Vanstone's all-century Roughriders
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostApril 27, 2009
REGINA -- Monday’s press conference was unlike any other I have experienced in half a lifetime of scribbling for the Leader-Post.
Typically, I just take illegible notes before Hoovering lethal quantities of doughnuts, pizza and puffed-wheat squares. But yesterday, I was a part of the show (albeit a minor one).
I was asked by SaskEnergy to cast one of the first votes in a contest that is being used to select an all-century team, to be featured on the 2010 Saskatchewan Roughriders Calendar for KidSport. (For more details, please see Page C2.)
In the interest of full disclosure, here is my ballot:
Top offensive lineman: Roger Aldag gets the nod over a decorated group on the basis of longevity (17 seasons) combined with excellence (two lineman-of-of-the-year awards, five all-Canadian selections, and membership in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Other candidates designated by the selection committee: Al Benecick, Gene Makowsky, Jeremy O’Day, Bob Poley, Ted Urness.
Top defensive lineman: Ed McQuarters was the difference-maker in 1966, arriving in September and helping the Roughriders win their first-ever Grey Cup. The following year, he was named the CFL’s top lineman. McQuarters’ speed rivalled that of a running back, as evidenced by a neck-and-neck match race with the mercurial Ed Buchanan. McQuarters was unblockable and really should have been in the NFL. He was that good. Other candidates: Ron Atchison, Bill Baker, Bobby Jurasin, Scott Schultz.
Top special-teams player: Dave Ridgway was automatic as a field-goal kicker, and as the selection in this category. The Kick makes him The Pick. Other candidates: Ken Clark, Luca Congi, Corey Holmes, Paul McCallum.
Top receiver: Ray Elgaard leads an elite group. He retired with eight 1,000-yard seasons, three outstanding-Canadian awards, 830 receptions and 13,198 yards. Elgaard left almost as many would-be tacklers in his wake. Other candidates: Hugh Campbell, Matt Dominguez, Don Narcisse, Joey Walters.
Top defensive back/linebacker: Wayne Shaw was an all-star linebacker in six of his 12 seasons with the Riders. Other candidates: Ted Dushinski, Eddie Lowe, Ken McEachern, Lorne Richardson.
Top versatile player/coach: As soon as the word “versatile’’ appears, Alan Ford’s name comes to mind. He was nicknamed Mr. Versatility. He was part of Grey Cup champions as a player (1966) and general manager (1989). Other candidates: Richie Hall, Ken Preston, Martin Ruby, Neil J. (Piffles) Taylor.
Top safety/cornerback: Glen Suitor, a three-time all-Canadian safety, is the leading interceptor in team history, with 51. Other candidates: Bruce Bennett, Steve Dennis, Omarr Morgan.
Top halfback: Buchanan was a long-distance threat as a running back, receiver and kick returner. He was especially effective in 1964, rushing for 1,390 yards (averaging 7.8 yards per carry) and catching 36 passes for 681 yards. Other candidates: Ken Charlton, Jack Hill, Ray Purdin.
Top head coach: Eagle Keys guided the Roughriders to a 68-25-3 record from 1965 to 1970. He was the first Saskatchewan head coach to celebrate a Grey Cup victory. There probably should have been more titles but, even so, Keys’ accomplishments as the Roughriders’ field boss are without parallel. Other candidates: Kent Austin, Joe Faragalli, John Gregory, Al Ritchie.
Top team: I must admit to a flagrant conflict of interest, having written a soon-to-be-published book on the 1966 Roughriders. How can I not vote for that esteemed group? Although the team’s 9-6-1 regular-season record was unremarkable, its ranks included nine eventual Hall of Famers (including Keys, Preston and Campbell, who were inducted as builders) and 23 players who went on to be enshrined in the Plaza of Honor. The 1966 Roughriders also finished first in the West, unlike the championship editions of 1989 and 2007. Other choices: 1970, 1989, 2007.
Top quarterback: Ron Lancaster. Other candidates: Austin, Tom Burgess, Kerry Joseph, Frank Tripucka.
Top fullback/running back: George Reed. Other candidates: Wes Cates, Bobby Marlow, Mike Saunders, Judge Thomas. (OK, I was kidding with the final “candidate.’’ Couldn’t resist . . .)
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