A Grey Cup rushing record was set by Kory Sheets, the top Canadian was named to be Chris Getzlaf, and the Riders won the 101st Grey Cup. So, I feel a little bit like a bad Saskatchewanian at the moment. My Sunday, since I don't have cable, consisted of wearing my green but not watching the game. I was attempting to finish off articles and get everything set for Monday, which meant I didn't get to see the Riders crush the Ticats.
I did keep up with the score and I listened to it for a little while on my phone through the Rider App, but it's just not the same as being able to actually watch the game. I am a fan of the Riders, but having said that I have to admit I don't really understand how intense fans can get when watching a sporting event.
I like to watch sports and I do have certain teams I cheer for in different sporting events like the Riders (CFL), the Avalanche (NHL), the Blue Jays (MLB), and the Steelers (NFL); but, no matter how many games I watch I don't start yelling at the T.V. over an error or cheering excitedly at a successful play. I just kind of watch the event and am entertained/amazed by the athletes who are at the absolute peak of their game. I think I mainly like to watch sports because of the athleticism that is showcased in each event.
Obviously I was happy that the Riders had won the 101st Grey Cup, I'm from Saskatchewan and am proud to see green come out on top not only for the athletes but for the dedicated Rider fans who, through a good season or a poor season, are always supportive of their team. Which, although I don't go crazy cheering or getting mad at mistakes, I am a loyal fan.
Now, what impressed me, however, was that the Regina Police reported 134 calls to service with most of them being alcohol related and approximately 23 calls regarding assaults or fights going on. The thing is that these assaults and fights were not serious, so despite there being an influx of people, drinking, and excitement there were no riots or vandalism which is possible in such situations.
Watching videos and seeing photos after the win though simply showed extremely excited fans who were pumped with the win. Regardless of the win, however, I liked the attitude shown to Hamilton fans as expressed in a story on CBC.
Jeff May, a Hamilton Tiger Cats fan, was at the game, disappointed his team lost. According to the accountant, as reported by CBC, the 45,000 fans in the stadium cheering blew him away. It was the end of the game and the Ticats had attempted a comeback, but the spread was just too wide to make up.
It was when May later made his way under the stands that he needed a moment to sit down because the realization his team had lost hit him. Upset, sitting on a bench, surrounded by a sea of green May was then approached by Rider fans.
"Suddenly, I was surrounded by a big group of people closing in on me and taking turns hugging me and saying, 'Next year, next year,' and countless people saying, 'Thank you for coming,'" May told CBC.
"The people here are so sweet, and it's been such an experience. It's a great example of what it's like to be a Canadian."
Although I didn't watch the game it was amazing to read about, watch, and look at videos from the night, which seemed to exemplify the crazy excitement but respectful attitude of Rider Nation.
