Murray Wood: Fish, biscuits and scenery drawing Americans to Saskatchewan
Murray Wood says Saskatchewan's north is a big draw to American anglers, for some obvious reasons.
Les Stephens has spent decades cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders from his couch in Corning.
He’s called into post-game shows, debated plays over the radio and become a familiar voice to Rawlco Radio listeners over the years. But until this weekend, he had never experienced the atmosphere outside a Riders game in person.
Read more:
- Riders roar to 38-7 victory over Hamilton Tiger-Cats in CFL action
- Jordan Webb suing University of Regina over women’s basketball coach job
- Carnduff’s Carter Beck makes baseball history, drafted 26th overall by Atlanta Braves
For Stephens, who is living with Stage 4 cancer, a visit to Mosaic Stadium on Sunday was about much more than football.
“I just needed to come out and experience what everybody else has been doing,” he said.
His sister, Cindy, surprised him by organizing the trip and buying him a Roughriders jersey.
“I just can’t believe my sister set this up I sure appreciate what she did,” Stephens said.
Although his health made attending the game itself too difficult, spending time at Mosaic’s tailgate gave him something he had waited a lifetime to experience.
“Oh, this is amazing! The people are so friendly. Everybody’s so happy, and it’s incredible,” he said.
Stephens has been following the Roughriders for decades, listening on Rawlco Radio from what he jokingly calls his favourite seat.
“I’ve listened to the Riders and watched them and your station from day one,” he said. “I love the feeling of the excitement. It’s awesome.”
While he says he’s usually happiest watching from home, seeing the game-day atmosphere in person left a lasting impression.
“How come we didn’t do this years ago?” he laughed. “It’s fantastic.”
Stephens is hoping his health will allow him to attend what would be his first-ever Roughriders game at Mosaic later this season.
“My sister has tickets I don’t think I’ll refuse them,” he said with a smile.
Over the years, Stephens has become a familiar caller on Rawlco Radio sports shows, sharing his opinions after games and entertaining listeners with stories from home.
One of his favourite memories came after making a friendly wager with his wife during a Riders game.
“My wife and I made that bet,” he recalled with a laugh. “I told them on the radio that I was going to have to get my wife from the couch to bed. It was really good. That was funny.”
He said hearing callers and hosts break down every game has always been part of the experience.
“I love the people that I love to listen to, and I love you all,” Stephens said. “Everybody’s got an opinion, and you can express it however you want.”
Among his favourite football memories is meeting members of the Roughriders during the early 1980s.
“The whole team was there,” he said. “I’ve got their signatures.”
Saturday also created new memories.
Stephens met Rawlco personalities he had only known through their voices, posed for photos with the Roughriders cheer team and mascot Gainer the Gopher, finally puttng faces to names he had listened to for years.
“Putting faces to names that’s a big thing,” he said. “It just makes you feel good.”
Before leaving, Stephens had one final message for listeners.
“If you’re listening to any other radio station, you’re doing it wrong, buddy,” he joked. “Turn on to 980. You’ve got news, weather, sports — especially sports — right at your fingertips.”
He also wanted to make sure one final message was passed along.
“Thank you very much to all of Rawlco Radio,” Stephens said. “Give everybody my best at the station. And I’m listening.”
Read more:
