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.

Home Field Advantage

How many days has it been now since sports was cancelled?  I honestly can't remember.  It seemed so crazy at the time when the NBA season was cancelled and shortly thereafter all major sports and events followed suite.  The CFL training camps have been postponed and we are waiting word as to what will happen to the season.  The city of Toronto has banned all events until July.  It feels surreal.  It feels like we are in some kind of apocalyptic movie.  We've all found a new way of life and we continue to adapt to all kinds of isolated situations.

A few months ago my biggest disappointment was that Roughrider training camp was moved back to Regina for 2020.  

A couple of years ago I had some minor health problems.  I had two breast MRI's that year.  I won't go into details but they aren't very comfortable and if you've ever had an MRI you'll know that you cannot move while in the chamber.  What got me through was the constant visual in my head that when it was all over I'd get to hang out at training camp in Saskatoon at Griffith Stadium.  

My husband had to travel to Toronto for eye surgery.  It was a two week trip.  At the beginning of it we attended a Roughriders versus Argonauts game at BMO Field.  While the game was prior to the surgery it made the trip so much more endurable when we got to start it off that way.  We engaged with fans and Torontonians and it made our hearts full.

I've seen on ABC Rider Fans (not a plug - just my experience) posts from members saying 'thank you for this group because it's helped me through cancer treatment'.  Most recently a member said thank you for continuing to bring fans together when I posted the weekly Sunday Funday post which I actually had hesitated in doing for a few weeks.  I mean - we all know what we are doing on Sunday now, right.  

Football gets us through a lot of things in life.  We form groups and communities.  We wear our Roughriders and CFL colours everywhere we travel.  We share, rejoice and commiserate.  What are we left to do when our event isn't there anymore.

We adapt.  

No the CFL news articles aren't there for us to banter over anymore but teams are finding new ways to reach out.  There's colouring books and activity books where families are encouraged to post and share their work.  Quarterbacks are challenging each other to online games.  Fans are going to remember which teams were there for them when it mattered most and fans will reciprocate with their loyalty. 

For myself you'd think a profession such as piano teacher would mean I am out of a job.  Not so.  In the course of 24 hours I went from in person lessons to teaching via Skype.  I retained nearly all of my students and I am so thankful that they are able to continue with me and I can share the music with them.  My husband works from his basement office.  We are blessed to still have jobs in a time when so many others won't.  

I may not have the football at the end of the covid tunnel but I know we will get through this too.  When football is ready for us - we will be ready for it.  

Won't it be glorious when Rider Nation can gather at Mosaic Stadium once again.  Just 30,000 of our closest friends...shoulder to shoulder...cowbell in hand.

I can almost hear the noise.

This is the time when home field advantage matters most. For now, STAY HOME.  We can beat this if we stay apart.  Stay apart so we can be together again soon.  

Let's Go Camping

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

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

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

Don't forget appropriate sizing!

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

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

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

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

Football Funk & Other Football Friday Fun

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

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

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

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

Check out my Instagram: smilingriderfan for more vacay photos!

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

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

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

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

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!

Go East Young Man!

The Hamilton TigerCats, BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes will all be cleaning out their lockers this week as their seasons are over. This time last year my Saskatchewan Roughriders were doing the same...the last couple of years for that matter. Not this year! With the deciding factor being the loss to the Edmonton Eskimos in Week 20 Chris Jones and crew are heading to Ottawa to invade the Eastern Division.


A lot of sports media enjoy the topic of the Roughriders quarterback tandem of Kevin Glenn and Brandon Bridge or maybe they just can't wrap their minds around the concept. Who should Jones start? Jones names Glenn starter. How short of a leash should Jones give Glenn? Kevin still starts the game. I don't understand why this discussion keeps going on in spite of what's happened this last half of the season. Against the Alouettes, Jones played Glenn, Bridge and Adams Jr. What I think it comes down to is that Kevin Glenn has never lead a team and won a Grey Cup. He's been close (Blue Bombers in 2007) but because of never winning he doesn't get the respect and praise that others do. I also think this is why Jones is adamant about naming him starter every week. For one thing, it shuts up the talkers and debaters but for another, when the Riders make it (and I bel13ve they will) Kevin Glenn will be the starting quarterback who gets his name on the Grey Cup. Finally. I love the mentor that Kevin Glenn is; I love his comradery with fellow team mates and perhaps Kevin Glenn is the glue that keeps the Roughriders together.


The topic I don't hear discussed much is Chris Jones himself. People and fans have an obvious dislike for the man. They hollered for his head through most of last year and the start of the 2017 season as well...until the Riders started winning. I remember one of the Piffles Podcast members putting out a scathing blog just before they started winning. Where is the love now that the Roughriders are 10 - 8? *crickets* I'll tell you what the pundits do enjoy chatting about though. Why does Jones wear all black? Why won't Jones wear Rider colours? Why won't Jones wear a jacket? Why won't Jones wear a poppy? What would they do if they found out he lives at a hotel? GASP! This is all they've got to complain about now in November. I honestly could not care less about how Jones dresses on the sidelines as long as he is dressed. I care about how he coaches the team I am passionate about. I care that the players love him. I care that we win.


Canada's Team is off to the nations capital to play the Redblacks for the first time in post season since 1976. Let's all give a collective aRg as we think of Tony Gabriel together. *wince* Okay, so I was only 4 years old and don't recall anything about the match up at all except for The Catch. That might seem like ancient history so let's move on to present day. The Roughriders have played IN the home of the Ottawa Redblacks 4 times since they re-entered the CFL.  The Roughriders are 3-1 against them.  The last game in Regina the Redblacks  were victorious by 1 point while on the Riders Eastern road trip the Riders were victors by 1 point.  But let's talk about that Eastern swing...  The Roughriders played in Ottawa and got the W then stayed out east to play the Toronto aRgonauts where they also got the win.  Since this play off run could be a redo of that road trip the Saskatchewan Roughriders could possibly stay East for 21 days.


So my theory in my previous blog was incorrect. I have a new idea! If the Riders were to win the East (which I agree is likely a tall order) and the Blue Bombers (also a tall order with Matt Nichols injured) were to win the West we could see a scenario such as a Labour Day Classic Grey Cup. How crazy would that be?  If Kevin Glenn lead the Roughriders to a victory over the Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup TEN years after they lost because Glenn was injured (they played Ryan Dinwiddie) Blue Bomber fans would go berserk.


I like it. :)


There's nothing Rider fans love more than tying the present to the past with stats and trivia. I love to pull out things that happened on previous teams and seasons to try to predict how this season will end. The Roughriders used quarterback tandems in 1983 with Barnes & Hufnagel and more successfully in 1989 with another set of 5 & 16 numbers aka Austin and Burgess.  It would only seem fitting that the 2017 combo of #5 Kevin Glenn and #16 Brandon Bridge would provide us with some sort of karma. In that same way one should note that the Riders lost the final games of the season in the years 1989, 2007 and 2013 and went on to win the Grey Cup. Does it mean anything now? We just have to wait and see.


Hasn't this season gone by quickly? The funny thing is I still have a line on my right leg from the wicked sun burn I received at Training Camp the first time I attended back in June. In June all the hype was about Vince Young. I remember Chad Owens running back a punt and the crowd reacting at the scrimmage game. I recall Duron Carter's wide happy smile making me smile too. Aren't we blessed to have one more game to look forward to? The Eastern Semi-Final starts at noon Sunday. Go Riders!

Sources Say

CFL Week appeared to be a success.  Players, coaches, media, podcasters and fans joined in a week long schedule of events including a fan fest and the combine.  It looked fun if you were fortunate enough to attend.  What if you weren't there?  I'm not moaning about myself not being able to go, but instead wondering how easy it was to follow along if you were elsewhere.  During the day there was a flurry of Twitter posts.  I found it difficult to follow what was happening and honestly scrolled past most of it as none of it seemed to be very meaningful to the average fan.  What was exciting was seeing the posts about the autograph sessions and who had met what player and was finally able to capture that long desired photo.  It seems that everyone who went says it needs to be an annual event and of course it will be.  What struck me as odd is as how inclusive the CFL is this event made it exclusive.  By that I mean football is practically at our fingertips and in our ears everyday...at least it is in Saskatchewan.  Grey Cup is an awesome festival including fans from every walk of life ending in the celebration of our epic Canadian game.  CFL Week though, if you weren't there you are pretty much out of the loop.  It was the who's who of CFL football and if you weren't there you're a nobody. I'm not sure that's the way to attract fans to the games and events.  

Shrugs.

Big news at CFL Week was Darian Durant returning to say goodbye to Ridernation.  While packing up to move east he gave some interviews and burnt some bridges.  "I don't think I was ever Jones' guy."  I had vowed that I was done discussing the whole Durant trade issue and even quipped "I gave up Darian Durant for Lent."  I don't care if Darian's feelings were hurt that he was called mediocre or that Jones wouldn't negotiate or whatever other things were said.  Before you all freak out, I was a huge huge fan and supporter for 10 years and it was exhausting.  The simple reason is this - I don't have to defend him anymore.  Chris Jones did what he had to do for the development of our team.  Jones is paid to make these decisions...not the popular ones, but the decisions which better the Saskatchewan Roughriders team.  As they say, I am a fan of the name on the front of the jersey not the back...but I still have my favourites of course!  What I didn't realize about Durant's return was all the complaining and whining that it would create - Fire Jones!  I've held my breath in anticipation as Durant takes the field...goes 2 and out and my heart sinks.  My guts say that's how his first series will go as an Allouette if not the first three series.  If he makes it to Labour Day uninjured the Allouettes will be very lucky.  Take it from Ridernation...don't be complacent.  Keep looking for the next quarterback or you'll fall victim to the no back up syndrome as well.  As I said I was a huge fan of Doubles, but every time he was slow to get up, looked like he might be injured or sat out a series it sent the stands of Taylor Field and the whole team into a frenzy.  In the same way he completely elevated the game with the tenor of his voice while on the field...he'd totally and completely take the wind out of our sails with the fear of injury...again.  I am one fan who is tired of that drama and I'm so excited to be moving on.

Some people said they'd give up their season tickets over that whole ordeal.  I'd like to know if fans actually kept their word or not.  It doesn't matter to me anymore because my wait is over.  Yes [ insert drum roll here ] I am officially a season ticket holder.  Once upon a time I was told my opinion didn't count because I wasn't a season ticket holder.  Well, now what?  Does my opinion count now?  Do I get points?  No, that was just what other Rider fans say to each other to try to intimidate others much in the same way the term bandwagoner is used.  I've been told to take off the green goggles, don't be so biased and to do some research before posting my opinions on social media.  What makes you think I don't?  Just because I'm not willing to follow the crowd before asking questions and being skeptical I am name called and unfollowed.  No one gives you a second to explain yourself nor are they interested in your reasoning before telling you you're flat out wrong.  What context?  It doesn't exist.  Nice.  Isn't it fantastic how the supposedly greatest fans in the league treat eachother?!  I suspect face to face none of that would happen but in this social media age you can get away with it.  In person it would be called bullying.  Let's be tolerant, hold hands and sing kumbaya, but you take what a reporter says with a grain of salt and you're ridiculed.  It's really dumb isn't it.  If a fan has to research every CFL related headline and story before forming an opinion, why can't the fans expect the same diligence of the media and columnists?  A source close to the team...my source says...I stand by my source...  

* eyeroll *

So Bryan Adams, Our Lady Peace and Johnny Reed are playing the first concert at New Mosaic Stadium.  I saw Bryan Adams in concert in 1991 at SaskPlace.  I was in the front row and couldn't hear for a week after.  I've seen Johnny Reed in concert too.  I had to ask a friend about who Our Lady Peace was but that's just me.  I won't be going to the concert although my new Rider season tickets allow me to get first dibs.  It's May 27th and I will be on the final day of my own music festival here in Saskatoon.  That aside, I had hoped for someone bigger, newer and more popular.  

Hubby says we need football season to start and he has never been more correct.  It's April and we are inching closer.  We've got the draft to get through, then soon after training camp will open in Saskatoon.  Before we know it, it'll be July 1st and we will all be together at new Mosaic Stadium and celebrating Canada's 150th birthday.  All this off season will be long forgotten chatter...at least that's what my sources say.

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.

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.