DRESSLER TO STAY AROUND REGINA IN OFF SEASON

REGINA — Weston Dressler is a team player, even during the off-season.

Dressler has taken over as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ career development co-ordinator from Jeremy O’Day, who had held the position for the past couple of years. O’Day retired last off-season and is now the football operations co-ordinator with the Roughriders.

Dressler is now assisting Roughriders who spend the off-season in Regina to find work in fields in which they might have studied while in university.

“I’m trying to help make them make the transition from football to the real world, as we call it,’’ Dressler said. “We also want to encourage guys to remain around here. It’s good for the community and the players. The more players we have around, the better.’’

Dressler, who hails from Bismarck, N.D., plans on spending the majority of the off-season in Regina. He has already been approached by players who are looking to take advantage of the program.

“It has been tough to find things that they want to do, instead of just a job for the off-season,’’ Dressler said. “That’s not really the point of it. It’s finding guys work that they are interested in and could lead them into a career when they’re done. Some guys want to be in an office and others just can’t sit down all day. They are willing to do manual labour.’’

Off-season employment is important from a financial and career point of view.

“Some guys spend the season on the practice roster and they never see the full salary that they signed up for,’’ Dressler said. “If you play all year, you don’t need the extra money for your income, but it can sure help out.’’

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TSN recently recognized Dario Romero as the league’s nastiest player in its annual poll of CFL players.

The Riders defensive tackle edged out Montreal Alouettes linebacker Diamond Ferri and Toronto Argonauts offensive tackle Rob Murphy in balloting conducted by CFL players. Romero is personable away from the field. That appears to change when he’s on the field.

“I’m not a nasty person out there,’’ said Romero, who was also third in voting for the CFL’s toughest player. “It’s competition. I approach it as a fight — a controlled-violence situation — so you’ve got to play on the edge. You’ve got to raise the bar and it helps me play better. It helps the games go by faster. It’s just the mentality that I like to approach the game with.’’

Romero was the only Rider to lead any of the 11 categories. Slotback Chris Getzlaf was second in the category of most under-rated player. Toronto slotback/running back Andre Durie was first. Darian Durant was also second to the Calgary Stampeders’ Henry Burris in voting to determine which CFL quarterback has the strongest arm.

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NOTES: The Riders won, sort of, after Friday’s 23-20 season-ending loss to the Edmonton Eskimos. The defeat left the Riders at 5-13. A win would have meant the Riders and Argonauts would have finished tied for last at 6-12. The teams split the season series, but the Riders would have finished ahead of the Argos based on a 48-44 advantage in points differential. The loss left the Riders with uncontested control of the first overall pick in the 2012 CFL draft … The Riders were not only 0-10 versus West Division teams, but were outscored 286-132. As befitting a befuddling season, the Riders were 5-3 against the East and actually outscored them 194-173 … The divisional nominees for the CFL’s player of the year awards are to be announced today. Dressler (outstanding player), linebacker Jerrell Freeman (defensive player), guard Chris Best (lineman), safety Craig Butler (rookie) and kicker Chris Milo (special teams) are the Riders’ nominees … The Riders finished the 2011 season as the lone team to not record a touchdown on its first possession. The offence exploded (?) for two field goals in its opening drives in 2011.

RIDERS WILL HAVE MANY FREE AGENTS

REGINA — The transformation from the regular season to the off-season took place quicker than usual this year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

For the first time since 2001, the CFL team heads into a long off-season without the benefit of a playoff run. The Riders’ season officially ended with Friday’s 23-20 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium. On Sunday, the Riders (5-13) cleaned out their Mosaic Stadium lockers and dealt with questions from the media regarding their individual futures.

The uncertainty for some players is heightened because they have played out their options and eligible to file for free agency on Feb. 15. They face that decision while wondering what will take place in the Riders’ front office.

Ken Miller met with the media on Sunday in his final appearance as the team’s head coach and vice-president of football operations. The Riders are expected to announce this week their plans for pursuing a head coach and the structure of the team’s front office.

“With so many uncertainties in the organization from top to bottom, you know there will be a lot of position changes,” veteran tailback Wes Cates said Sunday. “With position changes at the top, there comes a lot of position changes at the bottom. I’m assuming that I’m pretty low on the priority totem pole right now. I have to be patient, control what I can control, and let the rest handle itself.”

Cates is among approximately 20 members of the 2011 team who are eligible to file for free agency. Cates, 32, finished the season with 138 carries for 680 yards and would like to return to the Riders for a sixth season.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Riders and I’ve had a lot of success here,” said Cates, who is the second-leading rusher in Riders history. “To say anything else would be ridiculous. When you’re in a good place and things are going well, you would like to keep things going. I know that it’s a business and you’re lucky to stay with a team for a few years.”

There are a number of key contributors to the 2011 team who have played out their option. The unofficial list includes linebacker Jerrell Freeman, defensive tackle Keith Shologan, centre Marc Parenteau, slotback Andy Fantuz, middle linebacker Barrin Simpson, backup quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, defensive back Nick Graham and returner/cornerback Tristan Jackson.

“Certainly, there has been ongoing talks with their agents,” Miller said when asked about the status of Fantuz, Freeman and Shologan. “Some have been off and on, but certainly those talks have been taking place.”

Freeman is expected to attract a great deal of interest after leading the CFL with 105 defensive tackles.

He took advantage of the option-year window during the past off-season to try out for the NFL’s Houston Texans. He said Sunday that he’s pondering his options when it comes to free agency.

“There is a lot of talk and thinking about things,” said Freeman, who is the Riders’ nominee for the most outstanding defensive player. “You get torn in situations like this because you appreciate that the organization brought you in. You would like to finish it, but you have to do what’s best for you.”

Fantuz also took advantage of the option-year window and attended training camp with the NFL’s Chicago Bears. He returned midway through the season and dressed for just four games while battling ankle injuries. He’s still expected to draw interest based on being named the CFL’s most outstanding Canadian in 2010.

Shologan has been with the Riders since 2008 and has developed into one of the league’s best defensive tackles. Shologan, 25, isn’t sure what the off-season holds for him.

“I’ve been here for four years and I love the place,” Shologan said. “I love the fans and the city. There isn’t a better place to play, but I love football and I’ll play anywhere.”

Shologan hails from Spruce Grove, Alta. — that has sparked speculation that he may be leaning toward signing with the Eskimos for an opportunity to play closer to home.

“It would be nice to be around my family,”Shologan said. “I like it here and I would love to be back. Until Feb. 14, I’m still a Rider.”

Parenteau has been an offensive lineman with the Roughriders for five of his seven CFL seasons. He started all 18 games at centre this season and makes his off-season home in Regina.

“Free agency comes up every now and again,” Parenteau said. “I would love to stay here and I’ve enjoyed myself here for the last five years. I wouldn’t hesitate to come back.”

Parenteau is concerned about the uncertainty heading into the off-season, but trusts in the Riders to sort things out.

“I believe in the organization and I believe in what the Riders can be,” Parenteau said. “I believe this was an off-year and it was a frustrating year for all of us. I’m here to help it turn around and not jump ship when things go bad.”

Regina Leader-Post

MAKOWSKY WINS ELECTION SEAT

REGINA — Gene Makowsky wasn't ready to contemplate his future with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after capturing the Regina-Dewdney riding in Monday's provincial election landslide by the Saskatchewan Party.

Makowsky defeated NDP incumbent Kevin Yates 4,373-2,537. Makowsky, 38, wrapped up his 17th season with the Roughriders in Friday's 23-20 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos and was elected to the legislature three days later.

"I haven't given it a whole lot of thought because the season just ended,'' Makowsky said Monday while taking in the jubilant atmosphere in his Broad Street constituency office. "We'll let things sink in, settle down, and see where we are in the near future. I just want to enjoy this because it's a pretty humbling experience to have people put their trust in me.''

Makowsky declared his intention to run for the Saskatchewan Party on Dec. 1. He re-signed with the Riders on Jan. 18 and juggled football while campaigning for political office. In 2011, Makowsky dressed for all 18 regular-season games and assumed the Riders' lead in all-time games played, with 285. He conducted his successful political campaign after the team's daily practice sessions.

"My (political) team worked so hard behind me and I had a lot of great help,'' Makowsky said.

Don McMorris, who won the Indian Head-Milestone riding on Monday, welcomed Makowsky to the Saskatchewan Party team.

"Gene has been a solid person in this province through his college days in Saskatoon to being in Regina as a Roughrider,'' McMorris said. "He's also joining a team, which is what he is all about. I'm really looking forward to having him join our team, especially on those caucus retreats when we have our football games. I'm picking him first.''

McMorris felt it could be possible for Makowsky to juggle professional football and being a member of the legislature.

"As a backbencher, he could work it for a year, but that is really up to Gene,'' McMorris said. "That's his time commitment. He has to balance constituency needs with football needs and, most importantly that I found out early on, family needs. One thing that would be nice for Gene is on every game day he could see half of his constituents.''

Makowsky appeared in Grey Cups with the Roughriders in 1997, 2007, 2009 and 2010, winning it all in 2007. He said Monday that winning a seat in his first attempt was different than winning the 2007 Grey Cup game.

"In football, I had been playing since I was 14,'' Makowsky said. "I was in my 13th year in the pros when I finally won. If I had been in 13 election campaigns it would be comparable. I'm a rookie at this and it's nice to win in your rookie season.''

Many of Makowsky's current and former teammates posted Tweets on Twitter congratulating him on Monday's victory.

"It's great that my teammates and former teammates are behind me,'' Makowsky said. "It hasn't quite sunk in yet . . . I guess I report to work (today).''

The Roughriders selected Makowsky in the second round (23rd) overall of the 1995 CFL draft out of the University of Saskatchewan. He was named the CFL'S most outstanding linemen in 2004 and 2005. He is a five-time CFL all-star and a seven-time West Division all-star.

DARIAN TO STAY IN REGINA THIS WINTER

REGINA -- Darian Durant isn't going anywhere.

For the second straight year, the Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback will remain in Regina for most of the CFL off-season. He has some vacation plans, but will be in the province for the majority of this extended off-season.

"I see myself as being part of the community,'' Durant said Sunday, two days after the Roughriders finished their 2011 season with a 23-20 loss to the host Edmonton Eskimos. "Besides the snow, I love it here and the fans are great.''

The 2011 season wasn't great for Durant or any member of the Roughriders (5-13) as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The Riders were winless (0-10) versus West Division squads for the first time in the team's history. The Roughriders never recovered from a 1-7 start, which cost head coach Greg Marshall and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry their jobs. Ken Miller returned as head coach and provided a spark as the Riders won their first three games of September.

But that spark flickered out as the Riders closed out the season 1-6 and were eliminated from playoff contention with three weeks remaining. The regular season ended early for Durant, who spent the final two games on the sidelines while recovering from foot injuries. Durant said part of his off-season program will be devoted to recovering from the season and building strength in his lower body.

"Physically, I have to work on my feet because I tend to throw off my back foot, like a fade-away jump shot,'' said the 29-year-old Durant. "Sometimes that allows the defensive backs to get a jump on the ball. I want to make sure my fundamentals are down pat. That will definitely help with my accuracy.''

Durant will also work on the mental aspect of his game. He feels he's mentally strong, but that won't keep him from studying film from the past season.

"I'll work on reading defences,'' Durant said. "I'm only in my third year as a starter so I still have a lot to learn. I look forward to working with whoever is the next offensive co-ordinator and breaking down film with them.''

There are questions on the football operations side that are likely to be answered this week. The Riders are expected to reveal their plans to replace Miller — who resigned on Oct. 31 as the head coach and vice-president of football operations — this week. The Riders are also expected to announce the structure of the front office.

Durant will watch what takes place, but he doesn't expect to have input into the hiring of an offensive co-ordinator. The Riders didn't fill that position after firing Berry. It was primarily handled by committee with Miller serving as the final voice.

"I'm just a player on this team,'' Durant said. "If they asked me about different guys, I would give my opinion. I won't say who I like or who I don't like. Whoever is the offensive co-ordinator, I will support him 100 per cent, just like I did Coach Miller and Coach Berry, and just try to get wins.''

Wins were hard to come by this season. The coaching staff was the target of the discontent over the Riders' offensive struggles and issues on the defence. Durant didn't escape unscathed because it was his poorest season statistically since being named the Riders starting quarterback in 2009.

This season, Durant was 299-for-489 for 3,653 yards with 18 passing touchdowns and 14 interceptions, along with two rushing touchdowns. In 2009, Durant was 339-for-561 for 4,348 passing yards with 24 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and three rushing touchdowns. Last year, he was 391-for-644 while leading the CFL with 5,542 passing yards. Durant also had 25 touchdown passes, 22 interceptions and seven rushing touchdowns.

Miller feels that Durant will be able to rebound from the past season.

"Darian is a young quarterback who is going to continue to develop,'' Miller said. "He may have had a bit of a flat spot this year, but you'll see him accelerate and be the elite quarterback, or one of the elite quarterbacks, in this league as we go forward''

Durant feels that one of the reasons for the team's struggles this year was it was never at full strength. The Riders began the season without slotback Andy Fantuz, wide receiver Rob Bagg and defensive end Brent Hawkins, who were key contributors to the team's run to the 2010 Grey Cup game.

"I made some mistakes and we all have,'' Durant said. "I'm not one to make excuses, but take away the No. 1 receiver from each team and add Rob Bagg to that mix — who was becoming one of the best Canadian receivers in the league — and we were undermanned from the get-go. It's not rocket science why the season turned out the way it did. We would have loved for the season to have gone better, but when you're undermanned that's the situation we're left with.''

Fantuz played out his option this season and is eligible to file for free agency on Feb. 15. After returning from a failed tryout with the NFL's Chicago Bears, Fantuz was limited to four games with the Riders due to ankle injuries. Fantuz and Durant are close friends and Durant has talked to Fantuz about re-signing with the Riders.

"A lot of people don't know what Andy and Rob meant to this offence and having guys like Brent Hawkins and Tad Kornegay (who was released in July and signed with the B.C. Lions) on the field,'' Durant said. "They are game changers. You take away those type of weapons and you get this situation. That's why I can sit here with a smile on my face. I know what we can be when we're at full strength.''

Durant feels that the Roughriders can strengthen themselves by adding a quarterbacks coach. That position was vacant in 2011.

"It's always helpful to have one, but that's the situation we were in,'' Durant said. "As a player I can't question it. I just have to do my job.''

Durant will return to his position as the Riders' uncontested No. 1 quarterback in the spring. He will look forward to a fourth season in that position and reflect back on the past season as a learning experience.

"You just learn how to handle yourself and how to become a better professional,'' Durant said. "You learn how to deal with the negatives along with the positives. It's just being mature. Being in these tough situations this year definitely helped me in those aspects.''



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