2015 is set to be another exciting year for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Alumni.
The New Year started with our 2nd Annual Alumni Cruise. This year we ventured on the Celebrity Reflection and set sail out of Miami Florida on February 28th to discover the Western Caribbean. stops were Cozumel Mexico, George Town Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios Jamaica and Labadee Haiti. The Weather was Perfect, the Food Spectacular!! We had a Blast!! Even some added adventure, our ship was called on to Rescue a sinking life raft with 10 Cubans trying to get to US coast.
In March the Rider Alumni launched our the 1st "Rider Alumni Football Academy" in conjunction with Regina Minor Football. We held 2 hour sessions each Sunday in March, had 45 high school athletes and we focused on drills and techniques for Offensive and Defensive line. This will be the start of an annual contribution to Minor Football and give Rider Alumni the opportunity to influence the quality of the game.
Also in March, Jim Hopson decided to step down as CEO of the Roughrider Football Club. His successor is Craig Reynolds, an inside guy who's been with the Club for 6 years acting as CFO. Craig is an Excellent Fit for his position and has had the benefit of working with Jim through those Years. Jim gave us an amazing run through his 10 year and will be missed. Although the Alumni are Excited to have Jim as a full time Alumni and expect his contributions to be significant!!
May 22nd, the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club hosted the 16th Annual CFLAA Golf Classic, proceeds went to the United Way. Another sold out event, Great attendance by Alumni from the Riders, Eskimos, Stampeders and Bombers. The Grey Cup even showed !! Great Event as Always.
The Alumni have been Busy getting our Flag Ship events organized. July 6th, The Royal Regina Golf Club will host "The 22nd Annual Roughrider Charity Golf Classic" September 23rd, Dakota Dunes Gold Links, in Saskatoon, will host "The 3rd Annual Roughrider Alumni Charity Autumn Classic. October 17th Grant Hall in Moose Jaw, will host "The 3rd Annual Roughrider Alumni Charity Whiskey and Wine Festival. We fully expect to sell out each of these events so we can continue supporting the many charities we partner with.
It's June and training camps have started, The Roughriders will be holding camp in Saskatoon again this, at the University of Saskatchewan facilities. Coach Chamblin, after last year about the experience and decided to do it again. Saskatoon gets an early Buzz on football, Great for Riderville North.
Excitement around the New Stadium continues as it begins to take on Real Form and gives us a sense of what it will look and feel like. The Rider Alumni have been in discussion with the Roughrider Football Club about Alumni presence in the New Stadium and having a Quality Space we can call ours. Its looking Good.
In closing, Another Roughrider Alumni Football Legend, Ray Elgaard, on June 12th, will be inducted into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame!!! The Hall o Fame Dinner being held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Silverton Casino and Hotel. A Great Big Congrats Ray!!!