Roughriders settling in ahead of Saskatoon training camp

Saskatoon is front and centre for the fifth year in a row as Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp gets underway Sunday at Griffiths Stadium.

The University of Saskatchewan is getting ready for 140 Roughriders who will eat at Marquis Hall, stay in the dorms, and mingle with students over the two week period.

“We definitely have some big eaters, but also selective healthy diets,” said Executive Chef James McFarland. “We make sure to provide all those options.”

McFarland said the menu includes Pad Thai, steak nights, Louisiana and Cajun chicken, and other ethnic flavoured foods.

“We always expect some food requests and we’re eager to accommodate those requests,” he said.

James McFarland @mcchefj74 @usask_culinary talks feeding 140 @sskroughriders @usask starting Sunday @CKOMNews @CJMENews #yxe @arielle_zerr pic.twitter.com/DMzTrbUw58

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) May 26, 2017

Griffiths Stadium doesn’t do anything special to get ready for training camp, except maintenance on the turf field, which gets done annually.

“The thing that requires the most work is taking all the Huskies gear out, so the Riders can put their stuff in the clubhouse,” said facilities manager Roger Moskaluke.

Moskaluke said more than 400 people take in training camp on any given day.

“It’s definitely a highlight for us every year,” he said.

Facilities Manager Griffiths @usask Roger Moskaluke talking @sskroughriders training camp prep @CKOMNews @CJMENews @arielle_zerr #yxe pic.twitter.com/HYESAbbQCf

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) May 26, 2017

Training Camp goes 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Thursday at Griffiths, then switches over to Saskatoon Minor Football Field Friday.

Riders borrow residents bikes

It’s a long-standing tradition for the last five years that Roughriders players make a plea on social media to borrow residents bikes, so they can get around U of S campus and the city.

Huge shoutout to @horbach_nolan for hooking me up with a bike for camp! #RiderNation comes through yet again! #TC17

— Spencer Moore (@spencermoore80) May 27, 2017

“I wasn’t using it, so why not help out Spencer Moore,” Nolan Horbach said. “In true Saskatchewan fashion, we’re always willing to lend a hand.”

Horbach joked he might get Moore to sign it after he’s done using it.

“I’ll have to clean it up, so he can actually get his name on it,” he said.

Horbach plans to take his two boys to check out training camp sometime this week.