As the Saskatchewan Roughriders made their way down the Green Mile for the Grey Cup parade in Regina, fans say it was a “long time in the making.”
The Grey Cup champions were jubilant on the parade route, holding up the cup as fans lined Albert Street as a bus took them to the provincial legislature for a ceremony.
“I’m very excited, it’s been a long time in the making … Finally,” said Crystal Moffett, a long-time fan who was lined up along the route. “It was even sweeter because we got to win it on the Bombers field, it was definitely awesome.”
The Roughriders won on Sunday against the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 while playing at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
It was the team’s first win since 2013 and the fifth in franchise history, a moment many fans praised.
“It means a lot. It means that the Saskatchewan Roughriders have done something good for the city,” said Darin Dackow, adding he was “so proud of them.”
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For some diehard fans it’s also special because of what it’s meant for the size of Rider Nation, with every win growing the fanbase.
“It’s really multiplied this year with them winning so many games, that’s real nice,” said Doug Bohnet, who has been a fan for about 30 years.
The Roughriders arrived at the legislature decked out in green, some completely shirtless, as fans who had gathered cheered and used noisemakers.
Offensive lineman Logan Ferland took the mic on arrival, thanking everyone for their support.
“We’re Grey Cup champions forever, baby,” Ferland said. “Let’s go Rider Nation, this one’s for you.”
Defensive lineman Micah Johnson said how happy he was to be able to bring the Cup to Saskatchewan given some of the previous defeats.
“Being the player that’s been here for a few years and seen a lot of the downtimes and the support that we’ve got and the fact that we get to bring it to you all means the world to us,” he said.
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