CFL Subscription Club

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

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

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

What if there was one for the football fan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My First CFL Game

"Write about your very first CFL game", he said.

"It was Calgary.  Darian spent the game looking at the sky.  The end."  I said.

Ok.  So maybe it wasn't quit like that but it sure seemed a lot like that.

Picture it.  The year was 2010 and we had decided to go on a road trip to Calgary.  Hubby lived there for a while and jumped at the chance to see his old 'stomping grounds'.  

Here is a major issue.  It was 2010 July 24th to be exact and even though that was only 10 years ago I didn't have a smart phone and if I took pictures they aren't on any computer I own now.  I have zero proof of this trip.  I'm sure there's a USB stick somewhere I haven't checked...

We had borrowed my dad's GPS which took us on a tour of Acme Alberta.  I'll never forget.  This is the point at which we realized the GPS was of no use to us at all.  The highway goes straight passed Acme but the GPS decided we should drive through it instead.

* face palm *

Just outside Calgary the sky grew very dark and before you knew it us and all other traffic was pulled into ditches as hellish hail plummeted around us.  My car was fairly new.  I don't know how it came out unscathed but it did.  Cars in Calgary didn't fair as well.  The car lots located near our hotel and McMahon Stadium had giant dents in them.

We spent the week taking in all the sights of Calgree - we went to the zoo where my favourite attraction was the dinosaurs and not actual animals.  We went shopping because stores like Sephora weren't in Saskatchewan yet. We ate at Big T's. One thing was apparent, Rider fans wore their colours everywhere which seemed to bewilder Calgarians because we were asked everywhere we went if there was a game or something.

We stayed in a hotel across the street from McMahon stadium and we had really only booked for 3 days so when we went to extend our stay there were no rooms available however the staff said they'd work something out.  We were upgraded to a suite.  Wow,  and at no additional charge to us.  There was a continental breakfast and every morning Hubby would go down and return with waffles or "wobbles" as we've since coined them.  You see the machine to make them had to be rotated hence the wobbling part.  It's weird how some things stick with you.

So here's the thing.  I really had no idea that tail gating was a real thing.  I hadn't given it much thought.  I guess I figured it was something you saw on tv because...well, tv.  So when we treaded over the walkway to McMahon Stadium and I saw what was going on I was flabbergasted...shocked...amazed...thrilled.

It was a super hot cloudless day.  It was so hot in the stands that the fellow sitting in the next row with all the body paint gradually sweating down his body had to leave and shower.  I don't remember the score but the Riders lost.  Darian did indeed get sacked a lot.  There was no relief.  That was until a miniscule cloud floated over the stadium and for a few brief seconds we were shaded.  We trudged back over the pedestrian walk way.

But wait there was evidence.  I've found a very bad video which I had posted on my old youtube channel. Here it is with brand new commentary...

The Grey Cup Logo Gets My 👎

Long before Randy Ambrosie started his cross country popularity tour the logo for the 108th Grey Cup in Regina was unveiled.  It's green.  Is it anything special and unique?  Definitely not.  In fact, it is literally interchangeable with the 107th Grey Cup logo and possibly even the 106th as well.  

This is a side by side comparison of last year & this year. 

Randy Ambrosie was in Regina on "Randy's Roadtrip" which I think is his attempt to connect with fans in every CFL city.  While in Regina, which apparently had 200 in attendance, he talked about the state of the league and promoted his global dream CFL 2.0.  He also helped to promote the Grey Cup festivities for 2020.  The Grey Cup will be held all in one area so it's completely accessible to fans and for the first time ever will be free to attend.  An understated part of the announcement is that it will also include the League of Legends tournament.  If you talk to someone who partakes in this - it is HUGE.  

So let me take a step back here for a second.  My Grey Cup tickets (which I've chosen not to purchase) were $400 each.  That means for myself and my husband to attend the game it would cost $800 and that's with the $25 discount the Roughriders gave season ticket holders.  Let me contain my excitement.  So the Grey Cup festival better be free in my opinion.  Who can afford all this?

Stack a hotel room, gas or flight dollars and food expenses on top of that too!

The province stands to make a gopher hole full of tourism money.

The fangirl in me says "but Sandra it's all worth it if the Riders win at home again." It could be yes.  Celebration in Ridernation was amazing on so many levels.

That logo.

I tend to keep my eyes on the merchandise the Roughriders and CFL produce.  Several seasons ago I posted a blog which went semi-viral about the sizing of merchandise and the quality of it all.  I know that since that time great strides have been made and the merchandise has really improved with new sponsors coming on board.  However, does this new Grey Cup design make you want to rush out to the nearest Rider Store and buy it all?  It doesn't for me.  I mean it's green and I'm sure it will sell regardless but I'm afraid to say - it's boring.  If it's only fractionally different than the last 2 designs why do I need it?

Oh and how much does that green Grey Cup merch cost?  The most inexpensive tee shirt is $30.  Want a zip up ladies sweater?  That's $104.  Would you pay that much for a sweater in any other store?  Likely not.

We know that Roughrider merchandise sells.  Slap that logo on a loaf of bread and we will flock to the store for it.

Let's also remember that the Riders recently closed stores in Saskatoon.  To get this merchandise you'll have to go to the new store at Midtown Plaza or order online if you don't live in Regina.  Why are they closing stores?  That doesn't seem like a good thing for the team with the greatest spread of fans does it.

I seem like I'm whining here and yes well I am.  I just remember all too well how the city of Saskatoon spent tax payer money to come up with “rRemai” and I hope the same isn’t true for the CFL logo.  I love that my team and province get to hold this event once again.  I'd love it even more if the Roughriders can repeat their 2013 at home win.  We all have to wait and see if that comes to fruition.  I know one team would love to spoil our fun.  Meanwhile, the pressure is on.

I Watched an XFL Game & Here's What Happened...

If you're a follower of this blog page then you will remember I was challenged in a YouTube comment to watch an entire XFL game to see what all the hype is about.  So I did and here's what happened.

Spoiler:  I watched an XFL game.

I set my PVR so that I could watch last Saturday's match up between Houston and Tampa Bay.  It was on at 4PM Saskatchewan time on abc (no relation).  

That evening I settled in to put my feet up and watch the game.  My expectations were high.

I guess I chose the most CFL XFL game I could have.  At first mass confusion ensued.  It was like I was watching the Montreal Alouettes versus the Oregon Ducks.  The Houston Roughnecks were the team in red, white and blue.  The Tampa Bay Vipers were in green and white.  To add to my confusion (and I did know this but had forgotten) Marc Trestman is the Head Coach of the Vipers meaning he's coaching the green team.  Jaime Elizondo is the Offensive Coordinator while Jerry Glanville is the Defensive Coordinator.  So on the Vipers we have an ex Alouettes Head Coach, and ex Redblacks coach and an ex TiCats coach.  That's not all though because on the opposite sideline stood June Jones ex Ticats coach as Head Coach of the Roughnecks and there were a few ex CFL players in the lineup such as kicker Sergio Castillo.

Needless to say I was hooked because of all the CFL relatability.  The TV shots even looked similar to a CFL game.  The XFL does have some gimmicky rules but then it has to doesn't it because it needs something to be able to hold our attention and compete with the NFL which according to some is the best football in the world.  

I found myself cheering for the green team.  I mean that's only natural right.

My cheering for a great catch brought my husband back into the room for a replay.

I really really (did I say really?) liked the camera's in the booth during the reviews and they said every call was automatically reviewed.  WOW.  This seems like it's a huge effort to always make the right call and it's revolutionary to be able to hear and see the review happen and the referees discuss it.  This aspect is fantastic.  I didn't find it slowed the game down at all.

The thing was that initially I liked what I was watching but the excitement was short lived.  After half time I got bored.  The Vipers were losing and apparently aren't a very good team because they haven't won a game yet.  My attention drifted to online conversations and I channel surfed. 

What I didn't like was the television commentators refused to discuss anything CFL related at all.  Apparently in the bio's of Trestman, Jones and Glanville there's a blank space where their CFL time existed.  What's up with that?  How can you be trying to inform viewers about something but leave out key information like where these men have been working the last few years?

I didn't watch the following game.

Please don't take this commentary as I want the XFL to fail.  That's not the case.  I want to like it but the truth is that I don't have a connection to the teams outside of these two which I happened to watch in Week 3.  I would be likely to watch these two teams again.  I would be likely to watch a game if I happened upon it on tv.  I can't say that I'd honestly go out of my way to make sure I watched every game in a week.

What I do know is that attendance is declining over the 3 weeks and so is television viewership.  I also know that is to be expected with anything new.  It will be interesting to continue to follow the numbers.  If the decline continues, regardless of the money Vince McMahon can inject into the XFL, we know what will happen.

As I've said before - if you like it then by all means support the XFL and watch all the games.  Who am I to say you shouldn't?  I was asked to watch a game and I fulfilled that promise.  I was asked because I wrote a blog and posted a video discussing whether the new league is a threat to the CFL.  I remain that it isn't.  Please feel free to check out The CFL vs XFL: Should We Feel Threatened?

Don't take my word for it.  Check out the games yourselves and form your own opinions. Here is the TV schedule for the rest of the XFL season.

So You Want to be a Roughrider Fan...

We are coming up on that time of year where we see new fans coming to the league.  Twitter sees its round of "I'm going to follow the CFL which team should I be a fan of?" tweets.  Then of course every Saskatchewan Roughrider fan within earshot puts in their two cents...er, well five cents (because no pennies) and pretty soon we are indoctrinating new fans to the nation.

So what do you need to be a Roughrider fan?

Well, nothing really.  That would be the end of the blog and thanks for reading.

No, of course you need things to show your solidarity with the green and white!  Read on to find out what needs to be included in your Saskatchewan Roughrider Fan Starter Pack.

You need a jersey.  It doesn't have to be a Charleston Hughes customized jersey like the one in the photo.  We all know that players tend to change teams often so no one can place blame if you don't want your clothes emblazoned with the name of the guy who just abandoned the team.  You can't go wrong with a retro jersey and names like Lancaster, Reed, Aldag, Jurasin or Fairholm.  Don't forget you may need more than one.  If one jersey doesn't create a winning atmosphere and gets discarded to the depths of the closet, you're going to want to wear another one with better mojo.  You are going to want to wear this jersey to every major event you attend world wide because there is no other brand that's as recognizable as that of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  Rider pride is world wide!

I am not a drinker but even I know that Pilsner beer is synonymous with Roughrider fans.  Roughrider fans flock to liquor board stores to purchase the coveted case of beer in hopes of acquiring the famed Pilsner Roughrider flag.  Fans can go as far as choosing to watch games from Pilsner Place at Mosaic Stadium.  Even this fan has a hard hat with the famed Pilsner rabbit on it.

Bring 'em out!  Bring 'em out!  You are going to need a cowbell when the team gathers in the tunnel and we welcome them to the field.  There is nothing more thrilling than when Rider Nation is standing and cheering and those pyrotechnics start going off.  While cowbells are somewhat controversial and not everyone likes them you are going to wish you have something more effective than clapping and stomping from the opening kick off to the waning moments of the fourth quarter.  Warning:  You will go home with a sore throat and a lost voice but it will all be worth it and you will be anxious to do it all over again next week.

Your smart device whether it be an iphone or android will be a necessity for not only in game interaction but for snapping those impromptu photos.  Sure, I like to think back to that time but isn't it better when you have a photo too?  Like last season when the 1989 Grey Cup team appeared on the field right infront of my seats or when the Stanley Cup was brought to the stadium or even when Gainer gets to drive around strapped into his car.  Something exciting happen?  Can't wait to share it online after the game...I mean if we don't talk about it immediately on social media did it really happen at all?

Break out star Cody Fajardo has become known for a few things but none as viral as corndogs and sprinkles of jesus.  In those dying moments when your heart is sinking but you are so hopeful the Riders can score and you look at the clock and say a little prayer...then you see Cody Fajardo take the ball and fly over the pilon in the endzone?  Well that is what has become known as a sprinkle of jesus.  In other words you don't really need a bottle of sprinkles but you need to have undying faith in the most dire of situations.  When it happens and we are rejoicing in a walk off victory there is no better way to celebrate than with a corndog and according to Cody Fajardo himself a carnival corndog is the best but they are available at your local Co-Op in a pinch.

Last but not least the watermelon.  There's all kinds of stories about how the watermelon came to be known as the head gear of choice for the most rabid of Roughrider fans but no one knows the true story for sure.  No we aren't interested in eating them.  Didn't you know watermelon hats are the height of fashion from June to November?

The CFL vs XFL: Should We Feel Threatened?

Three CFL Free Agents have signed XFL contracts.

CUE THE MASS PANIC!!!!!

Ok.  Let's be real here, literally 3 CFL players have signed XFL contracts.  Three.  Is this reason to believe the XFL is a threat to the livelihood of the Canadian Football League?  In my latest video on the ABC Football YouTube channel, I talked about this and I admitted that I don't have a full opinion on the XFL because I haven't dedicated any real time to watching a game and I've really only viewed a few minutes here and there and maybe five minutes in total.  While we've heard for over a year about the XFL coming to fruition the league itself has only been in existence for 2 weeks.  Without watching one can know what's going on.  I haven't read Harry Potter but I get the gist of what it's about.  

*cue more shock and outrage*  

I know that Vince McMahon has poured a fortune into the venture.  I know that it was advertised along side NFL...but guess what?  The NFL season is over now.  Yes, the XFL is on major networks like ABC, FOX and ESPN but again in Canada we get TSN as our major sports provider and all 5 channels are dedicated to curling right now.  So as a CFL fan, I'm not seeing the talk that "KingOfGames2007" mentions in his comment on my video.  All the discussion has been on social media sites.  As well, we are assuming that Vince McMahon will be able to continue to support the league.  It all depends on game tickets sold, merchandise sales and TV revenue.  After only two weeks why would we believe the league can survive beyond a year or two or three?  We have to wait for at least 8 more weeks to make that judgement and while week one saw large crowds week two had lower numbers despite their social media gains.

Reality check.  The three CFL players to sign XFL contracts are SJ Green, Derek Dennis and Amanti Edwards.  All three are CFL free agents.  None of them were garnering interest from any of the 9 CFL teams.  All of them are older than 30.  Disclaimer: I am in no way calling them old or washed up.  I am stating facts.  Yes, every CFL player just like any regular human has to provide a life for himself and his family.  If I was essentially laid off from my job I'd go in search of a new job too.  We all would.  The idea that these players are fleeing the CFL just isn't true.  They are looking to make a livelihood just as an ex-CFLer might go into coaching or training etc.  It's possible these three players believed they should be paid a higher amount in the CFL and priced themselves out of a job as well.  Wouldn't that mean their only choice is the XFL if they wanted to continue their careers?

What we also know is the base salary in the XFL is $55,000 US and that's less than the base salary of a CFL player.  An XFL contract might give these players a chance to be "home" or it may not but since many players are American it's logical they'd want to work and play near families.  However, when an athlete signs in the XFL they sign with the league first and foremost and then they are delegated to a team.  At least that's my understanding.  So if a player has family somewhere it's also very possible they'd end up playing far from home anyway.  I don't see this as a benefit at this stage at all.  It would be no different than playing for a CFL team and living miles away from family with the exception they'd be paid in American dollars instead.

Every CFL player currently under contract cannot sign with the XFL.  Periodtt.  There is the possibility of a player with the XFL also gaining a CFL contract and playing in both leagues.  Think about this though... the XFL season is 10 weeks long plus the possibility of a week of play offs and another for the championship game.  The CFL season is an 18 game schedule plus 2 weeks of playoffs and then the Grey Cup.  If a player were to play in both leagues that's at least 28 games.  Can a body sustain that?  We already know the CFL schedule can be grueling.  Injuries happen just in training camp alone.  It might be a nice idea to try to gain 2 paychecks but at what cost to the longevity of a football career?  How many ice baths does that equate?  Furthermore, once under contract with the CFL unless it's only for one year, that player would have to become a free agent or be released to once again return to the XFL the following season.  This sounds like a CFLPA nightmare.

So now I'm going to talk about me for a bit.  I'm a busy person.  I have a job which I am dedicated to.  I have family responsibilities.  I am a rabid CFL and Roughriders fan.  I'm a blogger and administrator of ABC Rider Fans.  I enjoy shopping and weekends often take me grocery shopping and to the horrors of Costco.  It's currently the CFL off season but I also enjoy watching NBA and Nascar.  I also don't like to spend my entire day glued to the television.  We PVR a lot of things and we go out and live a life.  The only XFL games according to the schedule I downloaded which I can watch in week 3 are Houston/Tampa Bay on ABC 2pm ET or Dallas/Seattle on FOX 5pm ET.  If I intend to fulfill what "KingOfGames2007" asked me to do and watch an entire game - it will have to be one of these and it will have to be recorded too.  There's a whole debate to be had about watching sporting events live... but that's another topic.

It's difficult to fully commit.  We've seen the XFL try and fail before.  We've seen the AAF fold before barely getting off the ground.  We've seen the AAFL go bankrupt after being somewhat established.  The CFL is well over 100 years old and has a history and legacy.  That doesn't mean it's on sure footing either but it leads me to think it's a more viable choice and it's where my loyalty stands.

In the end, if you enjoy watching XFL then watch XFL.  Who cares what I think?  Is the XFL a threat to the CFL at this point?  No, I sincerely don't think so.  The CFL is quiet right now and Free Agency is basically over.  If there is some panic it's because it's nice to have something to talk about at the end of February when winter has gotten old and us Rider fans are busy dreaming about gophers instead of groundhogs.

Global Grief

It's been 4 days since the news of Kobe Bryant's death and that tragic accident broke.  Even though this is a page dedicated to football and the CFL and Roughriders in particular I can't help but be moved by the outpouring of emotion from athletes world wide.  This was a shocking event that a lot of us are going to remember for a long time in a way that we might talk about it years from now and include the question where were you.

The CFL has a global initiative coined CFL 2.0.  From my perspective it's a movement to sign football players from around the globe and gain viewers (TV Contracts) and popularity world wide.  Combines have been held in a few European countries already in 2020.  In 2019 each CFL team had to carry global players on their roster.  Very few actually saw playing time.  I am told that this will take time.  The global players have to get up to speed with CFL football and it will also take time to see the fruits of the television labours.  

CFL fans and Rider fans in particular are not the most patient group of people.  We want to see a difference and we'd like to see it now.

One of the biggest criticisms of CFL 2.0 is that many feel issues should be fixed on Canadian soil before setting abroad for greener pastures.  Both Toronto and Vancouver have low game day attendance.  The Argonauts and Lions struggle in a market that seems to prefer NHL and NFL over everything else.  Just this week in a news article it was stated that Toronto could host an NFL team and the NFL was interested in that prospect.  

Is it possible the CFL has given up on "fixing" these two CFL teams?

These aren't the only teams seeing a downturn.  Attendance has slumped across the nation.  Many fans complain about the cost of attending games.

Regardless, the CFL is focused on the global community.

Or is it?

On Sunday when we all found out about the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, friends and team mates condolences poured in from every corner of the world.  The CFL Twitter account wasn't quiet and tweeted CFL related news all day but never once issued a statement like the NFL, NHL and even Nascar did.  It wasn't until the evening that Randy Ambrosie tweeted a message and it was the next day that the CFL quietly retweeted it.

No he wasn't a football player but Bryant was a sports ambassador for many athletes and the very least the CFL should have done was join in the sporting community to share in the grieving process.  

I was very disappointed in the lack of response.

If the CFL wants to lead the way with expanding the game worldwide then they also need to learn to play with the big boys.

They dropped the ball big time on this one.

Touchdown Atlantic & The Riders

It was announced on Thursday that Touchdown Atlantic would be played on July 25th in Halifax and would feature the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts.  We had all suspected this was going to be announced since the CFL schedule came out before the Christmas Holidays.  On a week like many other weeks when nothing at all is going on in the CFL and we are all clamoring for any tidbit of news it was leaked that the this would be announced on Thursday.  Then came the CFL announcement of a press conference for Thursday.

Well, we all knew what it was, right.

Don't get me wrong.  It's terrific for the community in Halifax and terrific for tourism.  It would definitely help promote the idea of the 10th CFL team, the Atlantic Schooners, which we are all wanting to come to fruition except for those who work on city counsels.  

Imagine a Canadian Football League with 10 teams.  There's be no need for that 3rd bye week.  Each team could play each other twice.  There'd be no play off cross over scenario.

*sigh*

A girl can dream.

Anyway, soon after (and because I'm married to an accountant) curiosity got the best of me.  How much would it cost to fly to Halifax?  How much are hotels?  What would the average joe have to pay to attend this game.  After all Rider Nation is touted as being the best traveled fan base in the league.

I've heard mention of some people, podcasters and others, putting together a travel package probably like they do for Grey Cup or Labour Day.  That would really help out with the old pocket book.

I'm also wondering just how much of a turn out they're counting on.  I've seen a few aerial shots of the stadium they're going to use in Halifax and the seating is very limited.  It's going to be expanded by 10,000 seats.  With so few available will this be marketed as THE place to be in July?  

Will there be a point at which Rider Nation says, "nope, it's too rich for me?"

We already buy our jerseys and other merchandise.  We help sell out other stadiums in the league.  Will there be a point at which fans start to push back?  I think we might already be seeing a bit of this as attendance at games is on the decline.

At any rate, we have something exciting to look forward to in July.  I will be watching from my living room where I have the best seat in the house.  

If you like where I'm going with this, then by all means enjoy this video on the same subject.  It's the newly launched ABC Football YouTube page.  You can easily access the page by clicking on the YouTube tab at the top of the page.  Thanks for reading and now, thanks for watching!

Well Now I've Done It

Introducing a brand new way for you to follow and engage with myself and ABC Football.  I've started a YouTube channel!  L I N K  Hold the applause *smile*  

I'm finding I'm less and less engaged with written things and meanwhile visual platforms are surging and more popular than ever.  If I'm feeling this way and escaping to the realm of video watching then it's probable that followers of this blog and ABC Rider Fans feel the same.

I can't promise a lot at this point but I can say that it will be fun to embark on a new adventure.

Look up the Channel and hit the Subscribe button to join me on this visual journey.  Here is my debut video which is a short take on Let Me Introduce Myself 2020.  Enjoy!

Say Something

Say Something, I'm giving up on you

I'll be the one, if you want me to

Anywhere, I would have followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you

This seems to be the song of Ridernation after the disastrous loss to the Hamilton TigerCats on Saturday evening. Many who couldn't stand it anymore flipped over to the live Tragically Hip concert on CBC. Those who stuck around took to the radio airwaves to speak their grievances. We are all bewildered, sad and embarrassed. There's not much that can be said that hasn't already. This indeed is the deepest of down weeks.

I always try to relate football to aspects of my life. I am a piano teacher by evening and even though it sounds crazy, I often tell my students not to practise before a big performance. It can work a couple of ways... 1) You use up all your intensity practicing then the performance is a flop or 2) You discover or create new mistakes and they become your focus and 3) You should be prepared before your performance and shouldn't require the practise. I think all three of these things happened to our Riders. Of course they have to practise but we also know it wasn't going well because Jones tore a strip off them so in an effort to be better the focus became about the mistakes and you know what? You focus on the bad and the bad happens. You draw to you what you fret about.

Shakespeare said “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” How true! When the Chris Jones hire was announced what did you think would happen? The Riders were severely broken in 2015. Did ya think he had a magic fix-the-Riders wand? Wave it and he turns 3-15 into 15-3? Jones and company's first season with the Edmonton Eskimo's ended in 6-12. Even though the Riders are 1-7 at this point in the season, 6-12 could be realistically how they end the season. I'd be okay with that purely because it's an improvement over last season. I didn't expect magic; I only expected better.

When the first massive release happened it was shocking BUT how many of those players got signed elsewhere? Brackenridge retired. There was only two Db's who signed...Macho Harris in Winnipeg and Tristan Jackson in Ottawa. That tells me that they weren't worth it to us or any other CFL team. Then the Chick/Dressler/Smith release happened. Now honestly, I could care less if they're upset. They should know by now that football is a business. Have they been lighting up the league? Only against us really and Dressler and Smith have spent a fair share of their Bomber time on the injured list. There's something to be said for how Wally Bueno builds a CFL team. Remember when he released Geroy Simon or Jason Clermont? They were on the downside of their careers. It had to happen to bring in the next guy and rebuild. There is no point to hanging on to a player or players for loyalty or personality or because he's a “fan favourite” then be stuck when he does retire or is forced to retire due to injury or because of their salary you can't afford an up and comer.

Yes, it's true, there are lot's of new Rider players names and you don't know their names or numbers. I've even heard a certain media outlet complain about not knowing who the new guys are. Well excuse me, but if I can figure it out and have since training camp (which I don't recall seeing you at) then why can't you WHEN IT'S YOUR JOB! Meanwhile, the impact of your thoughts and words are heard in Ridernation and they believe you much to the chagrin of the green and white loyalists. A revolving door of players they say but the only new player on the offense was Caleb Holley who had a feature in the Leader-post August 17^th.....FOUR days before the game. The information is out there if you look for it. Get to know these players now so you aren't stuck when they're household names. Get ahead of the curve. I always relate it to this...in 2008 you didn't know who Weston Dressler was either.

Beyond a team that played horribly in all facets, we have the officials and crazy CFL rules to deal with. I watch every CFL game every week and I see it in every game. I think it's the definition of the rules in the first place and the referee's who aren't skilled enough to make the right calls. They don't know what to call and sometimes throw a flag in case there was something or they miss something blatant. This is what the challenge was supposed to fix. Instead, coaches have found a way to bend the rules and manage to get calls for things that have no impact on the play. Every coach has done it. Then this year they came out with the “eye in the sky” which I still haven't figured out what they're supposed to do except in the last game they stopped play because the refs had spotted the ball wrong. They couldn't even spot the ball correctly! I certainly don't know how to fix anything but it seems to me at this point there is no going back. Some games have taken years off my life. It's frustrating to watch and many fans are turning away.

~ Life is not about how you survive the storm;

it's about how you dance in the rain ~

Well, in Ridernation right now it's pouring. We might be having a really hard time. Nothing is going our way.  We've been fined and taken a beating.  I still love this team and these players. You won't hear me wanting to fire coaches or make trades. I'm leaving that to the people in the know. I know in my Rider green heart that the wins will come. Then another win will happen. Maybe some more and then we'll be rolling. That's when we can dance. Let's be there for the 2016 Roughriders. They need our support not our criticism. I know I'll be in green come game day. I hope you are too.  Let's make some Farewell Memories.

Grey Cup 2012

I tend to not make game predictions.  When I feel positive about something it tends to be jinxed.  What I know for sure is that I like Ricky Ray and the Argonauts more than the Stampeders.  How can I side with a team that let's players moon football spectators and let's them tweet crazy stuff without so much as a slap on the wrist?

This is the 100th Grey Cup.  I did a little research yesterday and the very first Grey Cup was won by a Toronto team.  The Varsity Blues they were called.  The trouble is that the two teams in that first Grey Cup were both Toronto teams.  I also think it's a little funny that the Grey Cup was donated by someone who thought it was going to be a hockey trophy.  The ultimate DOH!  I'm sure Lord Grey would be very pleased to know that his trophy is now one of the most coveted awards in Canada.

I'm very happy to celebrate the 100th Grey Cup even though my Riders aren't playing in it.  Because of all the hullabaloo over this 100th anniversary I was able to go out to see the Grey Cup Train when it rolled into the Bridge City.  I still can't really believe I did that all by myself.  It was my experience.  I finally met George Reed, Kory Sheets showed me how to use my iPod to take pictures and I bonded with other rabid football fans while waiting 2 hours to see the train.  Yes, I even caught a glimpse of the RCMP carrying the Grey Cup.  That is always a powerful sight.

The Queen has sent her respects for the 100th Grey Cup game.  I secretly believe she's a Rider fan.  How could she not?  They are Canada's team.

There will be winners and losers in Sunday's game.  Getting to the big game is a huge accomplishment and I hope whoever comes in 2nd place cherishes the ability to just be there.  There will be heart break.  I know that.  As a long suffering Rider fan.....man, do I know that!  It will be fun to watch a game where I don't really have to care all that much!

Next year, 2013, the 101st Grey Cup will be held at Mosiac Stadium the home of my Saskatchewan Roughriders.  That will be our time.  One time to shine.

Friday Rider Withdrawl Support Blog

I am having a hard time believing that the Rider football season is over.  Oh sure, there are still some CFL games to be played and the 100th Grey Cup and all.....but, meh, they don't really mean the same without the Riders there.  The players have cleaned out their lockers and headed home.  The coach and GM have said their season ending thoughts and all we're left with is the hopes the free agents are resigned before someone else decided to pick them up.

I'm sure I had a life before training camp started.  Right?  I mean, what did I do before then?  I think I might have read books and watched tv.  Still, I've suddenly found myself with a free weekend and a closet full of colours I haven't worn in ages.

I used to wear other colours besides green.

Didn't I?

Before I dive head long into Christmas and tackle all the decking of halls and fa-la-la-ing I've put together a little montage video for us to recall with delight the first three games of the 2012 season.  Three glorious games where we blew away Hamilton, Edmonton and BC and were wowed by Trismo Jackson for returning McCallum's missed field goal.

Enjoy :)

5 Things Football Friday

1.  What is the big deal about the cold?  This is Saskatchewan and when it gets towards the end of October and into November we get this thing called winter here.  I understand many players come from places where it doesn't get cold or it doesn't snow, but they are here now and this is what it's like and this is how it's done.  Get over it!  And for what it's worth, I think the media is making a much bigger deal out of it than the players care.

2.  That whole Shea Emry "fine" is a travesty.  If I walked up to someone on the street and punched them in the groin I'd be charged with assault.

3.  I'm glad to see Jaimie Boreham back but I was silently hoping for the return of Eddie Johnson.  I loved Eddie Johnson and I met him once.  He was great to fans.  I also loved the mustache.  He was uber cool.

4.  The name calling drama with Dominic Picard and what's-his-name-Bowman should be under review as well.  It is not okay to call anyone a racial slur.  Bowman should know better.....he does play for Montreal after all.

5.  Every week I love Corey Chamblin more.  He is a smart smart man.  I also feel the same way about Joe Lobendahn and Odell Willis, although it might be weird to lump them all together.

Parting thoughts:  With all this talk about cold I am reminded of the Western Final in 2010 against the Stamps.  Here's a little video to remind you all too.

Labour Day Classic 2007

It was Labour Day in 2007 that I witnessed my community come alive.  This was the season of dreams when every long suffering fan’s biggest wish would finally come true.  It was the the season of the Black Out, when Rider Day was proclaimed and the year the Grey Cup finally made its way home for only the 3rd time.  The impact that these things had was much more than what happened on the football field.

My neighbours across the street, who we have since coined “The Rider Fans” began wearing their Rider shirts for game day.  It’s a tradition they still have and now include their two little children.  They are much bigger supporters of Tim Horton’s than myself and coming home with a round of Double Double’s work for them but just doesn’t have the same impact for us.  Rider fans aren’t just a little ‘stitious…..we’re SUPERstitious.

At the grocery store people began to wear their green and white proudly.  We’d talk to each other…..”Nice jersey”  “Thanks”  “Where’d you get it?”  It was just the beginning of a new kind of gang where Next Year Country was becoming This Year Country.  It’s not uncommon to see people in Rider garb along with decorated businesses, car flags and license plates.  We began to wear our hearts on our sleeves and indeed prove that pride does live here.

My neighbourhood is usually quiet.  People stick to themselves except for the slight neighbourly hello from across the street.  On this Labour Day we were all tucked into our houses in wild anticipation of what the Classic would bring.  I don’t remember much of the game, to be honest.  I remember we did have a knack for pulling out a win in the last minutes…..seconds of any given game and that’s exactly what happened when then quarterback Kerry Joseph ran the ball in for the winning touchdown. 

Afterwards we headed out into the yard to give our lilac bush a hair cut.  Everyone else was spilling out into their yards and street.  Lawn mowers started, cars drove away and down the street a little boy tossed a football to an adult.  “Do you like football?” he asked.  Yes, indeed we liked football.  It connected us all if only for a time or moment.

Five Things Football Friday

1.  Top news this week is that Nick Graham and Chris Patrick were released.  Nick Graham was a terrific guy and I know there are several fans out there who will really miss him.  According to coach Chamblin the player ratio came into play.  Sadly, that's football.  Chris Patrick?  Well, he did take a few bad roughing penalties this year which I think directly resulted in the advancement of the other team.  Bad news.  You can't do that dude.

2.  All the Darian Durant haters have broken out of the closet.  When are these people going to realize that he's not going anywhere?  Ron Lancaster was a hot and cold player too.  Look how we look up to him as a legend!  I think what the problem is, we know that Drew Willy can really light things up.  But that is his job as back up.  If we had a backup QB who sucked no one would care.  Anyhow, I am a HUGE Durant supporter and always will be.  Give the guy a break.

3.  Two years ago, at the Saskatoon FolkFest there was a Riderville pavillion.  There should always be a Riderville pavillion.  I know it might be hard to get players out but do we really need the players there to make a pavillion?  There could be Rider costume contests, kicking demonstrations, and cheerleader tryouts.  Food doesn't have to be just stadium food but imagine a real Tailgater!  Buy a burger out of the back of a truck just like on gameday.  For dessert Jerry's Food Emporium could supply Rider Pride ice cream.  Get the Bath Goddess involved for the ladies by having their bath and body products for trial.  I think it needs to happen.  Riderville is a nation after all.

4.  I was in Michael's Craft Store last week and they have a little section of football things for football parties.  I bought football glasses.  *smile*  They had cute little cartons for hot dogs or hamburgers that looked like footballs or fields.  There were napkins and cups and pretty much anything you'd need for a party.  It was all affordable too.  I need to remember this and stock up for Grey Cup.

5.  I have a fellow Rider friend on Twitter who lives outside the province.  He was in desperate need of some of the Co-Op offerings.  I sent him some things, honestly out of the goodness of my heart.....I really am that nice.....and this person *points finger in general direction because you know who you are* was super duper extraordinaire and sent me the most marvellous care package from his town.  I never did it with the expectation of getting anything in return.  This is a little reminder of how great Rider fans are and that we are indeed everywhere.  Let's paint the world green.  =)

The Curse of the Cereal

The Riders sprang out of the gate winning 3 straight games and exuding spirit and confidence. Then the wheels seemed to fall off the team bus. I'm not one to lay blame and I would never do that to one of the team members or coaches either. So I've searched my heart and soul for some other possible explanation for dropped balls, missed catches and interceptions where there weren't any previously and it has nothing to do with the shirt I wear, how I do my make up or any other game day tradition.

Nope.

It comes down to the only conceivable thing.

The curse of the cereal.

On July 29^th, 2010 the Roughriders and Federated Co-Operative launched Fantuz Flakes. According to the Leader Post, it was directly after a win against Edmonton. Ironic. It was a very tasty almond oatmeal cereal and immediately sold out. A successful second edition was later released.

Now the curse didn't spring into effect immediately, although it may have played a part in the 2010 Grey Cup. Instead, it waited until the off season. That's when Andy Fantuz became a Chicago Chipmunk....er, I mean Bear. And I wished him luck. I really really did. But when he didn't make the NFL roster and returned for the end of the dismal 2011 season, he was never able to make the same impact, got injured and finally was signed by the Ti-Cats for this season.

In the teams efforts to move on in 2011, Darian's Dari-O's were released. And if memory serves correctly, they were launched at the very beginning of the season. Poor Darian Durant was plagued the whole season by an O-line that couldn't protect him, interceptions, turn overs and screw ups from baubled snaps.

I could just rest my case here. It's obvious the cereal is to blame. But no. The year is now 2012 and the Roughriders have moved on in so many levels.....except this year on July 21^st there was the launch of Getzlaf Triple Berry Waggle Cereal. This was supposed to be Chris Getzlaf's break out year. It might be. It still could be. He could be incredible.....if he could only catch and secure the ball.

Batman & Robin

So you see the curse of the cereal is truly the only plausible explanation. What's going to happen next year? All I know is, if someone approaches you with a new Roughrider cereal idea.....I'd be heading for the hills because I'm convinced the Curse of the Cereal will soon follow.