The Riders’ Andy Fantuz (left) and Cole Bergquist are in the process of packing their equipment bags before heading to Calgary Tuesday to begin preparing to play the Montreal Alouettes for the Grey Cup on Nov. 29.
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders spent Monday packing and preparing for a business trip within Canada's biggest party.
They are to leave Tuesday for Calgary and an appointment with the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday's Grey Cup game at McMahon Stadium. The game tops each player's agenda after they earned that spot with Sunday's 27-17 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division final.
"You have to soak it all up and enjoy what is taking place,'' Riders linebacker Mike McCullough said Monday. "We are there for business and you have to be smart. We have to take it for what it is and finish what we started.''
The Riders are aware of the distractions, which are part of the Grey Cup festival. There are the parties, banquets and ticket requests that go along with the event.
Twenty-three members of the current Riders went through a similar scenario in 2007 when the Grey Cup game was held in Toronto. Those Riders handled everything the city could throw at them en route to a 23-19 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
"Calgary is a different city than Toronto,'' cautioned Riders defensive halfback Eddie Davis, who lives in Calgary during the off-season. "Toronto isn't a CFL city. Calgary is one. It's going to be 10 times better than it was in Toronto. Guys are going to have to stay level-headed. We veterans are going to do a good job of keeping them that way.''
Riders head coach Ken Miller said Monday that he was pondering a curfew but hadn't made that decision yet. Davis said that he requested the coaches institute one in 2007 and is suggesting one be set this week. Linebacker Tad Kornegay, who shared in the 2007 Grey Cup victory, emphatically supported a curfew.
"We're disciplined and everyone will respect everything,'' said Kornegay. "We know what we have to do to prepare for the game. You still have to set a curfew for the guys who have never been there before. The guys who aren't playing might want to enjoy the festival and everything else. They need a curfew just in case.''
Miller said he's considering a curfew mainly to ensure that the players are properly rested for the game. He's not too concerned about the off-field distractions.
"We're disciplined and everyone will respect everything,'' said Kornegay. "We know what we have to do to prepare for the game. You still have to set a curfew for the guys who have never been there before. The guys who aren't playing might want to enjoy the festival and everything else. They need a curfew just in case.''
Miller said he's considering a curfew mainly to ensure that the players are properly rested for the game. He's not too concerned about the off-field distractions.
"The men who occupy this locker room on a regular basis have done a great job of keeping themselves focused on the job at hand,'' said Miller. "I would think this week would be similar to any other in that regard.''
Miller has Grey Cup experience, albeit in different roles. He was the offensive line coach in 2004 when the Toronto Argonauts beat the B.C. Lions 27-19 in the Grey Cup. In 2007, Miller was the Riders' offensive co-ordinator. There will be some adjustments this time but Miller feels he'll be able to handle the additional attention because of his experience.
Miller has Grey Cup experience, albeit in different roles. He was the offensive line coach in 2004 when the Toronto Argonauts beat the B.C. Lions 27-19 in the Grey Cup. In 2007, Miller was the Riders' offensive co-ordinator. There will be some adjustments this time but Miller feels he'll be able to handle the additional attention because of his experience.
"I have a pretty good idea of what lies ahead and I have a good support group to keep me pointed in the right direction,'' said Miller. "Having been there a couple of times with different head coaches, I think I have the experience to be able to do it well.''
The Riders first on-field practice session is Wednesday at McMahon Stadium. Before that, the Riders will take over the Stampeders' locker room as the West Division's representative.
"We wanted to tell the Calgary guys after the game to get their stuff out of our lockers,'' McCullough said with a chuckle. "I'm happy to be there and I'm glad that we were able to beat Calgary. They kind of got ahead of themselves at certain points. It was nice to remind that if you look too far ahead, you forget about the now.''
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