WINNIPEG – A joke at the expense of the longtime rival Saskatchewan Roughriders is at the root of the Banjo Bowl’s name.
Troy Westwood told Global News on Friday morning that his comment he made in 2003 about the “banjo-picking inbreds” in Saskatchewan has its roots in his childhood.
Westwood grew up in Winnipeg, but his mom grew up in Regina.
“At first it didn’t go over very well and some people actually thought it was serious and malicious,” Westwood said.
When the comment was used to name the annual post-Labour Day Classic game between the rival teams, it earned an honoured spot in Winnipeg football history. Banjo Bowl 10 takes place at Investors Group Field on Sunday.
“If you grew up in Manitoba or Saskatchewant, then you have a profound understanding of the rivalry,” Westwood said.
“The vast majority of people have a lot of fun with it.”
The first Banjo Bowl ended with a 27-24 win for Winnipeg, but even Westwood can’t bet on this year’s Blue Bomber team.
His money is on a 35-24 win for the Roughriders.
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