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S PE C I A L F E AT U R E
Friday, June 20, 2014
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Sue (right) with other Rider fans at Mosaic Stadium
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b j ^ c d b Z Y c V ; Susan Bazin is hooked on the team
Top: Sue Bazin with Saskatchewan Roughrider legends Geroy Simon (left) and Don Narcisse (right) Bottom: Sue Bazin with her husband Brent.
By Matt Stone For L-P Specialty Products Sue Bazin had no interest in the Saskatchewan Roughriders or in football at all, for that matter. Until just a few short years ago, this resident of Balcarres had never attended a Roughrider game or even watched one on TV. But after meeting former Saskatchewan coach Ken Miller, Bazin was convinced to check out a Rider practice and come see what all the fuss was about. Having recently retired, she was searching for new interests to supplement her regular hobbies of gardening and volunteering at the hospital. She accompanied her friend to a Rider practice, and she says it was love at first sight. “I’ll never forget that feeling of walking out onto the [practice] field,” said Bazin. “It was just an incredible, magical feeling. I could just sense all the excitement and the emotions that were out there. I felt like Cinderella.” Bazin has a tough time explaining why she took to the Roughriders so quickly, but a lot of it has to do with the generosity of the players, staff and fellow fans. While at that first practice, Bazin was speaking to Miller, and revealed to him that she had never actually even been to a Roughrider game. Later that day, Miller came up to her with an envelope in his hand. Inside were two 50-yard-line tickets for the upcoming Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg
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Blue Bombers. “If I wasn’t totally on board after that first practice, my first game had me totally hooked,” said Bazin. “I think it really helped to get to know the players and coach Miller before watching them out there on game day. Seeing those players on the field, I could just tell their hearts were all about football.” It might have taken Bazin a little while to get all the rules and complexities of Canadian football down, but she knew from the start how special the Roughriders players, staff and fans were. She continues to attend practices regularly, getting to know many of the Roughriders, such as current coach Corey Chamblin, quarterback Darian Durant and former receiver Weston Dressler. Bazin continues to be in awe at how friendly and accessible the players are to their fans. Their passion for the game is beautiful in her eyes, especially considering that many of the players leave their homes and family to come play football in an unfamiliar land. Bazin said she prays for the Roughriders and their families every day. To her, the Roughriders are like family, and she feels like a part of it. “For years, I’ve been growing roses in my garden,” said Bazin. “I always bring my roses to town with me when I when I visit sick people at the hospital. Now, I make sure to bring roses for the Roughriders too. I think it’s important for them to know that they are loved by their fans.”
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