The date was Saturday, August November (thanks Crystal for the correction) the 7th, 2009. A day that will live on in the lore of an entire nation. It is the day the Rider's clinched first place in the Western Division. Their foes were the powerhouse team from Calgary, Alberta, the Stampeders.... my team. I wasn't going to go to the game but a day before, my friend Todd phoned me to offer me a free ticket. The only problem is I had to sit with his Rider Family. I thought long and hard about whether or not I should go, but my team needed me so who am I to say no to fate. In hindsight, perhaps I should have worn less Stampeder gear.
It started as soon as I stepped out of my car at Todd's house. There were boos and choruses of "Stamps Suck" and that was just coming from my friend Todd and his family. The brother-in-law (who got us the tickets) was even searching for some homeless guy to take to the game instead. But in Regina, even the homeless have season tickets so none could be found. They were stuck with me.
In the 10 blocks or so it takes to walk to the stadium, nearly every second car had to slow down, roll down their windows and yell some kind of Stampeder slur in my direction. I took it all and smiled back because I knew, the last laugh would be mine. Let the Rider faithful have their fun. Stamps will rule in the end.
Little did I know. Oh, so little....
When we arrived at the stadium, as you can imagine, the comments continued. All I could see in every direction was green. Even the grass which is usually brown by now was holding on until after the game to change. We slowly made our way up into the outer atmosphere until we found our seats, as far from the field as nearly possible. At first I enjoyed this vantage point. It was good to see the game unfold and be able to see everything that is happening. What I didn't take into account was the walk of shame after the game was done. The long, long walk.
Instead of stairs in the stadium, there are long ramps that go back and forth as they meander down to ground level. As I walked down these ramps, surrounded by the enthusiastic and heavily inebriated Rider crowd, I was the source of much, much jeering. Every time I would round one corner to start my descent, a Rider fan felt it was necessary to Boo me. It was kind of funny for the first 6243 levels, but after 6244, it was getting a bit old. Especially since about 10 other fans in the area decided to join in about half way down.
The jeers continued until I reached my car. I even stopped to have my picture taken with some rider fans who thought yelling in my ear and saying "Rider's are number one" and "Stamps Suck" would be a good photo op. I am sure it will turn up on face book somewhere.
At last, I reached my car and I shut the door. The peacefulness of that moment will live on in my memory for ever. The ordeal was over. I slowly made my way home pondering what had occurred. All in all, I had a great time. I enjoy the ribbing. It makes it fun. And partly I am glad the Stamps lost because if they had won, I may not have gotten out of there alive. I looked back on my evening happily, that is until I got out my car at home and someone drove by, rolled down his window and yelled "We're number one". Ah, Rider fans.
- Justin
It started as soon as I stepped out of my car at Todd's house. There were boos and choruses of "Stamps Suck" and that was just coming from my friend Todd and his family. The brother-in-law (who got us the tickets) was even searching for some homeless guy to take to the game instead. But in Regina, even the homeless have season tickets so none could be found. They were stuck with me.
In the 10 blocks or so it takes to walk to the stadium, nearly every second car had to slow down, roll down their windows and yell some kind of Stampeder slur in my direction. I took it all and smiled back because I knew, the last laugh would be mine. Let the Rider faithful have their fun. Stamps will rule in the end.
Little did I know. Oh, so little....
When we arrived at the stadium, as you can imagine, the comments continued. All I could see in every direction was green. Even the grass which is usually brown by now was holding on until after the game to change. We slowly made our way up into the outer atmosphere until we found our seats, as far from the field as nearly possible. At first I enjoyed this vantage point. It was good to see the game unfold and be able to see everything that is happening. What I didn't take into account was the walk of shame after the game was done. The long, long walk.
Instead of stairs in the stadium, there are long ramps that go back and forth as they meander down to ground level. As I walked down these ramps, surrounded by the enthusiastic and heavily inebriated Rider crowd, I was the source of much, much jeering. Every time I would round one corner to start my descent, a Rider fan felt it was necessary to Boo me. It was kind of funny for the first 6243 levels, but after 6244, it was getting a bit old. Especially since about 10 other fans in the area decided to join in about half way down.
The jeers continued until I reached my car. I even stopped to have my picture taken with some rider fans who thought yelling in my ear and saying "Rider's are number one" and "Stamps Suck" would be a good photo op. I am sure it will turn up on face book somewhere.
At last, I reached my car and I shut the door. The peacefulness of that moment will live on in my memory for ever. The ordeal was over. I slowly made my way home pondering what had occurred. All in all, I had a great time. I enjoy the ribbing. It makes it fun. And partly I am glad the Stamps lost because if they had won, I may not have gotten out of there alive. I looked back on my evening happily, that is until I got out my car at home and someone drove by, rolled down his window and yelled "We're number one". Ah, Rider fans.
- Justin
Comments
We're #1 Justin, We're # 1!!!!
hahaha, just couldn't resist!
Why would you put yourself through that? You lived in Saskatchewan as a kid, went to school at WCC, were married here too, have lived here again a number of years, so where did your "rebellious nature" come from? I love the Roughrider shirts on your boys...way to go.
Bye now!! Aunt Sheila.