Brandvold, Cates join Plaza of Honor
Roger Brandvold and Wes Cates made different contributions to the Saskatchewan Roughriders en route to being the 2017 Plaza of Honor inductees.
Brandvold was appointed to the Riders’ board of directors in 2005. He remained on the board for nine years, including the last four as governor and chairman of the board. Brandvold was also the co-chair of the 2013 Grey Cup Festival.
Cates was a running back with the Riders from 2007 through 2011. He finished his Riders career with 904 carries for 4,761 yards and 38 touchdowns, while adding 183 receptions for 1,779 yards and five touchdowns. He also played in the 2007, 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup games, winning it all in 2007.
Brandvold and Cates are to be inducted as a builder and player, respectively, on Sept. 22 at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium.
“I clearly enjoyed watching (Cates) play and he carried the football club for us for a number of games and seasons,’’ Brandvold said during Tuesday’s Plaza of Honor announcement at Mosaic Stadium. “He’s an individual that I’m very proud to stand beside.’’
Brandvold was member of the CFL’s executive committee from 2010-13 and participated in negotiations for the league’s television agreement. He also contributed to the advancement and construction of new Mosaic Stadium.
Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and 2010, joined the Riders in 2007 after spending one season with the Calgary Stampeders. Due to travelling issues, Cates wasn’t available for comment on Tuesday.
The move to the new stadium has contributed to changes to the Plaza of Honor cairn and induction dinner. A new cairn, which includes the names of 125 inductees and Grey Cup championship teams from 1966, 1989 and 2007, is to be located at the stadium’s southeast gate.
A cocktail-style reception has replaced the full dinner. Tiered ticket options are being offered for three locations — the AGT Lounge ($250 per ticket), Harvard Studio 620 ($150) and general admission seating in the stadium ($30).