MASSIVE 100 YEAR CELEBRATION

As a Saskatchewan Roughriders alumnus, Dale West will participate in some of the events surrounding the team's centennial celebration in 2010.
A few years ago, he wasn't so sure he'd get the chance.

"When I first came here and through a few years after I retired, I wondered whether there were even going to be 100 years," the former Roughriders defensive back said Tuesday.

"There were telethons and (the deals offering) wheat for season tickets. At times, it has been a struggle ...

"I'm really, really excited about this. It's just an outstanding display of what Rider Pride is all about."

At a media conference Tuesday, the CFL team announced some of the initiatives it has planned to mark its 100-year anniversary. Nearly all of them involve the province's residents.
"As much as this is about the team, the centennial probably is more about our fans and the communities and the support we have," said Jim Hopson, the Roughriders' president and CEO. "That has been our focus, to really make sure we recognize why we exist -- and we exist because of the support we get.

"Yes, we've got some great players and alumni, but we think it's more important to get the fans involved in this."

One of the planned initiatives will do that in spades. "Where is Riderville?" is an online contest the team is holding to determine where in the province the best Roughriders fans live.
Between May 1 and June 15, communities can submit stories, pictures and videos to www.riderville.com to show why they have the best fans. Five finalists will be selected by June 30, with the winner of online balloting to be announced at the Labour Day Classic.

The winning community will receive a $25,000 donation to its minor sports programs, a fan day featuring Roughriders players, alumni and coaches, and a "Riderville" road sign to put at the outskirts of town to celebrate its victory.

The Roughriders also have commissioned five Saskatchewan-based artists to create an anniversary art collection that is to be displayed at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in June and the Dunlop Gallery in September.

There's also the Hill Centre Mural, which is to be made out of panels of perforated vinyl and affixed to the slopes of the Hill Centre Towers. The one-way vision panels will bear the Roughriders' new and old logos.

"When (the committee) brought it to me, I thought it was so great that I thought, 'Can we afford this and can we get the support to do it?' " Hopson said. "But it turned out to be affordable and we think it's going to be that one piece that everybody will remember and hopefully will be featured in a lot of places outside of Saskatchewan."

The Roughriders also plan to send "birthday baskets" to the 80 communities in Saskatchewan that are celebrating their centennials in 2010. As well, the team is to honour Saskatchewan residents who are 100 years of age or older, and fans who are the longest continuous season-ticket holders.

A one-hour documentary also is in the works, but its status has been muddied by the recent closure of SCN.

Former players will be front and centre during the year, which thrills West.
"Everywhere I go as an alumnus, (the fans) bring things up," said West, who played with the Roughriders from 1962 through '68. "People have amazing memories. I think every time I stumbled and fell is imprinted in their minds.

"The club has been exceptionally good to the players. It really got behind us when we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the '66 (Grey Cup-winning) team. That was really special and they treated us like gods. Everybody really, really appreciated that."

Hopson said the cost of the centennial celebration "will run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars," but the assistance of 15 sponsors will help with the bill. So will the sale of merchandise associated with the 100-year anniversary.

"We didn't go into the centennial to be a profit-driven experience," Hopson said. "It'd be great to break even. If we make a little money, that's great. But what we want it to be is a great experience and a great celebration."

BRENDAN TAMAN MAKING HIS MARK

Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Brendan Taman
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post files

REGINA — Brendan Taman has quickly applied his signature to the Saskatchewan Roughriders by collecting a series of notable signatures.

In recent weeks, the Roughriders' newly appointed general manager has enticed the likes of tailback/returner Dominique Dorsey, offensive linemen Dan Goodspeed and Kelly Bates, and middle linebacker Barrin Simpson to sign with the CFL team.

Taman's predecessor, Eric Tillman, typically eschewed big-name free agents. His approach was to build through the negotiation list and the draft, making any necessary fortifications via the trade route. The formula was an unqualified success, given that Saskatchewan won a league-high 34 games, two West Division titles and one Grey Cup in Tillman's three full seasons in charge of the football operations — all of which included a home playoff game.

Tillman resigned Jan. 8 and was succeeded two weeks later by Taman, who spent last season as the Roughriders' director of football administration. Although Tillman and Taman worked together very effectively, the difference in their managerial styles has quickly become discernible.

It is not surprising to see Taman dive into free-agency. He was not shy about doing so while serving as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' GM. In addition to signing the aforementioned players, he has also ensured that veterans such as tailback Wes Cates, defensive tackle Marcus Adams, fullback Chris Szarka, cornerback Omarr Morgan and linebacker Tad Kornegay would remain in Riderville despite being eligible for free agency.

The early returns are positive. Dorsey is an elite returner who can also add explosiveness on offence. Goodspeed and Bates are proven commodities. Simpson was sixth in the league in defensive tackles last season despite playing in only 13 of 18 games with Winnipeg.

Of those four new additions, all but Dorsey are in their 30s. The hope is that the Roughriders can extract another year or two out of Simpson, Goodspeed and Bates. That is in line with a widely held philosophy in the CFL, where teams often emulate the Washington Redskins of the 1970s. Under head coach George Allen, their slogan was, "The Future Is Now.''

In the CFL's salary-cap era, players are more transient than ever. Gone are the days when a team can keep the nucleus of a team together while winning five consecutive Grey Cups, as the Edmonton Eskimos did from 1978 to 1982.

The 2007 Roughriders are a classic example. Shortly after winning the Grey Cup, the exodus of big names included quarterback Kerry Joseph (who was the CFL's reigning most outstanding player at the time), defensive end Fred Perry, tailback/returner Corey Holmes and head coach Kent Austin (the 2007 coach-of-the-year).

The Roughriders have continued to lose reputable players, without losing their standing as one of the league's elite teams. As an example to that effect, consider that Saskatchewan was one infamous play away from winning the 2009 Grey Cup while employing a first-year starting quarterback (Darian Durant).

Since then, there have been some notable departures. John Chick, who was named the CFL's outstanding defensive player in 2009, signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Stevie Baggs — like Chick, an all-star defensive end last season — was lured away by the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL also snapped up middle linebacker Renauld Williams, who is now Pittsburgh Steelers property. Defensive halfback Eddie Davis, a spry 37, opted to retire after becoming a free agent.

There are huge holes to fill on defence but, as a counterbalance, the offence has been bolstered. The acquisition of wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was an inspired move. Ditto for the signing of the electrifying Dorsey. Technically, Andy Fantuz was a free agent, but Tillman ensured last October that the non-import slotback would return if he did not receive overtures from the NFL.

Fantuz is part of a knockout receiving corps that also includes Rodriguez, Weston Dressler, Chris Getzlaf, Rob Bagg and Jason Clermont. Cates, Dorsey and Hugh Charles give the Roughriders an array of options in the backfield. And then there is Durant, an all-star last season, whom Taman recently signed to a contract extension.

This all points to the wisdom of another signing — that of Taman as GM.

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

MAY JOE SYKES BE CHICKS REPLACEMENT

Trumaine Sykes at Saskatchewan Roughriders practice on Wednesday.
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post

REGINA — Trumaine "Joe" Sykes turned to the source when seeking advice concerning his first regular-season CFL start at defensive end with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Sykes spent a great deal of time during Wednesday's practice at Mosaic Stadium talking with John Chick. It seemed like a natural conversation considering Sykes is starting in place of Chick, who is sidelined for two to four weeks with a separated left shoulder, when the Riders (2-2) play the host Calgary Stampeders (2-2) on Saturday.

"He's helping me out and I look up to him,'' said Sykes. "Basically he's told me to relax, let the game come to me and just play.''

Sykes, who signed as a free agent with the Riders in January, has been on the practice roster for four games. He also spent that time watching and learning from Chick and Stevie Baggs, the other starting defensive end. With the injury to Chick, Sykes is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase his talents.

"Basically I want to show that I belong on the field,'' said Sykes, a 26-year-old native of Grenada, Miss. "I know that I will be nervous for a split second, then everything will go away. Then I will feel like I'm in the backyard playing ball.''

The Riders gain size on the defensive line with the addition of Sykes, who is 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds. Chick is 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds. The Roughriders do lose experience because Chick's in his third CFL season.

Chick's importance to the Riders was evident in Saturday's 38-33 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos. Chick was injured when Lance Frazier returned an interception 70 yards for a first-quarter touchdown that provided the Riders with a 15-0 lead.

The Riders jumped ahead 22-0 but weren't able to hang on. One of the reasons for the collapse was Chick's absence and the Riders' inability to put pressure on Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray.

"We definitely like having John Chick healthy and available at any cost,'' said Mike Scheper, the Riders' defensive line coach.

Sykes has kept sharp during practice as a member of the scout team. His participation and effort in that role has impressed the Riders' coaching staff.

"He has taken every repetition for our (scout) team,'' said Scheper. "He has been staying active and a part of things. He has also been at every meeting, so he knows what's going on. I'm thrilled that he's getting this opportunity.''

Sykes made his way to the Riders after an award-winning 2008 season with the af2's Green Bay Blizzard. Sykes led the af2 — the Arena Football League's satellite loop — with 22 tackles for losses, eight forced fumbles, and tied for the league lead with five fumble recoveries.
He was named the af2's defensive player-of-the-year and defensive lineman-of-the-year.
It's a big step from playing in hockey rinks to playing on the CFL field but it's one that Riders head coach Ken Miller is looking forward to seeing Sykes make.

"He's big, strong and very powerful,'' Miller said. "I'm anxious to see him in game action because he has a lot of potential.''

Sykes recorded 10 sacks as a senior with Southern University before signing with the NFL's Washington Redskins. He played one game with Washington in 2006 before released prior to the 2007 season.

After a season in the af2, Sykes finds himself with an opportunity to prove himself on a larger field.

"I can bring toughness, aggressiveness and be nasty to the ball,'' said Sykes. "I'm just hungry and ready to get out there and win for the team.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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RIDERS TRYING TO SHORE UP DEFENSE

Roughriders GM Brendan Taman
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — Brendan Taman knows the Saskatchewan Roughriders' defence has taken some hits this off-season.

While the Roughriders' general manager is addressing that issue — "We go shopping every day," is how he put it Wednesday — he remains confident the CFL team will be able to survive the losses of players like Stevie Baggs, John Chick, Eddie Davis and Rey Williams.

"We have some good young players who didn't play a lot last year and that group will be a big piece of what we do," Taman said. "Chris McKenzie, Joe Sykes, Willie Evans, Jerrell Freeman — those guys have a great chance to grab a spot. Are we anointing them? No, because we're going to have competition.

"Our offence is going to be based around guys with name recognition, whereas the defence is going to have some younger guys. Either way, we're going to be good."

The Roughriders lost Baggs (Arizona Cardinals), Chick (Indianapolis Colts) and Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers) to NFL teams this off-season, while Davis retired after becoming a free agent.

Sykes and Evans are among those who could replace Baggs and Chick at the defensive end spots, Freeman played some middle linebacker last season while Williams was out with a knee injury, and McKenzie filled in when Davis had a knee problem.

Taman said the Roughriders also are talking to other players, including those on the team's negotiation list as well as experienced players who are free agents. That latter group, Taman confirmed, includes veteran middle linebacker Barrin Simpson.

"We've built up our neg list a little bit on defence," Taman said. "Our recruiting on offence is pretty much in place. Our defence has some holes that have opened up. I'm convinced we could go out tomorrow and be good, but we want to increase our level of competition.

"It's March 24 and we go to camp in June. The NFL draft is coming up, so we have to be patient. It's not that we're doing nothing, but we're not in a panic situation, either."

The Roughriders have added some players this off-season — including offensive linemen Kelly Bates and Dan Goodspeed and tailback/kick returner Dominique Dorsey via free agency, and wideout Prechae Rodriguez through a trade — and have re-signed all but four of their own free agents.

Taman said the club is still "monitoring the situation" when it comes to its crop of quarterbacks. Darian Durant is the undisputed starter, but the backups right now are Graham Harrell and Cole Bergquist — neither of whom has thrown a pass in a regular-season game.

"We're glad we have a starter who we're very happy with; that's Step 1," Taman said. "The challenge is, do you go out and sign an experienced guy with a name just to add that aspect or do you give young guys the confidence they need to be capable backups? That's the magical question."

The list of big-name veterans includes Kerry Joseph and Buck Pierce, who were released by the Toronto Argonauts and B.C. Lions, respectively.

When former Roughriders GM Eric Tillman resigned Jan. 8, he told reporters the Roughriders had 75 players under contract — the league maximum. After the departure of some players and the arrival of others this off-season, Taman said the Roughriders again are close to the limit. As a result, signings soon won't be possible without deletions being made from the roster.
n The Roughriders are expected to finalize their player personnel department in the coming days.

It's believed Joe Womack, the Roughriders' director of player personnel for the past three seasons, will remain with the team in some capacity — and he could be based in the U.S.
As well, Craig Smith — previously the east regional scout with the Lions — is expected to arrive in Regina this week to formally join the Roughriders' staff.

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

10 QUESTIONS WITH WESTON DRESSLER

It has been a different type of off-season for slotback Weston Dressler, the third year pro had his 2009 season cut short due to a leg injury which occured in Week 15. The rehab has been going well, and barring any major setbacks Weston is expected to return to full strength for the 2010 regular season.We had a chance to catch up with the former CFL Most Outstanding

Rookie and ask him a few questions.

Where have you been spending the Off-Season?
The majority of my off-season has been split fairly evenly between my home in Bismark, ND and here in Regina.

What have you been up to since the 09' season ended?I've been busy this off-season doing a lot of charity work with the Red Cross, as well as obviously rehabbing and working out to prepare for the upcoming season and another run at the Grey Cup.

What was the first thing you did when the season ended?I headed home to Bismarck and spent some time with my family.

What are you looking forward to most about getting back on the playing field?The biggest thing for me is just seeing all the guys again, and of course the atmosphere in Regina on gamedays.

If you had to narrow it down to one thing, what would be your favourite thing about being a Roughrider?The fans, without a doubt.

How do you feel about all the changes that have taken place in Riderville?There will be plenty of opportunities for new guys to step in and make plays. There are also some new challenges anytime you add new coaches to the staff, but I definitely feel positive about all the changes taking place.

What's your favourite memory from college football?Going to Northern Iowa and beating the #3 team in the nation, even though they were a division above us.

What's playing on your ipod right now?There's a lot to choose from, I guess the last thing I listened to would've been Linkin Park.

What's the last movie you saw?Shutter Island. Loved the twist at the end.

What is one thing Rider Nation doesn't know about you?Rider Nation is so smart, they know everything!


Despite his season being cut short, Weston still finished with a team high 62 receptions for 941 yards, to go along with four touchdowns on his way to being named a CFL Western Division All Star. In just two seasons with the Riders, the speedy slotback has receiving totals of 118 receptions, 2064 yards, 10 touchdowns and has consistently been a big play threat, averaging 17.5 yards a catch.

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RIDERS SIGN A PAIR OF RECEIVERS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import wide receivers Aaron Fairooz and Cary Koch to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Fairooz (6’6 – 210 lbs) played 47 games at Central Arkansas. He ranks second in school history with 186 receptions and 26 touchdowns, setting the school record with 2,797 yards (15.0 avg). He rushed five times for 17 yards (3.4 avg) and gained 78 yards with a pair of scores on two blocked punts. He recorded two tackles and scored 170 points. As a junior, Fairooz shattered school single-season records with 76 receptions for 1,197 yards (15.8 avg), adding 12 touchdowns. He gained 17 yards on four reverses and blocked two kicks, returning one 49 yards for a score. He earned All-American and All-Gulf South Conference first-team recognition on offense and second-team All-GSC accolades on special teams.

Koch (6’0 – 198 lbs) began his college career at Tulane before transferring to Virginia where he played his final three seasons.

In 29 games played, the Baton Rouge native tallied 63 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns. In high school, Koch won a number of awards including being named MVP as a running back when Dunham claimed a state championship. He rushed for over 1,700 yards and 27 touchdowns in his senior year. Koch (pronounced Coke) also played basketball and was named a member of the All-State team as a guard.

RIDERS TALKING TO BARRIN SIMSPON - LP

REGINA — Having lost another veteran middle linebacker this off-season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders may be set to bring in an experienced replacement.

Barrin Simpson, who has been named a CFL all-star six times during his nine-year career, confirmed Tuesday he has talked with the Roughriders.

"(Coming to Saskatchewan) could be a possibility," the 32-year-old free agent said from his home in Keller, Texas. "It's just a matter of seeing what happens with it ...

"You know how the business side of things has to go. That's where we're at right now is handling the business side of it and making it work for both parties.''
Simpson said the sides are "definitely close," noting that "it's not a money issue" that's holding up an agreement.

"You have to go through the procedures of a contract, getting a chance to talk with everybody and everything," Simpson said. "We're basically going through the procedures."

If Simpson signs with the Roughriders, he'll join a team that has lost middle linebackers Maurice Lloyd (who signed with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2009) and Rey Williams (who joined the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers this spring) during the past two off-seasons.

As a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2009, Simpson finished with 84 tackles — good for sixth in the league — in 13 regular-season games. He added three special-teams tackles, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Simpson also had a much-publicized spat with then-Bombers head coach Mike Kelly that resulted eventually in the linebacker being told to stay away from the team. He missed four games before being welcomed back for the stretch drive.

"I felt like I had a good season last year, outside of all the distractions that came with it," said Simpson, who spent four seasons in Winnipeg after playing five seasons with the B.C. Lions. "To me, last year was one of my best years in the league. I was in excellent shape, I was faster and I had a lot of fun.

"Even through all of that last year, I had so much fun playing the game. That's how I know I still love the game."

In Saskatchewan, Simpson also could take on the mantle of leadership the Roughriders' defence
lost with the departures of Williams, defensive ends Stevie Baggs (who signed with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals) and John Chick (who joined the NFL's Indianapolis Colts) and defensive back Eddie Davis (who retired).

"Being a leader is just a part of who I am," Simpson said. "I don't have to try to be a leader. That's just part of what I do and part of the position that I play."
Simpson said he's interested in the Roughriders because of their fans, their status as a perennial playoff team, and the organization itself.

He also has a history with a number of the team's coaches; receivers coach Bob Dyce and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry were in Winnipeg when Simpson was there, and defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry was in B.C. when Simpson joined the Lions in 2001.

As well, Simpson has a working relationship with Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman, who previously was the Bombers' GM.

"That's a class organization over there in Saskatchewan," Simpson said. "It's definitely a place I'm considering. There are some other options out there, but you want to be in the best situation — and for me, that's having an opportunity to win a championship ...

"If I land in Saskatchewan, my deal would be to go out and try to be the best player I can be, the best teammate I can be and try to help the team win a championship."
* According to league sources, Craig Smith — the Lions' east regional scout and a former director of player personnel with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — may be joining the Roughriders as an assistant to Taman.