Hey, there - it's Tom.
A very cool thing happened on Sunday. My cousin Laurel got ahold of some extra tickets to the Western Final, and offered them to us. Mom generously stepped aside so I could take Steph with me to the game. We stole - or borrowed I mean - all of Laura's Rider gear and started layering up. Dad and Uncle Brian were sitting on the sunny side, and we had seats on the shady side. Our seats were at the south end of the field right by the stadium wall. It was loud and rowdy. We were there really early and for awhile it seemed like we'd be the only ones in the row. But then as the game time got closer it completely filled in.
If you've seen any of the TV coverage or newspaper photos, you know it was a sea of green. We saw some pretty crazy costumes, including one guy with a gi-normous white cowboy hat covered with Rider memorabilia. There were sadly no real melonheads - one little girl with a plastic melonhead, but no genuine articles. There were a few drunks wearing only body paint on their upper body, and one sitting near us who passed out and missed most of the game! Mostly though, the group sitting near us was friendly and a lot of fun.
The first quarter was really slow, and it seemed like the Riders took awhile to shake the rust off. The crowd stayed loud, even though Calgary scored first. I don't think there were more than 20 openly Calgary fans - likely for fear of getting mauled.
I went to buy Steph and I a drink at half time, and the lady behind me in the lineup commented that she really wanted my jersey - my number 90 Stevie Baggs jersey, with autographs from most of the team. You could say she was 'green with envy'. The only downer is that I failed on my mission to buy a 50/50 ticket for Mom - we couldn't seem to find someone to buy one from.
It was awesome to see the Riders put some points on the board in the 3rd quarter, and I think that's when we knew we were going to win. As the game wound down, the crowd started chanting 'Nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye...'. I would hate to be Henry Burris, because the crowd never let up on him.
It was so great to finally to get to a game (my first this year) especially such an important game. I really appreciate Laurel and her friend for offering us the tickets.
Next Sunday the whole family will be together to watch the big Grey Cup game, just like back in 2007. Well, except for Jeanine, that is. I'm looking forward to the feast, especially the shrimp ring!
I had a really busy weekend between Unifest, Jynelle's birthday, and the game - and I was very tired today, but it was all really fun - one of my best weekends in the last few months, for sure! And not including Grey Cup next week (GO RIDERS) it was the best weekend this month!
Bye for now,
Tom
