The Eastman Raiders Football Club recently had the chance to welcome Grey Cup finalists as they arrived in Winnipeg for the big game.
The Montreal Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday, November 16 at Princess Auto Stadium.
An exciting experience
Raiders coach and board member Skyler Besser says it was a memorable day for young players.
“We had the MMFA (Manitoba Minor Football Association) reach out to us and ask if we wanted to collect some kids and have them welcome in the CFL players as they were coming into town.”
He says many kids from various minor football teams came out for the event.
“They just get to experience what it’s like for them to get welcomed into a new city and, I mean, just the level of competition that they’re at just gives them something to look forward to. It’s just a cool experience all around.”
Eastman Raider player meeting CFL player.
Besser says the kids brought signs and were able to high-five many of the CFL players as they entered, making it a special moment.
“That’s kind of the experience that the MMFA and just the youth football in general gives kids is the experience to do things that they would normally never get to do. That’s what we strive for.”
He hopes the Raiders players enjoyed the opportunity, adding that football continues even when the season ends.
“Being part of the Eastman Raiders, at least on the board, for me, it’s year-round. And if we get to extend their season by doing things like this, even this radio thing is extending their season. It’s just cool to go and keep doing stuff.”
Player’s reaction
U16 player Lacey Schroeder says meeting CFL athletes was a highlight.
“It was just exciting to see players from the CFL. Like you normally don’t get to meet them.”
Schroeder will be cheering for the Alouettes.
“They seem like a very strong team.”
U14 player Carson Bergen-Hodge agrees it was a great experience and says the biggest highlight was seeing the Grey Cup.
“It’s kind of cool because the players get it every single year and it’s like the big thing in the league. It’s kind of cool to see.”
Heading into his fifth year of football, he shared what keeps him coming back.
“Just the excitement and just like getting that tackle or getting that pick is just an awesome feeling.”
As for Sunday’s game, he does have one hope.
“I just don’t want Saskatchewan to win,” he laughs.
U10 player Wyatt McConnell, in his second year of tackle football, is also loving the sport.
“I like getting touchdowns.”
He held up a sign that read, “Welcome to Winnipeg Roughriders,” and plans to cheer for Saskatchewan this weekend.
Lacey Schroeder, Carson Bergen-Hodge, and Wyatt McConnell in the Country 107 studio, powered by LMS Ag Equipment.
Football growth in Steinbach
Looking ahead, Besser says football in the southeast continues to expand.
“We have our floodlight campaign coming up, so we’re trying to push to get some lights in, and this way we can host later games, and it just gives us way more opportunity to play football.”
Bergen-Hodge says lights would make a big difference for young players.
“I think it’s cool because night games are just awesome because usually we have games in the morning or early afternoon. So, it’s pretty cool. I know some fields in the city have lights. So, it’d be kind of cool to have lights at home games.”
With files from Carly Koop
