Sharon Higgins
CFL.ca
This past weekend I made the trip to Regina with Tom for the first pre-season game of 2011 at Mosaic Stadium.
I always marvel at the high energy of the pre-season and the hope that goes with it for so many. Prior to kickoff, I was able to sense that there was an underlying buzz of anticipation as Rider fans of all ages and ranges dressed up in their green and white in support of their team and the season ahead.
Although the day saw record amounts of rainfall before the game, the fans still came out in hordes to support their Riders. You just have to love and commend the fans of Saskatchewan for the crazy support they give to their team.
The pressure is tense during the pre-season as coaches ponder over player selections while players attempt to strut their talents hoping to grasp one of the elusive spots on the roster. Even though training camp rosters can shoot as high as 80 players, in the end, only 42 can play each game.
The odds are not favourable for the players so they certainly have to ensure that every play counts.
Even at this stage in the season there is already one thing on everyone’s mind and that’s winning the Grey Cup. It seems early to be pondering such a thing but let’s just think about this: if we aren’t all focused on winning the Grey Cup, then really, what’s the point?
The last time I attended a game in Regina was November 2003 when Tom was the head coach of the Eskimos and we won the Grey Cup. The journey to the cup that year was anything but easy; however, we overcame adversity and got our ring. Although winning is fantastic, receiving the ring is icing on the cake.
The ring presented that year told the struggles and triumphs of the 2003 season. A black diamond signifies being in Toronto during the blackout.
Thirty-two diamonds grace the outside, representing Edmonton’s consecutive playoff appearances, while another twelve diamonds in the corners of the ring symbolize the team’s 12 Grey Cup victories. Each participant has their name and number engraved in the left shank of the ring, effectively securing their spot in the history of that game.
As significant as it is to focus on winning the Grey Cup, Tom and I have always believed that enjoying the journey of each season is paramount as only one of eight teams can actually win it. I always shared with my football wives the importance of enjoying this journey, as no two seasons are ever the same.
In his pre-game speech Friday night, Edmonton’s Head Coach Kavis Reed encouraged his Eskimo team to board the ship that was setting sail for a great journey. What a profound way to start the year, encouraging his team to get on board with him and delight in the voyage ahead.
Saskatchewan Head Coach Greg Marshall, in his pregame speech, asked his team to play with poise, and to know that there would be good and bad things ahead but to try and stay in the moment. He also noted that the next play would always be the most important play.
Their journey will be one play at a time, moving at a constant pace towards the quest for the ring.
Both first time head coaches got it right.
May all of us who are fans or family of the CFL enjoy the journey of 2011 and remember: The ring is the thing.
