Renew or Not to Renew

There was a gasp around the room.

I looked around to see shocked faces.

I had just told everyone that I had decided to not renew my roughriders season tickets. It's true and it was not a decision I took lightly. We had until February to make a firm decision and while l absolutely loved attending games at the beautiful Mosaic Stadium we ultimately decided this was the best scenario for me and my husband.

Yes it makes makes me sad.

Why Sandra why? I want to say first and foremost that covid and the whole pandemic actually had little to do with it. We had attended most home games last season and felt it was important to support our riders during that time. We really enjoyed our seats in the stadium and the fans around us were fantastic. Last season I never felt unsafe being in a crowd and the product in spite of the whole situation was good. What I did feel was the digital tickets are a pain but then add in having to show my identification and vaccine status as well at the time just added to extra stress that l just did not want to deal with. I know that all restrictions are now lifted so it isn't exactly the same, but it definitely was a factor in us wanting to travel to games.

At the time and because I could not attend the late season games in 2021 I evoked the Covid promise the Roughriders had for season ticket holders.  I cancelled the remainder of the season and got a refund while preserving our seats.  With the money we got back, we bought a tread mill.

Remember when gas was 40 cents a litre in the summer of 2020? Good grief. Now we are looking at $1.78 and that might not be so bad for a couple like us but when you are looking at driving from Saskatoon to Regina several weekends in a row you start questioning whether it’s worth it. There are options I suppose to car pool or the Rider bus which goes to games but it’s nice to be your own chauffeur and go on your own timeline.  Is the price of gas going to interfere with your travel plans in 2022?  How will this impact those traveling from destinations farther than Saskatoon?  All good questions I think.

I'm not going to lie that attending an entire season of CFL home games is a big commitment.  When you don't live in the host city as I've stated above there's lot's of time involved in getting there.  For us, it's an entire day.  Many fans don't live in Regina and Rider fans are known for travelling far and wide to attend games.  You work Monday to Friday (if you're lucky) and then spend a whole day getting to the game and getting back home.  Just like that the weekend is shot.  Some games, especially those 8pm starts means us diehard fans get home at 2 or 3am.  That meant, for us anyway, that most of the next day is exhausting.  It's something that the Covid shutdown of 2020 taught me, my time is more valuable than I used to think it was.  Yes, being at a home game at Mosaic Stadium is amazing and nothing beats Bring Em Out but there's something to be said for staying home and watching on tv and preserving the rest of the day.  When you combine several weekends in a row all summer/fall long it's something I am no longer prepared to do.

In the provincial budget it was also announced that sporting and entertainment events would now be included in the 6% PST.  This doesn't come in until October 2022 so if you've already paid for your Roughrider season tickets it won't have any impact on you this year.  It will going forward though.  Perhaps now is the time to lock in your tickets for the 3 year VIP offer the Riders have and you'd likely want to get the balance paid now too.  Will this affect attendance in the future?  We will have to wait and see.

None of this means I am not a fan.  In fact, I think this decision allows me to be a better fan and better at keeping all my pages up to date like I used to.  Work, travel, games, blogging, etc etc is hard to keep up with when you're never home to actually write anything down!  I've found that when I had the pressure to "I need to write about Saturdays game" it was really REALLY hard to find the inspiration to do it and hence we've had such a long long break where I haven't shared anything.  It's a part of something I've really missed.

So after we considered all the different aspects and pros/cons of Roughrider CFL season tickets I responded to the January 25th email which stated the deadline to renew season tickets for the early bird pricing was February 1st.  

"Hi.  I hate having to make the decision because I've really loved having season tickets and have enjoyed the entire experience however, I will not be renewing my season tickets."

I received this great response.

So there it is.  Decision final.

Now, when does Training Camp start?  Will it be in Saskatoon again?  Us Rider fans are waiting patiently.

Let Me Introduce Myself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...Go Riders!

Revisiting ~ It's Not June Yet

My 4th most popular blog of all time is a post entitled It's Not June Yet from March of 2016.  A co-worker had asked me about the temperament of Rider Nation and I complied with a blog post.  Let me set the stage for you...Corey Chamblin had been fired as Head Coach of the Riders late in the 2015 season and Bob Dyce had coached out the remainder of the season.  In November of that year Craig Reynolds landed Chris Jones much to the chagrin of Edmonton Eskimo fans.  In December, Jones released an unprecedented amount of Rider players then in January Chick & Dressler, which was not taken well by much of the fan base.  By the time I wrote this blog in March some big names had been signed and news was just amping up for the season.


As I stated in the opening of that blog post, a lot of people didn't even really know I was a football fan in real life.  I can pretty much guarantee that has changed.  I've never been one to shout it from the rooftop because I feel that when I am at work, I am there to work, and I'm hoping my employer likes it that way.  However, it does bubble over sometimes.  While my fandom isn't tattooed on my arm it is in my heart at all times.  In my classroom there is a Grey Cup champions sign from 2013 and a couple other tell tale signs if you look hard enough.  I do tend to wear a lot of green and to answer my question from It's Not June Yet, there is never enough Rider green.

Back in March of 2016 the temperament was mixed and divided.  Some love the Chris Jones regime, others hate him and others just hate his personality but love the coach. There are still (in March – 2 months later) fans who bring up the whole Chick/Dressler releases. Ridernation doesn't forget much.  In the first season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders they went 5-13.  It was a total and complete rebuild situation.  2017 was an improvement at 10-8 and less than 3 minutes from participating in the Grey Cup which our victors, the Toronto Argonauts would go on to win and let's not forget that Corey Chamblin our ex head coach was their defensive coordinator that year too.  Flash forward to last year 2018 and the Riders once again improved on their over all record at 12-6 and hosted a home play off game for the first time in several years.  While those same fans are still out there upset over how Chris Jones handled things (not this fan - I was on board from Day 1) it's easy to see how he was not only nominated for Coach of the Year but took home the award in November.  Each year that Chris Jones has been with the Roughriders organization has been an improvement over the last.  Yes, there's been some problems and some ugly losses (The Big Goose Egg) but if one was to take the temperament of the fans at right this moment I'd say we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we started.  We are just missing that one quarterback ingredient, but I'll get to that later.

Here we are in 2019 and Corey Chamblin has become the Head Coach for the Toronto Argonauts after Marc Trestman was dismissed.  It's always shocking when someone gloriously leads their team to victory one year and then is fired the next.  It seems to be the way so often in professional sports.  We know that in Chamblin's final year with the Riders he changed.  We don't know if it was winning that did it or something else but we saw issues where coaches and players didn't want to work for him or with him.  He has said publicly that he learned from his experience here in the fishbowl.  It'll be interesting to see what kind of culture he's able to create in a place like Toronto that seems oblivious to the very existence of the CFL.  

Rider Nation waited anxiously after an NFL reporter mentioned in an article that Chris Jones should be on the radar of several NFL teams.  We wondered if it was news being created in the absence of football news in the CFL and we have seen an exodus of players to the NFL so why wouldn't coaches be going elsewhere too?  Thankfully on Tuesday all the rumours were put to rest when news finally broke for the first time since December 20th, Chris Jones had signed a contract extension through 2020.  He said there's unfinished business with the Roughriders and as I've always suspected, he wants to win a Grey Cup with our Riders.  Hey, I'm all for that attitude!

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that we don't say #isitjuneyet anymore.  There has been an effort and movement to move the season up to avoid disasters like the 2018 Grey Cup and it's snowy onslaught.  What a complete embarrassment that was!  It was bad for the teams playing and it was disappointing to watch players slip and slide on TSN.  In 2019 the season will begin in June and preseason begins in May.  Wahoo!  That also means training camps will open a week earlier and that completely works out for my schedule.  So...#isitmayyet?  I am assuming that the Riders return to Saskatoon for training camp in 2019 but we will have to await that news.

Back to my 2016 blog post...I went on to talk extensively about meeting new players and then how accessible fans are to CFL players.  Aren't we lucky?!  The three players I posted about were only Riders for a short time.  I did mention my curse with meeting players and their dismissal.  That tweet

Will Scott Moe like this post?

even got the attention of Premier Brad Wall.  Coincidence?  I have been so blessed to meet most of our Riders at events over the years.  I always thought it was a CFL thing but perhaps it's mostly a Roughriders thing.  At any rate, I am thankful that it's possible at all.  I guess when you are in a position to meet a lot of players you also might find a lot of those same players get released.  I will let you know that I will not be the first fan marching off to get a customized jersey...

Four years ago I was not a season ticket holder. 2019 will be the 3rd season that I hold tickets.  I love that the Roughriders and Mosaic Stadium organizations have options for all fans.  In 2016 I bought what was called Flex Tickets.  Now, with my season tickets they have a great resale option available for games I am not able to go to.  Sometimes, even if you are the biggest fan, it's just not possible to drive the 3 hours due to other adult responsibilities.  I've loved being in section 126 and I enjoy being close to the field.  What I don't enjoy is having to watch most of the game on the big screen because I can't see what's going on.  In February I'm going to look at upgrading to another section.  It'll be a great opportunity to meet new people and participate in the terrific Mosaic Stadium game atmosphere.

We said goodbye to Taylor Field and we welcomed Mosaic Stadium with open arms.  We worked out the bugs in hosting a home play off game and now we are ready for more.  It's go time.  The next few months are going to be full of news and we will see some beloved players move on and we will also welcome new players into the fold.  I'm not making any bold predictions but with every improving year - this is the year to do it all and it starts with Chris Jones going out and getting us the quarterback to lead us there.  Who will it be?  Take part in the poll posted below and let me know your thoughts!  Stay tuned for the results!

Who is the next Riders Quarterback?

Zach Collaros

Johnathon Jennings

Mike Reilly

Bo Levi Mitchell

Other

Created with QuizMaker

The Drive Home

For those who don't know, I live in Saskatoon and am a Saskatchewan Roughrider season ticket holder.  This means that we drive 3 hours to every home game as well as 3 hours return trip.  Lot's of fans drive farther.  The drive to the game is usually filled with nervous anticipation, strategy talk and excitement.  The drive home? Well, it varies depending on how the game went.  One thing that is for certain - 3 hours gives you a long time to think especially after a loss.

Let's start with the Riders Offensive Line.  Every play the line back pedals and while that is expected a certain amount that leaves next to nothing for a pocket for the quarterback.  I don't know what the problem is here.  Are they under sized?  Are they old?  Are they not athletic enough?  Are they not smart enough?  I've heard fans say that their performance was better in the last few games but this is a problem that plagues us and this Roughriders team and has for several seasons now.  It doesn't matter who the quarterback is - they need to protect and if they don't no QB will be productive.  People also talk about whether the O Line knows what the QB is doing or not and that's why plays collapse but to me they should be able to do their jobs and do them well regardless of who is standing in the pocket.  Once I saw a Calgary defender drive Thad Coleman into Brandon Bridge.  I'm not laying blame and certainly the Stamps deserve credit, but should it be that easy?  Every team knows that all you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure and the O Line collapses faster than a flip up tent from Canadian Tire.  Brendan LaBatte was the unsung hero in Week 6 but the man can't do it alone.  This team needs improvement on the line first and foremost.

We all know that since Week 2 when Zach Collaros was taken out of the game due to concussion the Roughriders have had to go with back ups Brandon Bridge and David Watford.  There's been the carousel much to the chagrin of Riders media, which also worked effectively by the way.  Brandon Bridge himself is a curious subject.  He has such tremendous arm strength but to me he's a bit like Bam Bam from the Flintstones because he doesn't realize the strength he possesses.  Sure he can over throw a missile down field but then he also launches missiles when attempting screen passes.  When I re-watched Saturday's game ( I know I'm a glutton for punishment) I again noticed the mechanics of a Bridge throw.  It's awkward, he releases and there's no follow through.  I wonder if this is something that is being worked on with his Quarterback Coach?  Now, if you are a receiver how do you catch balls throw in this fashion?  They more often than not go through the hands and hit you in the chest with great force.  We often say things like "the receiver should have had that" but are they actually catch-able balls?  So I've thought long and hard (about 2 hours worth of driving) that the coaches are trying to teach him how to adjust his throwing pressure.  They are only giving him plays in which he can succeed.  He will keep getting these plays until he learns them.  I'm sure it's a similar situation for Watford however this is his first year in the CFL and less would be expected from him whereas Bridge has been in the league 4 seasons now.  

On this same subject, I was trying to relate the situation to something in my own life.  I am a piano teacher of students aged 4 - 84.  Every student walks in wanting to play Fur Elise by Beethoven.  It's not going to happen at least for 3 years.  I have to teach and instruct in layers of knowledge and give songs and pieces which gets them to the next level so eventually they can play the things they want.  When they don't accomplish the skill, they get asked to do it over and over again until they can prove to me they know it.  This also describes the Roughriders offense.  They can't play Moonlight Sonata yet because they haven't learned how to perform Alouette, Gentille Alouette.

We're an hour away from home and now I'm thinking about the O Line and Quarterback combined.  The play is off...you're trying to make the read...your O Line is collapsing...dump the ball off.  Ball security is of number one priority so the next play instead of throwing you're going to relieve some pressure and hand off to your running back.  Maybe you have to do that several times because things are just moving so fast your can't go through your progressions.  Do you run?  Do you force a play?  The crowd is booing the decisions.  It's gotten really messy really quickly.  You can't execute the plays because everything is moving so fast.  Some points you just have to run to try to make something happen.  It's not good.  Not good at all.  

We usually arrive home by 1am after a 7pm game.  It's exhausting and all my thoughts continue to roll around in my head all night long.  I know we are all frustrated with the production of the offense on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and I also know that the coaches are doing everything they can as well.  Rider fans are known for extreme emotions and often it's polarizing.  "Plan the parade" or "Fire Jones".  None of us are very rational during trying times but I personally try to be logical.  We did lose against the number one CFL team.  The Calgary Stampeders were indeed the best team in the league going into the game being 6 - 0 now 7 - 0.  What did we think was going to happen?  I actually thought the game was going to be far worse! If we take away the fumbles in the first quarter the Riders are right there competing for the win.  I know we can't change how that quarter played out but we can give the team total credit for not giving up.  The Riders did have momentum going into the second half and they kept chipping away at the deficit.  

Today, Zach Collaros was able to practice and whether he'll be playing in Thursday's game against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium is another question but these are mine...  Can our Offensive Line protect him?  Can Zach get time in the pocket?  Can they pass protect AND run block?  Can our offense execute plays competently enough to put us/the Riders in a position to win? 

The devastating news of the day was the release and criminal charges of Jerome Messam.  This is so upsetting, shocking and disappointing.  I'm not going to go into detail because the news can be found everywhere on the internet as well as the ABC Rider Fans Facebook page.  The Roughriders aren't commenting and that's fine with me.  With the charge being voyeurism I've decided I don't want to know further details.  

The bright spot for Monday was that the Riders signed streaker tackler Marcell Young, that Nick Marshall was practicing and that Duron Carter was back on offense.  We will all have to tune in to the game on Thursday to see how these changes shake out.  This will be the Riders 4th Thursday night game for those keeping track.  Edmonton is often a difficult city for our Riders to play in.  I'm hoping for a competitive game.

As always, and in spite of everything - Go Riders.

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!

We're Talking Play Offs. PLAY OFFS!

Phew!  I'm glad Week 19 is over.  Our Saskatchewan Roughriders won 37-12 over the Montreal Alouettes at home in glorious Mosaic Stadium.  The storylines were aplenty.

October 27th marked the first time ex-Rider quarterback not only returned to Regina for the first time but set foot in the stadium some believe Darian Durant helped bring to fruition.  Rider fans learned Darian will be a father in the next few months.  We saw him be somewhat gracious while receiving fans at the game.  What didn't sit with some members of Rider Nation was Doubles pregame interviews where he said he deserved recognition.  It's tough.  Over the past 11 years I've been a big Durant supporter and I've written about that here.  I'll admit that I've had hard feelings since Game One in Montreal.  I'll also admit that there likely were emotions on his side as well and he "may" be excused for some of his behaviour.  I don't honestly know if I would have stood for an ovation prior to Fridays game or how I would have felt but I know I do not think of Darian the way I did prior to his trade. 

Maybe some day I'll be over the break up.

Rider Nation isn't known for getting over things easily and as a proud member I sadly am no different.

October 27th was also the date set to see the Wes Cates...er, West Gates of Taylor Field be demolished.  Living in Saskatoon makes seeing these things challenging so at 12:55pm I tuned in to cjme radio's facebook page where it was being streamed live.  It didn't happen on time and it kept being pushed back but then shortly after 2pm the horns sounded and with a creaking thud and a cloud of dust down it came...bowing for the last time.  My blue eyes clad in green eyeliner may have teared up just a little.  Rider Nation couldn't help but think of all the great things that have happened there.  Seeing Paul McCartney's concert in 2013 was an amazing experience while it may be shadowed by that other big event in 2013.  Things move on, life changes and while it's sad to see Taylor Field go it will also be exciting to see a new neighbourhood spring up.  Will houses be built on the 55 yard line? What will the name of that street be? And how cool would it be to tell that story!

The Riders find themselves at 10-7 and even though I am the supporter that I am - I only pegged it as a 9-9 season so man, am I happy!  We do seem to find ourselves thanking our high school math teacher because all the football math scenarios boggle the mind and make those blue eyes glaze over. 

Here are the different ways Week 20 in the West may play out:

1) If Bombers win and Riders win - Bombers secure 2nd & Riders get 3rd & Eskimos head east
2) If Bombers win and Eskimos win - Bombers finish 2nd & Eskimos 3rd & Riders head east
3) If Bombers lose and Eskimos win - Eskimos finish 2nd & Bombers 3rd & Riders head east.

I was remiss in mentioning in last weeks Conspiracy Theory blog that there is a contingent of fans who believe the CFL wants it to be a Redblacks and Roughriders Grey Cup in Ottawa in Canada's 150th year.  Had you told me this in July or even August I would have rolled my eyes...but here at the end of the season it doesn't seem so far fetched!  Does the CFL want it? Well, there's no denying that would be one heck of a story.  In order for my Riders to make it to the Grey Cup they'd have to secure 3rd Saturday Nov 4th then beat both the Blue Bombers and Stampeders to win the West.  The same thing goes here and a month ago I wouldn't want that scenario but it seems both teams are faltering and well...it could totally play out that way!  OR once again, my watermelon is on too tight.  At any rate, no one can deny Saturday's game against the Edmonton Eskimo's in Regina will be a BIG one.

I have renewed my season tickets.  It seems section 126 Row 5 is stuck with me and my cowbell.  I love the sight lines.  I love being 5 rows removed from the field.  I love being so close to the Riders tunnel.  I love everything about my seats and the people who sit around me.  I'll love being there one last time in the 2017 CFL season to cheer my Saskatchewan Roughriders to victory in the house Rider Nation built.

As Always - Go Riders!

I BEL13VE 

Origin Story

This week - week nine in the CFL, was the Roughriders second bye week of the 2017 season. It got me to thinking about how I became a fan and how that has shaped how I cheer for the team and show my Rider Pride.  We all have stories.  This is mine.

My first Roughrider memory was from the early 1980's when a player came to my elementary school in Prince Albert,

Saskatchewan. I have no idea what he spoke about or if other players were with him and until a few years ago I had his trading card.  He wasn't a big name Roughrider (Lawrie Skolrood) but was a Rider for several years. Interesting enough, none of my classmates remember this happening and all recall the yo-yo guy instead.  I wonder what it was that left an impression on me and no one else.  In 1980 the Roughriders went 2-15 and yet these Roughrider players were out interacting with the communities in the province like my class at Arthur Pechey Elementry School.



My Dad (2nd from right) with his 3 brothers @ Taylor Field

Being a Roughrider fan back then wasn't popular. There weren't Roughrider stores and of course no internet so next to zero fan interaction except for "guy on the street" contact.  Tickets were easy to get and didn't cost a lot.  As a teenager, the last thing I'd ever do was profess my love for the Roughriders.  I remember my Dad being excited in 1989 and saying how he thought the Riders were good that year.  So when I was in Regina in about 1991 I bought him a Roughrider tee shirt from the hotel gift shop. Even then and only a couple years removed from being Grey Cup champions, the cashier thought I was crazy.  Why on earth would I want to spend $20 on that?

Then I was busy getting married and starting a career and football wasn't even on the radar.  Hubby and I moved to Saskatoon and while our lives evolved changes were happening in Riderville too. The Shivers/Barrett era was over and in came Jim Hopson, Eric Tillman and Kent Austin. Everything changed.  Everything.  Suddenly it was cool to be a Saskatchewan Roughriders football fan.  The team was winning and everyone far and wide was clamouring for Rider gear.  One time on game day we were at the Co-Op and another fan stopped us in the isle to ask where we got our cool Rider shirts.  People started to take game day very seriously and would dress up even if staying home, fly flags from their cars and merchandise flew off the racks.  We ate Fantuz Flakes, Dario's and All Dressler Chips.  Rider Nation went nuts.

My favourite chips

The life we lived then was different from now. It wasn't even a thought that we'd attend a game never mind purchase season tickets. Hubby had been to Rider games having grown up farther south, but me...I had never been to Taylor Field for a football game until 2014 when the Ottawa Redblacks came for their preseason game.  We sat in the first row of section 25 and Hubby told everyone it was my first time...which was so embarrassing!  I mean here I was a HUGE fan and had never been to a game there before. (I had been there in 2013 for the Paul McCartney concert) What I've realized since is that it doesn't matter how big your fandom is - it's always someone's first.  That game the Roughriders were the visitors while the Redblacks were the home team. Bizarre right?  When the Redblacks came on the field Hubby shouted "Welcome to the league boys!" and the experience grew greater from there.

Now why wasn't I at the 2013 Grey Cup? I still don't know what I was thinking. I tried to make up for by being at several important Farewell Season games last year.  I saw the 1966 team, the 1989 kick re-inacted, and I saw Darian Durant send off the ol' lady in a storm of fireworks.  It still bothers me that I wasn't at the biggest game in the Roughriders organization history.

This year, the Inaugural Season of Mosaic Stadium, we do have season tickets.  On August 13th we had pregame on field passes.  For one hour prior to kick off we got to stand in the end zone of this magnificent new stadium and talk to other fans, players who came out to shake hands and create more memories.  Duron Carter chatted with players and signed the football of a young fan.  He went along the railing and greeted all the kids.  Rob Bagg came over as did Cameron Marshall and Willie Jefferson. It was awesome.  It was military appreciation day and I watched as players thanked all the personal who came out onto the field.

My photos from pre-game August 13th

Waiting in line at the Gate 2 entrance I met a woman from Weyburn who told me she was so glad she had family to stay with so she could attend games.  We stood in the shade and talked about how great the facilities are.  I met a man who travelled from Ottawa just to see his team, our Saskatchewan Roughriders play in person.  I asked him if he attends Redblacks games and he said, "No, I'm a Roughriders fan."  We met another couple who lectured my Hubby on Rider Pride when he said the Lions were going to beat us by 15 points. * smile * If you know who you are...I'm pretty sure my husband owes you twenty bucks!

Hubby & I @ Taylor Field 2016

Seeing Taylor Field being slowly dismantled makes me wish I had more memories there but right next door I'm creating amazing new ones.  Lawrie Skolrood's playing days may be in the rear view mirror but I am so thankful I have that connection because it's shaped who @smilingsandra is today.  Rider Nation is a terrific (crazy) fan base and I'd not want to be a part of any other no matter how much you make me shake my head and roll my eyes.  How and when we became fans changes our perspective on every issue.  Were you a fan in the aching 80's? 70's? 00's? It's been awfully easy being a fan over the last 10 years and I think sometimes we need to reflect to appreciate just how far the Saskatchewan Roughriders have come.

What's your Origin Story?

Harps & Angels

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

It's real and it's spectacular.


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

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


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


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


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