There's been nothing better than to be a Roughrider in Calgary for the Grey Cup.
At least until kickoff.
Indeed, it's been better than most Saskatchewan Roughriders ever dreamed it could be here. Including their kindly coach.
The modern day version of the Jolly Green Giants saw sights they never thought they'd see in Calgary, right up to their final practice yesterday when the McMahon Stadium employees shovelling snow on the sidelines were shouting "Go Riders Go."
Head coach Ken Miller said the team expected to see green everywhere they went here this week. But ...
"We expected the number of people from Saskatchewan and Roughrider fans from around the country and everything. But the number of people from Calgary who said they are going to cheer for the Roughriders have been amazing."
Miller was asked if he had a theory on why that might be?
"We're a likeable bunch of guys, I guess," laughed the likable 68-year-old.
"At some points of this week, I just had to sit and stare," said Stevie Baggs.
"A year and a half ago, I wasn't even a pro. I didn't have a contract. The week has been what I thought it would be.
"It's been exciting -- everything I wanted for my whole career," said the defensive end, who is making a big name for himself after being shown the door in both Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Baggs said he contemplated a quiet evening reading proverbs and then having a massive breakfast this morning.
"Not only am I going to eat a lot of food but running backs and quarterbacks," he laughed.
Omarr Morgan, who missed the 2007 Saskatchewan Grey Cup win by jumping to the Eskimos, finally found his way to Grey Cup week in his 10th season in the league.
"It's been even greater than I expected it would be," said Morgan.
"I've never seen this many media. I've never seen this many people everywhere wearing green. It's been fantastic. It's everything I dreamed it would be and more."
For 15-year veteran Gene Makowsky, in his third Grey Cup with the Roughriders dating back to 1997 in Edmonton, his take on the week is probably different than his team-mates'.
"To me, it just seems like it's been so busy."
For receiver Rob Bagg, the newness is definitely there.
"This is definitely the biggest stage I've ever experienced. It's been a wonderful experience. And the best part is yet to come," he said of the 97th Grey Cup game.
The Roughriders are definitely not headed to McMahon Stadium like cattle to the slaughterhouse as some see them, going up against the 15-3 Montreal Alouettes.
And while Miller says when it comes to his quarterback, "I may have to dial him down," Darian Durant is trying to dial everybody else down.
"Everyone is trying to make this game bigger than it is," he said. "You may get a trophy for it, but it's a game. You have to play the game."
Miller likes the way his team has handled the week.
"This team has been tremendous dealing with distractions all year and they were the same this week."
The old coach said he was going to sleep well last night.
"I have a good feeling about it."
It's been such a good story to have the Roughriders in their first home Western Final in 33 years to get to this Grey Cup, the great script writer in the sky should scribble a Saskatchewan win.
But sorry Mr. Miller. I don't have the same good feeling about it. Montreal 36 Saskatchewan 30.
TERRY.JONES@SUNMEDIA.CA
