YORKTON - It was like stepping back in time for Roughrider fans attending a meet and greet event at Tapp’s Sport Lounge & Grill in Yorkton.
Four former Roughriders were on hand for the event which was part of a ‘Football Night In Yorkton’ event organized by Yorkton’s new generation Lions Club in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Roughrider Alumni Association with funds raised during the day earmarked for STARS Air Ambulance and The Saskatchewan Roughriders foundation.
Among the veterans on-hand was Rob Bresciani, president of the Roughrider alumni group, and vice president of the league wide CFL Alumni Association.
Bresciani said he feels it is important to keep connections between former players and the ‘Riders and CFL, “especially for the guys who stayed around in the city (Regina), to really keep that bond.”
While there is an element of football, and of course the social aspect of the alumni association, Bresciani said “equally it’s about trying to give back to the community.”
In terms of community Bresciani every player can look back and point to people “who helped us – a coach, or a teacher – that gave us the confidence and support to get to where we are.”
Andrew Greene who played for the ‘Riders from 2000 to 2006 said every player interacts with so many over the years.
“There been a lot of different people on my journey,” he said. “. . . Saskatchewan is home for me now. I’ve always been in the community. The community has been very supportive, and I’m part of it (now) . . . I do like coming out and meeting people.”
Being involved with the Roughriders is unique too, reminded Greene. He noted the team wasn’t very good for some of his time on the field and in one of those seasons he recalled “looking up in the stands in Montreal and seeing fans in green. I felt so proud to go out there and play for them.”
In terms of community Greene went as far as suggesting what he misses most, what he remembers most keenly, are “the friends I meet on this journey . . . It’s the camaraderie of being out with friends.”
Scott Redl grew up in Saskatoon, and spent 1983-87 with the Roughriders, which he said he knows put him into a lasting relationship with the province.
“Being a ‘Rider alumni is a very unique situation,” he said, adding fans of the team are hugely loyal, and they show it.
He said at one time the Roughriders sold 52 per cent of the merchandise marketed by the league, and the team’s jersey outsells all but the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens in Canada.
“The Roughrider fans are very passionate. They’re loyal,” he said.
Being a Saskatchewan boy the CFL was a dream for Redl too.
“Growing up as a football kid in Saskatoon playing in a Grey Cup, and hopefully winning it,” was something he said he still remembers. He won the Cup in 1990, by then with Winnipeg.
Redl said the 1989 Grey Cup was a highlight which really reconnected the Roughriders to the province.
“Being in the Grey Cup in ’89 it was a dream. We wanted to win the Grey Cup,” he said, adding it was actually a topic of discussion in training camp. “. . . We knew how badly the province wanted a Grey Cup . . . What it would mean for the team, for the province.
“If you don’t dream it won’t happen.”
Dan Rashovich played linebacker in the CFL over 16 seasons including with Saskatchewan from 1987 to 1999. He moved back to Regina to live eight years ago. He said he still enjoys meeting fans, to talk the game.
Rashovich said it always neat when someone comes up today and said “I remember when you came to my school,” which gives a sense of the long term relationship ‘Rider players have with fans.
“It happens here more than anywhere else, than in any other CFL city. It’s because the ‘Riders are a provincial team,” offered Rashovich. “. . . I remember when I played we were doing stuff all over the province.”
For all four players the CFL provided connections with fans which have lasted well into retirement but Bresciani said he sees that changing.
“The CFL is different (now). It’s not common now to see a whole career on one team,” he said, adding there are not the likes of Ron Lancaster and George Reed playing for the ‘Riders for years as recognizable stars.
It’s just business now with players having short careers and taking the best offers they can while they are playing, said Bresciani.
The alumni group is trying “to get that back,” said Bresciani, adding they work to get Roughrider players jobs both in season and during the offseason, “hoping they’ll stick around.”
In Bresciani’s case it was a natural to stay.
“I’m a Saskatchewan boy at heart. I was sticking around no matter what,” he said.
Attending events like the one in Yorkton is simply natural as part of the larger Roughrider community.
“You don’t go looking for it, but it’s nice they still remember your name,” smiled Redl.
So does it surprise they are recognized years after retirement?
For some, like Greene having played in the CFL has given him some profile that has lasted, and that gives him something of a platform to talk about something that matters to him, the danger of radon gas in homes.
Greene has become involved with The Lung Association as the Saskatchewan ambassador for the Tackle Radon campaign. Tackle Radon is a campaign which challenges Saskatchewan and Manitoba to ‘tackle radon’ by testing their home for radon. Current CFLer Adam Bighill represents Manitoba residents and I represent Saskatchewan residents.
“I do recognize I am recognizable,” Greene said, adding it was a natural for him and Bighill “to use our platform to talk about this . . . to inform people in our community . . . I hope you get your home tested. You should.”
Rashovich is also using his connection to the Roughriders as a platform to promote a cause he is passionate about the ‘Believe in the Gold – Run for Childhood Cancer.’
Now in its sixth year in Regina the ‘walk and run’ raises money used to support the families of children with cancer – 37 families in 2021, with additional funds to researching children’s cancer – the leading disease cause of death in children.
However players use it, being remembered is generally appreciated.
“There’s good and bad with that (recognition),” smiled Bresciani, a wide receiver in his playing days, adding he realizes he is most recognized by “older” fans, but when talking to younger fans “I’m a way better football player than when I played.”
