Hopson, Terry worthy of honour list
A rite of autumn is now part of August. The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Plaza of Honour ceremonies, ordinarily held in September or October, are scheduled for this weekend. Former president-ceo Jim Hopson and another former Roughriders offensive lineman, John Terry, are this year’s enshrinees.
Hopson’s contributions to the Roughriders’ success during his decade in charge are often underrated. He played an instrumental role in an era of unprecedented financial prosperity for the community-owned CFL team. Additionally, the fuse was ignited for consistent on-field success when Hopson hired Eric Tillman to succeed the fired Roy Shivers in August of 2006. Near the end of that year, Tillman appointed Kent Austin as the head coach, and the team’s fortunes soon ascended to once-unimaginable heights. During Hopson’s reign, Saskatchewan doubled its alltime Grey Cup count (from two to four) and celebrated successful negotiations on a new stadium.
Terry often flew under the radar despite being a three-time West Division all-star. One of the highest compliments an offensive lineman can receive is to go without recognition — as opposed to being singled out for holding, missed blocks, etc. Terry, a member of the Roughriders from 1996 to 2001, spent most of his time in the CFL toiling for teams that were ordinary at best. Nonetheless, he performed at a high level, routinely buying whoever the quarterback happened to be that day more than enough time to stand in the pocket and throw an interception.
Next up on one scribe’s Plaza of Honour crusade list: Kerry Joseph.
So much for the Duron Carter crusade.
Shameless self-promotion: Hopson is the special guest on this week’s Rider Rumblings video podcast. The podcast is available on leaderpost.com, itunes and Google Play Music.
Honestly, could there be a better name for a member of the hopeless Montreal Alouettes than newly signed defensive back Armageddon Draughn?
Kudos to the Regina Red Sox for the wonderful entertainment they have provided during the Western Major Baseball League playoffs. After finishing the regular season with a 26-21 record, the Red Sox lasted as long as possible — reaching Thursday’s fifth and deciding game of the league final against the host Medicine Hat Mavericks.
The Red Sox have done as much as they can do at Currie Field. Imagine what the response and the atmosphere would be at a new baseball stadium.
If you have an opportunity, make a point of applauding and saying hello to golf legend Lorie Kane when she is at the Wascana Country Club next week for the LPGA’S CP Women’s Open. I interviewed her via telephone on Thursday and absolutely enjoyed every millisecond of a 22-minute chat. What a spectacular person!
Kane, who is from Charlottetown, was appropriately recognized in 2006 by receiving the Order of Canada. The best I can do is an order of fries.
Nice people who deserve a plug: Lorie Kane (for obvious reasons), Rob Bagg, Tim Kusisto, Steve Mazurak, Margie Lynch, Jerry Joynt, John Lynch, Jean Freeman, Harry Stienwand, Sonia Stienwand, Ray Fournier, Jody Lehmann, Rob Knox, Garret Massier, Regan Massier, Kate Smart, Jeff Fairholm, Veronica Baker, Cam Baker, Chuck Rhodes, Terry Lenyk, Wanda Harron, Dave Harron, Stefan Endsin, Brock Sich, Juris Graney, Brooks Stotler and, simply because I want to type it in one more time, Armageddon Draughn.