The Saskatchewan Roughriders held their annual Green and White Day down at Saskatoon Minor Football Field with a great turnout of fans that weren’t scared to brace a chilly Saskatchewan wind. Fans gathered for the State of the Nation panel discussion hosted by the new voice of the Roughriders, Dave Thomas and was joined on stage with Corey Mace (Head Coach), Jeremy O’Day (VP Football Operations/General Manger), and Craig Reynolds (President/CEO).
The excitement could be felt throughout the room, especially when Corey Mace was introduced on stage as he was was greeted with a thunderous standing ovation, similar to the one he received at Riders training camp earlier in the week. From the start, Mace made it clear he loves and sees the support from Rider Nation, even up here in Saskatoon. General Manager Jeremy O’Day has been impressed with the first week of training camp and with what his new head coach has brought to the field. The message from Coach Mace on what this team is all about, is having a strong work ethic and doing things as a family.
As for the State of the Nation, Craig Reynolds started off with saying thank you, but quickly added “thank you doesn’t feel like enough” when referring to Rider Nation and the support from fans across the province. The passion and love for the Roughriders is felt everywhere in the province, and the goal going into this season is wanting Rider Nation to be as proud as they possible can with this season’s team, through more fan interactions and experience at games, to the product to be seen on the field.
After State of the Nation, the team held another practice with some run-throughs as the fans got a chance to see what’s in store as they prepare for Monday’s pre-season game at home against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Fans were treated to a “Bring Em’ Out” entrance, and had some rookies sing the national anthem before getting started. After practice, fans got a chance to meet their favourite players from the Riders with the post-practice autograph session to conclude another Green and White Day.
Below is audio from a media-scrum with Head Coach Corey Mace:
Below is audio from Jackson Imrie and Riders President and CEO Craig Reynolds discussing today’s Green and White Day:
