on the field.  It's the job of the NFL to deal with this and hand out punishment.  The other incidence cannot be compared because they don't happen on the field.  Sure they may impact the game but not in the same way and it's not an NFL issue...it's a law issue.  What is so dumb about this really is that they didn't need to cheat.  They did.  They got caught.  And now they've been punished.

Now to more important news...Wes Cates got married.  Anyone who knows me...really knows me...knows I love a running back.  Congratulations to him and the misses.  I wish them a world of happy tomorrows.

Last weekend Riders and ex-Riders invaded Saskatoon aka Riderville North.  Weston Dressler was at the new Olympian store.  I didn't see him but I did see Neal Hughes at Floral Acres.  It was part of a fundraising venture for Never Alone which provides support for those fighting Cancer.  There wasn't a line up to see Neal so once I paid for my fleurs I walked over to chat.  He had his two Grey Cup rings in a display case and WOWZERS! Those rings are impressive.  It's not the first time I've seen them but every time I am dazzled.  Diamonds and Emeralds oh my!  I told Neal he'd get another one this year.  He seemed skeptical but he doesn't know just how much Rider Nation truly believes.

I had plans to go to the Valkyries game at the newly named SMF Field.  Tickets are only $10 and I feel we need to get out and support these ladies.  For anyone who doesn't know, the Valkyries are totally undefeated.  They've won everything always.  Well life got in the way Sunday and I didn't go to the game.  If you did take in the Mother's Day home opener you would have also have seen Sam Hurl, Patrick Neufeld & Gregg Newman.

Women play football.  Women talk football.  Women love football.  Where are the female football reporters?  I mentioned this on Twitter last week.  Guess what?  There is ONE CFL female print reporter in all of Canada.  ONE.  She works for the Calgary Herald.  I don't know her name but kudos.  What can we do to get more ladies reporting on this great game?  If you have any ideas let me know.  Maybe this blog is one small step.

Lastly, my Rider game tickets arrived Monday.  Hurray!  Nothing gets the Rider green blood pumping that heart like the words "Home Opener" on a green ticket.

.....thump - thump.....

Week Five

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

Well, week 5 for the Riders.

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

The horror!

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

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

We Made It

Seven months ago we were a bunch of crazed rabid fans.  Nothing much has changed but it is indeed a new year and a new Roughrider team.

I just completed one of the busiest months I've had in a long time.  My goal was to just make it through with the big reward being the promise of attending Roughrider training camp at Griffith Stadium.  Ugh.  I got sick.  Not just a run of the mill cold either....but some sort of bizarre gland/ear thing that took me 3 weeks to get over and feel normal - as normal as I ever was - and that meant.....I missed out.

*cry*

I sucked it up though.  Because that's the kind of hearty prairie female Rider fan that I am and The Hubs and I went to what is now known as Fan Fest.  It was supposed to give Saskatonians the 'game day' experience.  Autographs were not held which was so disappointing considering I wasn't able to get to any of the training camp sessions.  There were concessions along with face painting and activities for the kiddies.  The Riders held a short practice and then a scrimmage.  It was fun and the fresh air was good for me, but not getting the chance to meet the players was a fail to me.

Next up was the first Pre-season game against the REDBLACKS.  It was marketed as an 'away' game so the Roughriders for the first time in the history of Taylor Field were on the Visitor side while the REDBLACKS got the Home bench.  We had amazing tickets.  I managed to get my grubby little hands on section 25 row 2 tickets right behind the GREENWHITES bench.  So cool.  During warmup, Chris Milo came over to the bench.....he said he got kicked off the sidelines on the other side and "this was so weird!"  It was a little.

It was a fun game.  First Gainer and Big Joe met up at center but ended up shaking hands.  In spite of all the joking, Big Joe did look kind of cool in person even if he did take off after the 1st quarter.  The game left me with a few impressions.  Firstly, Darian Durant is no doubt a leader.  When it was his time to take over as quarterback the whole stadium filled with an incredible sense of pride and and command that simply wasn't there moments before.  Secondly, Ottawa proved that they could be somewhat competitive in their first year.  I know it was just a pre-season game and all, but they took to the field like any other the other CFL teams would have.  I sure bet it was interesting for Smilin' Hank to be on the home side for the first time in ages and probably pretty strange for Keith Shologan and Zack Evans too after being snatched up in the expansion draft.

It was great and I loved being there even though I was only one of 13,000.  It didn't rain and I can save my $1.50 poncho for another day.

Now of course all the cuts have been revealed and we are now down to the main roster.  There were some surprises.  I am so sure that Kieth Toston is the new Running Back and if he isn't I'll eat my Rider flag.  He won't be Kory Sheets nor he should be.  The same goes for Flyin' Ryan Smith.  The new number 81 isn't Geroy either.  These guys will turn out to be themselves and we will love them like we've loved all those before them.

Are you ready for the 2014 season!  Looks like we finally made it!

I'm THAT Woman

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

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

You can view for yourself here:  NEW STADIUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRE-pre-Season

All it took was a picture on Twitter of three chairs with folded quarterback jersey's and name tags on them to make my heart flutter again.

It all came flooding back.  The excitement.  The thrill.  The running around the living room yelling touchdown.

*Sigh*

It was announced that not only the 2014 Roughrider training camp will be held at Griffiths Stadium at the U of S, but the 2015 camp as well.  How exciting is that?!  I know some of those in Regina are moaning and groaning about it, but c'mon man! You get them the rest of the season!  Let us have this one thing.  Last year I could only attend twice......and then stood in the rain for over an hour on Green & White Day, which was totally worth it.  My husband thought I was a little nutty [and I am] but the Monday after Grey Cup 101 guess which memory stood out for us?  That one.  Priceless.

April Fool's, wasn't that fun?  NOT.  Our favorite Stampeder Running Back to hate, Jon Cornish, tweeted out a picture of a "Rider" jersey with his name on it [and Kory Sheets number] and said he had been traded to the Riders.  Well I knew it wasn't true because it wasn't an actual Rider jersey and was in fact a Huskie jersey which Cornish had been given for a speaking engagement.  Still, this sent everyone into a tizzy.  Oh yes, then there was the story about how the REDBLACKS had tried to draft Gainer.  I guess getting Shologan and Evans wasn't enough for them.....even though it was a joke, you can see there are still hard feelings there.  But really, it was impossible to decipher what was real news that day.

What have I learned this off season?  Gainer is an anagram for Regina.  Yeah.  It's true.  Of course it makes sense.  I don't know why I didn't know this before and maybe I did and forgot, but how cool is that?!  Is FakeGainer an anagram for anything? *blank stare*

So mini camp was held in Florida over the weekend.  It's been touted that Ryan Smith is the spitting image of Weston Dresslor.  This is a dangerous area isn't it?  I mean, no one can possibly replace these guys who won our hearts and THE 2013 GREY CUP and we shouldn't try to make them fit their shoes either.  Everyone has to be themselves and do what they can do.  If we try to make them live up to Kory Sheets or Dresslor or whoever else we will be nothing but disappointed.  Let's let them be themselves and show us what they have to offer.....they might be a completely different person.

Have you ever heard of the Rider Sisterhood?  Well if you follow me on Twitter [@smilingsandra] and Ohmygawd, if you don't, why not? You'd have seen me mention this once in a while.  The Rider Sisterhood is a group of ladies who have sort of banded together through our love of all things green and white.  We support eachother when needed and rejoice together.  The Sisterhood got me through a rough time this Spring/Winter/Sprinter as my beloved Brandy~puppy the Super Dog passed after a short battle with lymphoma.  Thanks to all the Sisters.....and some of the Brothers too.  You've brightened my days with sharing your stories, love and prayers.

Today power rankings were released with the Stampeders at number one and the Roughriders at two.  How the heck can you have power rankings in the off season?  I mean, zero games played and zero players proven.  You can't have a power ranking by what is on "paper".  It makes less sense than the Combine where zero combines are used.  Unlike the Roughrider mini camp where a John Deere tractor was the star.  *shrugs*

Meh.  Whatever.

Next up is the CFL draft.  But take it easy on me, I will be recouping from my trip to New York so if you don't hear from me again until Training Camp don't be surprised.  Spring [and I can safely say that now that Sprinter is over] is a very VERY busy time for me.  Who woulda thunk it?  For us piano teachers, we have festivals and exams and recitals.....it's like Tax Season the Musical.  So stay well.  Get that Rider gear cleaned up.  Stock up on the face paint!  We've almost made it through the off season!

Green & White Day 2013

 Technically, they were calling it Riderville North Fan Fest Day.  It's all part of the 101st Grey Cup festivities, however, the Riders do usually travel this way for a special day of autographs and practice.

Last year it rained.

This year it rained cats and dogs.

Does it matter to Rider Nation?  Not one single bit.

Hubby and I arrived a good half hour early.  We stood in line for about 45 minutes.  Unfortunately, due to the conditions the Riders only had 'select' players signing autographs and they were in a tent.  The lineup to see them could have wrapped all around the track at Griffith Stadium.  As one of my Tweeps mentioned I just wish someone would have told us it was hopeless. 

Gainer walked down the line entertaining kids.

 I managed to make it to the tent and had my specially purchased green nerf football signed.  I had wanted to meet Geroy Simon and have him sign it but he was taken away to get ready for practice.  *disappointed face*  But, happily, I did get to meet Dwight Anderson who, strangely enough, was seated beside Weston Dressler.  Weston didn't appear worried about his eyes at all.

Dwight Anderson, Weston Dressler & Chris Getzlaf

A little farther down the line I managed to talk to Ricky Foley and Kory Sheets.  I mentioned to Kory that I'd talked to him on Twitter the night before.  "For real?" he said.  Then he asked my twitter name and he said he actually remembered me.  <swoon>

We stood around for a little while waiting for the scrimmage to start but it was raining heavy again.  Many did stay.  I felt since, I had attended the two previous practices it wasn't necessary. 

That wraps up my week of Rider Training Camp and Fan Day.  This week some of the practices are held at the SaskTel soccer centre and due to work, I can't attend the afternoons at Griffiths.  Work always gets in the way of fun doesn't it?!

Things I Learned at Training Camp

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

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

I sat on the 55 yard line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cortez, Superman & Jinx

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

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

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

Okay.

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

Courtesy Darian Durant's Twitter page.

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

Courtesy Watrous Co-Op Facebook Page

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

Jinx.

My signed print of Efrem Hill.

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

Jinx.

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

Doh!  Too late.

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

She screamed.  "Ah!"

I'm sorry.

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

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

Ack!