Riders Main Camp Notes

Should I be surprised at the amount of fans in the stands, even though it was cold and raining?  Crazy people, but it shows the care and love there is for this team.

The feel on the field was more like a mid-season practice rather than a tryout.  Alex Smith barking out play calls was great to hear.  That to me means Rider football.  

Wes Cates was on the field taking part, but afterward Coach Miller labelled him doubtful for game #1 of the season.  That could mean trouble.  Hopefully the club waits until he's 100% before they run Cates out in game action and not risk him having a lingering shoulder injury all season.

Juan Joseph continues to get stronger as the camp goes on.  I know he's only been on the field a few days, but he has improved each time.

Jason Clermont looked like, well, Jason Clermont.  The ball came his way, he caught it, he turned straight upfield.  Great to see!

Seeing Clermont and Andy Fantuz take a run at the line at the same time is a beautiful thing and is going to be quite a scary sight for opposing teams.

Speaking of Clermont, veteran Eddie Davis is glad he doesn't have to run into him this year!  Davis a longtime vet with the team chuckled when asked if he likes camp.  And while he's excited about football, he says no veteran is excited for two a day workouts.

Gene Makowsky basically said the same thing.  And the weather certainly didn't help matters.  Rain and sleet and cold.  The veteran O-lineman was asked if he is willing to help the young guys, even if they are after his roster spot.  Graciously he says he'll help anyone and if they want his job..more power to them!  I really think his job is one that is pretty safe.

Schultzie was curiously serious in an exclusive interview with GlobalTV.  Although he is pumped about the number of local players on the team, not just because they are from the 306, but because they are good players.

Coach Miller continues to be a treat to be around.  He's honest and accommodating.  The Coach stood by in the rain, waiting for the interviews to finish so that he could do his media scrum.  On a brutal day, Miller stood and chatted with reporters for nearly 10 minutes while the rain came down and while his wife patiently stood by.  

Glad Miller is nothing like those folks in Winnipeg who only allow the media to shoot during the first 15 minutes of practice.  Wow, Winnipeg seems to be blowing up from the inside out, and now there going to have the media dropping 'bomb'ers on them.

The boys back on the field today and Tuesday morning, before a later go on Wednesday.

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Tiger and Roger...Really?  

I think Roger has now proved he is the best all-time.  No disrespect to Pistol Pete, but they both have 14 majors but Roger has the Slam.  Incredible stuff.  Not even some jokester could rattle RF.

Then there is Tiger.  Oh yeah, how good was his back nine?  The chip for eagle.  The birdie on 17.  Oh and that approach to seal the deal on 18.  

In his 6 stroke play tournaments since returning from his hiatus all Woods has done is finish in the Top 10 every time out and win 2 of those events.  

Right now is a great time to be a sports fan, because two of the greatest atheletes of all-time are in their prime and we get to witness it.

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Lakers!  Doc Halladay!  Hopefully Game 7!