Riders kick Bombers in their athletic supporters

Who doesn't like a blowout? By your favorite team....against one of their biggest rivals...on the biggest day and game of the year? I for one am ecstatic as to what I saw today as the Rider's shut out the Bombers 52-0  in the 2012 Labour Day Classic.

I say this because I have a long memory. I remember way too many times the Riders being on the wrong end of a blowout. Maybe I am greedy, but I would like to see the Riders blow out the opposition even more! That is something that will never get old to me. But 52-0? Go figure. Can't say that I saw that coming (I'm sure no one did) and it was impressive, to say the least.

The team played today like they did in the first three games of the season. In complete control and without costly errors or mistakes. Maybe they had some good karma going for them too with Sandro DeAngelis' first  field goal attempt hitting the upright but still going through. Maybe that was an early sign that today was the Riders' day and things were going to go their way.

Durant was in control of the game and I have believed that the team is better when he takes off and runs. His scrambling for a few crucial first downs in the 1st quarter were critical to sustaining drives and putting points on the scoreboard. Yes, he did take a shot to the head in the 3rd quarter, but it looks like he had some stiffness in his neck and shoulder and will be back for the rematch. The two touchdown throws to Weston Dressler were pretty to watch. Nice smooth spirals that were perfectly thrown. Of course, having good pass protection helps. Kudo's to the o-line as they had a solid game. 

Brackenridge stepped up and was simply outstanding. Not bad for a guy who was almost scratched. He came up big not only in the two notable plays, but he appeared to be in the right position pretty much all day.  It would be criminal if he doesn't earn defensive player of the week honours.

Lobendahn had a nice first game and led the team in tackles. Hope he stays healthy so they can have some stability at the linebacker positions for a few games. The other defensive stars were Jay Alford and Tearrius George. Even though there were not a lot of sacks (I think they only had two), there were lots of hurries. The defensive line is very good and they are keeping Willis and Hawkins fresh. It also appeared the defensive backs had much tighter coverage today. Have we ever seen more knockdowns in a game like we did today? 

I am really impressed with Korey Sheets' toughness. He seems to take a lot of punishment, but he bounces up after every touch and just keeps making plays. What a great find. He is on track to get over 1000 rushing yards on the season and perhaps even greater single game performances are in store. 

Drew Willy got some decent playing time and impressed like he did in the pre-season. The Riders didn't miss a beat when he came into the game and he looked pretty confident for 1st year quarterback. At this point of the season both Sheets and Willy are looking like great finds for GM Brendan Taman. Same thing with Brooks Foster. Those were two great catches and they may now have their receivers set. 

And big congratulations to Coach Corey Chamblin. His composure and positive attitude have finally paid off and in every game it looks like his players want to play for him. Chamblin is vastly different than Greg Marshall (who?) and Tim Burke (sucks to be you) and that's a good thing. 

Just as I write this I am watching the highlights on CTV Winnipeg. They are using words such as embarrassing, humiliating, humbling, historic for all the wrong reasons, long drive back.... As I said, I know what they are talking about. I remember times when this is what happened to the Riders. Nice to see someone else have some of that misery and the Riders the ones dishing it out. 

Good thing I set the PVR as I will be watching this one again. 

Labour Day Classic....time to turn the season around

Later today the Riders will take the field in the annual Labour Day Classic. Once again, versus the hated Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Mosaic Stadium will be rocking for what some will say is the Riders' most important game of the year.

Its an important game for more than just being the Labour Day game. This game has to be the start of the turnaround. The Riders have to do something to stop the negative momentum of the last five games where their season has been going the wrong way. Not many would have predicted that the team would get off to a 3-0 start, but now that they have lost 5 straight, all of the early excitement that the team generated is on the verge of turning this year into another last year.

In 2007, when the Riders last won the Grey Cup, the Labour Day game seemed to be the turning point. A last minute TD run by Kerry Joseph instilled some new belief in the players (and the fans!). I am hoping for lightning to strike once again and I am hopeful that someone will step up to make it happen.

I expect that person to be Darian Durant. I think that he still is a good quarterback and has all the tools to lead the team to a win. Running the ball like they did last week against Calgary was a good sign, and although they are forecasting some strong winds, hopefully they don't have to face a 70kph wind ....so they can get the passing game back on track. And Durant gets it; he knows the importance of the Labour Day Classic, to both the team and the fans. There should not be any need for motivation speeches today.

A wrinkle in this game is the changes that the Bombers made with their coaching staff. Last year the Rider's fired Greg Marshall and replaced him with Ken Miller in advance of the the Labour Day game. A similar situation takes place this year with the Bombers as Paul La Police was replaced by Tim Burke last week. Will it result in a win for the visitors? I am betting against it, as mid season coaching changes have not been too successful in the history of the league.

I think today's game goes a long way to determine to what is going to happen for the rest of the season. A Rider's win puts them back in the playoff hunt at 4-5 with half of the season to play. A loss, for six in a row, may be too much for this fragile team to overcome.

So "Go Riders!" Make this game a win. It doesn't have to be another Labour Day Classic, just another Labour Day win!

 

Okay, enough of this

I was hoping that the way the Riders lost in Calgary was a one-off....something that wouldn't repeat itself. Well its obvious that they learned nothing from that defeat after their loss to Hamilton. Blows me away that they can't hold a 19 point lead, and two weeks in a row snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

It seems that they experience one little bit of adversity and they can't recover. The Durant fumble was the turning point as the Riders just couldn't do anything after that. Bad play calls, no desire for second effort to get the necessary yardage for a first down and poorly thrown passes when they are needed the most. 

Inconsistent field goal kicking doesn't help things either, but its tough to put this one solely on the shoulders of Milo. The pass rush was non-existent as Burris had lots of time to throw; not just in the fourth quarter but the entire game.It seemed that Hamilton was able to march down the field at will. The Riders prevent defense did everything to prevent themselves from winning!

It is going to be a tough two weeks in Riderville. I couldn't spend the time listening to CKRM's call in show afterward as I knew it was going to be ugly. Didn't need fans heaping more scorn on the team than I already did; I did my own share of venting.

So what has to change before the Riders go to Edmonton after the bye-week? Consistency is number one. Regaining the killer instinct (like they had in the first three games) is essential. The defensive schemes have to change as well as there is no way a team that holds Edmonton to 1 point should be giving up 35+ to Hamilton and Calgary.

I have a sense that there is going to be some soul searching and deep reflection by the coaches over of the bye week. And then I expect more roster changes. Yes, the team is still tied for first in the west, and has a winning record, but the last two games have been nothing but momentum and moral killers.

The Riders should be 5-0. Now they are only two points out of a playoff spot. 

Use the bye week to turn this around now.

Never criticize a win

The Riders go to 2-0 with an impressive performance over the Evil Empire. Jyles and Joseph could not get anything going against the Rider's defense....the Rider "D" was phenomenal as much as the Edmonton quarterbacks were aweful. A defensive battle isn't such a bad thing now and then. The Rider offense did have me worried at times, but I still had these sense that they'd pull out the win. Of course I didn't know that and it was just a gut feel until "Holy Sheets" had that impressive run for a 34 yd TD late in the fourth quarter. Nice to see a strong play be the game breaker to seal the deal. Bottom line is its a win and that's all that matters. I had a look at the Edmonton papers today and they are all over Tillman for trading Ricky Ray for Jyles. At this point it may go down as one of the most lopsided trades in history. But I have no sympathy for Tillman or the Esks. Everybody has to make tough trades or say goodbye to free agents to be under the salary cap. And I know that Eskimo fans took great joy in seeing the Riders falter last year after they went to three of previous four Grey Cups. My only regret is not betting on the game with my brother-in-law, who is a big Eskimo fan. He's still a little annoyed with me when I gave his son Austin a Riders jersey (with #5 on the back of course!) He's taken his share of bets from me and I still want revenge...but missed out in setting a bet for this game. That will come as so will many more Eskimos losses this season if they don't get a quarterback. Now bring on the Lions in the showdown for first place in the west. My sense is there will be more offense when the Lions make their way to Mosaic this Saturday.

One down, 17 to go!

So the first thing I have to say is good thing I wore my lucky Rider's shirt, Second thing...I liked the white helmets. There was something about them and they looked better and better as the game went on. Of course, so did the Riders' play so maybe it didn't matter what they wore....

SaskPower finally restored my power an hour before game time. Needless to say I wasn't a happy camper. as the clock was ticking closer to kickoff. What a sense of relief when it came on (for more reasons than the game!). But with the Rider win, perhaps all was forgotten. But I better be able to see the game on Sunday.

So, who saw that coming? Damn they played good. The offense, defense and special teams played like a high caliber team in mid-season form. Durant and Dressler? Enough said with the offensive player of the week award that went to Durant but Dressler could have easily won.

Jeez, I like a blowout.... I have seen way to few of them by the Riders over the years, so I can never get enough of them. The lean years of "eleven years is enough" and the 90's are still in my memory and I can recall way to many times when the Riders were on the wrong side of a blowout. I want the Riders to win big every game.

It was hard to find fault with such a big win, but because this is Saskatchewan, some have found something to complain about. Comes with the territory I guess. Nevertheless, nice to see coach Chamblin not get complacent at practice by working on tackling drills and sharing that there are other areas to improve on.

Next up, the Evil Empire. Can't wait for Sunday. Also can't wait for the Riders to go 2-0 with another blowout win.

Political brilliance on stadium announcement

When I first heard that the provincial government would fund up $80million for a "roof ready" new stadium my reaction was that this probably would be less than what was needed to make the project go. Then to my surprise, later in the day both Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco and the Riders held press conferences to state how pleased they were with the provinces' announcement ...and the Riders themselves would contribute to the project. The province put it in the context that their contribution would be a similar percentage to what they have given to other "recreation centers" in the province...and they went on to list them, town by town, city by city. So I think what the province has done has found a nice sweet spot between those in favor and opposed to a new stadium. The $80m is no where near the $240m the City requested(So taxpayers are perhaps breathing a sigh of relief) and the $80m is probably enough of a commitment to get the project off the ground, as it also comes with a loan if necessary. Because the mayor was beaming in his press conference, and the Riders stepped up to the plate with a commitment to fund (total amount will be released later) for the first time, it leads me to believe that a deal is in the works. The mayor imposed a July deadline for all funding to be in place...and no one seemed to think that was going to be a problem. Private sector funding must be in the queue then, and an announcement forthcoming. The provinces' announcement is walking a political tightrope with grace and agility. In the end I think everyone will believe that they are being respectful of taxpayers money, while at the same time participating in a meaningful level on one of the biggest and most needed Infastructure projects in the provinces' history.

Rider's trim roster

Today the Rider's announced the release of a number of players:

Import DL Jay Alford
Import OL Johan Asiata
Non-Import WR Ismael Bamba
Non-Import K Chris Bodnar
Non-Import FB Mathieu Boulay
Import WR Patrick Brown
Non-Import OL Dan Clark
Import LB Chris Francis
Import DB Lance Frazier
Import DB Macho Harris
Non-Import OL Nick Hutchins
Import DB Talmadge Jackson
Import DB Jalil Johnson
Import LB Karl Paymah
Non-Import LB Kevin Regimbald-Gagne
Import DL Kenny Rowe
Import WR Jock Sanders
Import LB Davonte Shannon
Import LB Daniel Sheffield
Import WR Taj Smith
Import DL David Veikune
Import RB DeShawn Wynn

The following players have been added to the injury list:
Non-Import FB Graeme Bell
Non-Import OL Chris Best

The following players have been added to the 9 game injury list:
Import WR Dallas Baker
Import OL Dan Goodspeed
Import QB Levi Brown

I was at the game on Friday night. It was my first game at Taylor Field...err Mosaic Stadium since 1995. Can't believe it has been that long. Worst part though, was that the stadium hasn't changed that much for the better...even though the recent renovations and bowl seating does look good.

Of the changes above, based on what I saw on Friday, I can't say there are many surprises. Lance Frazier being cut was perhaps the one that raises the most eyebrows. A classy, long time vet, it looks like coaching or an administration position may be in store for him in the near future. Same thing with Dan Goodspeed. Looks like his time on the 9-game list will give him some time to consider if he wants to get involved in coaching.

The other surprise to me as that Brandon West wasn't cut. With the play of Kory Sheets on Friday I thought that West would be released. I guess they have found the room to keep a couple of extra RB's around incase Sheets doesn't pan out.

The practise roster hasn't been announced yet, but 7 of those released will make it onto that list. There is no doubt that there will be some roster moves before the first game against Hamilton. Notice how there's no fooling around with Chamblin like in years past. A good example is Jay Alford. I guess they wanted him to show up to camp earlier. Chamblin has made it clear that you have to show up and try to make the team, instead of resting on your laurels. 

If that mindset carries through the season the Riders should do well.

Don't panic... at least wait till the season starts

I was on a flight home when the Riders were playing their first exhibition game against B.C. I asked my wife to PVR' the game and I still haven't watched it. I did get the heads up that it wasn't worth watching, so I am starting to think there is no point.

There also is no point to panic. When I was listening to Sportsnight on Thursday night some callers had already written the season off. Other callers sounded like they were ready to jump off a bridge. I guess I have to remind people that it was just an exhibition game. Even more reason to remain calm is that the Lions played a lot of their starters, later into the game, while the Riders were "trying out guys" in various positions. 

Isn't that what exhibition games are for anyway? With the record as bad as it was in 2011, one would hope that Riders were going to try new things (i.e. offensive and defense schemes), try out new players (how many veterans didn't make the trip?) and get used to the new coaching dynamics and personalities.

I like everything that I have seen so far from the new regime. I am hopeful that the Riders will play better in the 2nd exhibition game on Friday, and maybe then that will stop the crazies from being, well, crazies! 

Nonetheless, everything is still meaningless until the season starts.

Riders sign all 2012 draft picks

The announcement today by the Riders that all four 2012 draft picks have been signed and will be at rookie camp has been welcome news. I have to admit I was starting to think that this wasn't going to happen. Although Ben Hennan was quoted as saying that he thought it was going to get done, as each day brought us one day closer to camp it was easy to believe that at least one of the picks wouldn't be signed.

But its done and not a day too soon.

This is quite the accomplishment when you look at the difficulties other teams have had in signing their picks. As an example, Edmonton is unable to sign both of their first round picks this year; as Austin Pasztor  and Shamawd Chambers have chosen to pursue their options in the NFL. There have been stories in the Calgary Herald that some teams are having issues with at least one agent. And each year, more CIS players are looking south for a chance in the NFL.

Perhaps the biggest surprise with this announcement is Ismaël Bamba. TSN had issued a report earlier this month that all indications were that he would return to Sherbrooke. His draft position fell quite a bit from pre-draft projections and maybe that made him lean to a return to college. This guy had lots of potential at North Dakota before he returned and there a is a good chance he could make the team this year.

Who will back up Durant?

Like most Rider fans I am watching the backup quarterback situation with considerable interest. With Levi Brown, Colt Brennan, J.T. O'Sullivan and Drew Willy signed and ready to go, there is strong competition to be Darian Durant's backup. 

If anyone remembers last season (one that I would like to forget) having a solid number two to step in when needed is a must in the CFL. Quarterbacks in the CFL, or any league, can and will get hurt through the course of the season. Although the Rider's season was pretty much over when Durant got hurt, it spoke volumes that at times the coaching staff kept a hurt Durant in the game, instead of going with Dinwiddie or Bergquist.

So it was no surprize that both backups last season were released.

Personnaly I like Colt Brennan and Levi Brown. They look like true passers that have a quick release. That's a skill that the CFL demands of its quarterbacks. No one can doubt J.T. O'Sullivan's experience. Can't say that Drew Willy has the pedigree that the others do, but there is no doubt the Riders have seen something in him they like...otherwise he wouldn't have made it this far.

My prediction is that it will come down to Brennan or Brown as the number 2, with one of them running the scout team at practises. Perhaps they will keep Willy around on the practise roster just in case. 

Let's hope the Riders don't have to use any of them.

Labour Day

"Green is the colour, football is the game...."

Never more than today do I want to hear that song. Today is the Riders' Labour Day game against the hated Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Without question this is the most hyped game of the year and one everyone expects the Riders to win... no matter what the record.

As a teenager I remember finding ways to get to this game. It didn't matter that we would be in the middle of harvest, or my Dad's business would be busy.... This was "the" game to attend. There are all these anecdotes of "people would get off their combines and go this game"....and I can attest that there is a lot of truth to that statement. I was one of them.

Back in the 80's and 90's, when the team was out of the playoff race by the middle of August, it didn't matter. We had to go to the Labour Day game, and sometimes that the crappy record would be forgotten if we won that game. Perhaps the same will happen this year. Crappy record; but lots of anticipation and an expectation of a Rider win. Even against the best team in the league right now.

The same is true today. The old coach is the new coach -- highly respected Ken Miller's return is bringing high expectations. This is the first game after the bye week -- a time for the team to retool and get things in order to have a strong finish to make a playoff run. And although he won't play today, Andy Fantuz is expected to be back with the team next week....in fact, already one reporter has indicated that Fantuz in already in Regina, just waiting to clear waivers from the NFL. Fans (myself included) want to believe that the second half of the year will be significantly better than the first. Then again it probably couldn't get much worse than last in the league.

So today is the day that the Riders turn the season around. I am predicting a Rider win. My guess - 33-27.... and that Darian Durant will have a great game and will "will" the team to victory.

Miller time returns

When the Riders announced that Head Coach Greg Marshall and Offensive Coordinator Doug Berry were fired after the loss to Toronto, I have to admit that I wasn't surprised. In fact, after watching the game I was already envisioning what changes they were going to make. Going into the bye-week, it seemed to me that would be the perfect time to pull the string. And it happened and happened quickly...as soon as team returned back to Regina.

Something had to be done as 1-7 is just not acceptable in the new Riderville. The fans wanted blood. The team's leadership (and many fans) believed that the players there were better than their record indicated. So a coaching change had to be made. But my surprise was that it was Berry and Marshall

Coaching changes, no doubt, are hard on the people involved and this one is no different. Fans have never warmed to Doug Berry and he seemed like the easy fall guy. Marshall, who had an impressive resume as an assistant coach for the past 19 years, finally got his shot and perhaps he would live to fight another day. He didn't.

What really struck me about Marshall was how quick he was to throw players under the bus after a loss. Additionally, comments made about players lack of motivation not being his job and team discipline didn't help him at all. It was clear that he lost the dressing room....and when I saw his bitterness at his press conference the following day, immediately my thoughts were that the Rider's made the right decision.

So today was the first day of practice with Ken Miller back in charge. The comments from players such as Darian Durant, Sean Lucas and Lance Frazier indicate that these guys love Ken Miller's coaching style. Frazier even said that the players are willing to go through a wall for Miller. There also was a new sense of optimism in the room as well.

So it seems the change is being well received by the players (and most fans!) so far. That's great, but the players have run out of excuses now and they need to perform on the field. The season is not over yet, but they still have a long road ahead of them and it won't be easy.

0-3? Not good, but not over yet

It has been an interesting week with a lot of my fellow Rider fans breaking their ankles as they jump off the bandwagon. Yes, the Riders are 0-3, and the team hasn't played that great in any of the first three games, but I still believe that they have the talent to make the playoffs.

It doesn't hurt that B.C. and Calgary aren't setting the world on fire either. Its better to be looking forward instead of backward, but with B.C. still winless and Calgary not that far away (with the Stamps up next week) there is no reason to believe that the season is over. Yet.

I admit that everytime I watch the Riders play I want everything to work. I want to see the offense dominate and put up lots of points; the defense force turnover after turnover and the special teams be a threat on both sides of the ball. Of course, this may happen only once in a while...but isn't it wrong not to want this?

In the Riders first game Edmonton coach Kavis Reed told his players that nobody expects them to win. And now they are a surprising 4-0. I think that nobody expects the Riders to beat the Alouettes, so I am predicting they will. And if they do, today's game will be the turning point for the season.

Riders are back in it

I haven't been able to take in the Grey Cup festivities as it has been a busy week with work. I was in Edmonton for one day this week, but I had to get back to the office as I was needed there. That's what usually happens to me this time of year and maybe I should learn. Well, there is always next year.

I did get to the Grey Cup game last year in Calgary, and it was an emotional rollercoaster. The too many men penalty did bug for a few days, but I did get over it. I think the players have as well, even though the media has reminded everybody about it every 5 minutes!

I am looking forward to great game and I know the Riders will give the Alouettes a run for their money. Last year I was just hoping they would keep it close. This year, I want them to take it.... and I believe they will.

Me at the Grey Cup

Okay, the game had an awful ending. Yes, it has been hard to take. What a way to lose. I won't forget the game (especially the ending) for a long time.

This was the best thing about the game...me sitting with Matt Dominguez. He's a class act and took the time to take pictures with everyone.

The Riders will be back in 2010. Selecting Taman as GM was a smart hire, and promoting Ken Miller was an astute move.

An Albatross

It is now the first of week of April and I already have three rounds of golf under my belt. Not bad, though none of these took place in Calgary. I had two in Phoenix and one in Vancouver in March. As I look out the window today, I know I am not going to be golfing here for some time yet.

My third round of the year was in Vancouver at the Fraserview Golf Course. This public course was redesigned a few years ago and is a nice track. A little up and down, and most of the fairways are lined by old trees.

On the 460 yard par 5 4th hole, I made one of the rarest shots. I scored a "2" on that par 5. Such a score is known as either a double eagle or an albatross. The tee shot was uphill, and I used my driver to get it out about 220 yards; which I was quite pleased with because of the elevation change. I used a three wood with my second shot, and hoped to get it close.

The green was below the fairway, and I could only see the top of the flag. I figured I was short of the hole, but in the middle of the fairway. I hopped into the car with my playing partner and we went to play his ball. As I came up to the green, I couldn't see my ball anywhere....and that made me mad. So I started searching, walking back towards where I hit it, looking in the first cut and rough...nowhere to be found. I was pissed.

Then all of a sudden one of my playing partners says, "what are you playing?" I said, Titleist ProV, #3. He said; its in the hole!

I was in shock! My three partners were speechless! We just saw an albatross...no wait, we didn't see it go in...but it was in. It was surreal and we were not sure what just happened!

So we went to the next tee, and guess what...I had the honours. So I teed off using the same ball. Immediately, I realized that I should not be using that ball. But it was too late....I had already hooked into the bush.

I spent the next 10 minutes looking for it, and I found it to great relief.

At the conclusion of the round, I ended up shooting an 86. Not all that great when you score a 2. But I'll take it. One of my playing partners sent me an email the next day with some interesting stats from an article he saw in Golf Digest. An albatross is the rarest shot in golf. You have a 1 in 13,000 chance of scoring a hole in one; a one in 6 million chance of scoring an albatross. They had some other stats; in the past 20 years on the PGA Tour, there was 632 aces, and only 56 double eagles in the same 20 year period.

I wish I could say that I was intending to do that, but I admit it was a lucky shot. My only regret is not seeing it go in, but a minor disappointment to a major accomplishment for sure!

We're off to the Grey Cup

It was the perfect setting for the western final. Two teams that don't like each other, a rematch of last year's blow out and the two best teams in the league playing in a meaningful game. I live and die on the fortunes of the Riders so was I going to miss this one?

Not on your life.

I flew into Vancouver this morning and got to B.C. Place just in time as the doors opened. I was dressed in my rider gear from head to toe (including my brand new "retro-logo" hat). I had a great seat; on the 50 yard line behind the Lions' bench. The sight lines in B.C. Place are outstanding, so I had a superb view on every play.

I had a personal win streak of three going into this game. Over the last 7 seven years I have seen three Rider games at B.C. Place, and they were all Rider victories. But well aware of what happened in the past western finals, I hoped the Riders would at least made a good game of it, and hopefully pull it off. I was on edge of my seat the whole time, and with every play I had a range of emotions going though me...Stop him! Sack him! Go! Why can't Joseph hit that open receiver?!

At the end of the day the Riders prevailed in a really good game. Their defense was outstanding as they had only a few let-downs, but that can be expected against the top team in the league. The offense, though not spectacular, did enough to get the job done. After last week's game against Calgary, I know they were concerned about their inability to get the ball in the end zone. They were a little better today, and with the sure fire place kicking of Luci Congi they converted every scoring opportunity.

Although it was very loud in B.C. Place, I listened to the broadcast from The Team 1040. At the start of the 4th Quarter, the sideline reporter stated that the Lions had a confidence problem. With two key injuries on their offensive line, they were demoralized; more so with every sack.

The Rider defense was so strong the Lions couldn't get anything going with either Jarius Jackson or Dave Dickenson. Dickenson was sacked 6 times in the second half alone. Gotta wonder if his career is over. Kerry Joseph did a great job in moving the offense when he needed to. Was it his best game? No. But don't criticize a win is a good rule of thumb. He did what he had to do to get the Riders to the big game.

Next up is Winnipeg in the Grey Cup. Yes...the Riders are going to the Grey Cup! I'll be there with my buddy Sparky who is coming up from Philadelphia. I had the chance to go to the game in 1989, and didn't, and there is no way I am going to miss this one. If I can come out to Vancouver for the western final, I may as well go to Toronto for the big one.

My ears are still ringing, and my heart is still pounding, but being there makes it oh so special.

Riders 2007 Season

Tonight the Riders travel to Montreal for their 2007 season opener against the Alouettes. This will be the first game for new coach and past Rider great Kent Austin. Kent comes with high expectations and my excitement and anticipation for the start of the season has never been higher.

The team needs to get off to a good start. They did go 2-0 in the pre-season, but that was the pre-season and the real test starts tonight. The last thing that they need to happen is to get blown out in the first game, lose their confidence and set the tone for rest of the season.

I think Austin will be a good coach, and I think he and GM Eric Tillman have done a great job in getting the team renewed and rebuilt. There are some impact players that are waiting to break out and offensively, this should be a high scoring team. Whether or not the defense will be good or not remains to be seen.

I hope that this is the year they finally host a home playoff game, but in reality, I want more. I want a Grey Cup too. Is that too much to ask?

All I can say is Go Riders!

College World Series

I am in Omaha, Nebraska attending a number of meetings and our host has arranged for us to attend the College World Series that is on at the same time. As a baseball fan, this is quite an event to see and I have been very excited to be here and to be part of the atmosphere.

Everything is done first class; what one would expect with a NCAA tournament. I saw two games today...North Carolina Tar Heels beat the Rice Owls 6-1 in the afternoon and defending champion Oregon State Beavers beat UC-Irvine Anteaters 7-1 in the evening match. The atmosphere in and around the ballpark (Rosenblatt Stadium) is phenomenal, and it is one big party surrounded by a major sporting event.

Part of the best part of the day was that I was with a number of close friends and colleagues and that made it enjoyable. The baseball was great...at the senior college level the fundamentals of the players was very evident. These guys can play.

I predict that you will hear more about Dustin Ackley down the road. A freshman at North Carolina, this kid was above his peers and he dominated with a homer that clinched the game for NC.

It was amazing to see 29,000+ people in the stands for the games. They came with the college rah-rah attitude that made it a fun place to be. This continues for 10 full days until the winner is determined this weekend. My guess is that Oregon State Beavers will repeat as champions...they were the most impressive team that I saw.

I jumped on the bandwagon of the UC - Irvine Anteaters. First of all their name is great; they are back after shutting down their baseball program for over 10 years, they beat Arizona State last night, and that victory was their second walk-off victory after being behind by a large number of runs late in the game. They were the cardiac kids. I bought a hat to show my support, but they are out now as they were over matched by Oregon State.

This is a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. For a big baseball fan to be here is a pretty good experience! I also had great seats; row two behind the dugout on the first base side, and I was close to the action with a great view.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Golf Season

We are in the beginning of June and I have had the good luck to play a number of rounds of golf so far. The bad news is that I am not getting any better, but you know as they say, a bad round of golf is better than a good day at work. I concur.

I have 15 rounds in so far; not bad considering the travel that I have had. I few of these rounds were with tournaments; as our company put on four fund raising tournaments for our members this year. Traveling to them was half the fun.

Certainly the highlight was playing the TPC at Deere Run in Moline Illinois. As it turned out, I was able to play 36 holes the day I was there. This is the site of the John Deere Classic, the PGA stop that takes place in July right before the British Open. It was one great and tough course. I scored well; a 91 and a 87, and I'll take that on such a challenging track.

Another highlight so far this year was the Ledgeview Course in Abbotsford, B.C. We had our tournament there and from what I heard in advance this course did not disappoint. It is on the side of a mountain, in the rainforest, and it was one tough course. I didn't do very well, but who cares, the experience was worth it.

I have not been able to play out of my home course Lakeside Greens for a few weeks because of the travel. That will change this week as I hope to get out a couple of times. The course is in great shape, the recent renovations have gone well and I kinda miss the atmosphere around there. My regular playing partner T43 is also ready to hit the links at Lakeside and no doubt he'll be calling to get me out there.

I have a couple of meetings coming up in Omaha later this month and I have noticed that a couple of rounds of golf are part of the meeting. I will be looking forward to that. Also, I will also be looking forward to using my new Scotty Cameron putter. She looks pretty and feels nice...everything you want in a woman...I mean a putter....