Murray Wood: Are Saskatchewan Roughrider fans still the best in the CFL?
Murray Wood says attendance at Rider seems to be down, even though the team guards the numbers. But with a strong record...
The Regina Thunder start their 25th season this weekend in Winnipeg to take on the Rifles on Sunday.
Last season saw the Thunder finish second in the Prairie Conference with an overall record of 7-3. They fell just shy of winning the Prairie Conference with a 21-13 loss to the Saskatoon Hilltops in the championship game.
Matt Rumpel is the defensive backs coach for the Thunder, and he said this year’s group is ready for another playoff run.
“I expect us to play in the system. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on just doing your job, playing in the system, and the plays will come, and the plays will happen,” said Rumpel.
“We’ve also put a really big emphasis on turnovers. It’s something we’ve implemented in practice. So, hopefully that comes out and shows on the field.”
The Thunder brought back linebacker Stephen Smith for another season. Smith is the reigning Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) Defensive Player of Year and was listed as CJFL’s number one player to watch heading into the 2024 season.
The Thunder have won their last four season openers dating back to 2019. (Regina Thunder Instagram / September 2, 2023)
“You don’t actually meet a kid with that kind of character every day. He’s a special player on and off the field. And it means the world to have him back in the locker room,” said Rumpel.
Despite recently being placed on the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster, Rumpel says Smith is still a part of the Thunder’s roster.
“You can be on the Rider practice roster and still play with us all year,” explained Rumpel.
When it comes to preparing for the first game of the season, Rumpel said it’s about focusing on their own game.
“We go into week one with no film. So, really, we’re just worried about what we do. How we’re gonna play on the field, how much energy we bring. And just focus on what we can control and not what we can’t control,” said Rumpel.
The Thunder’s first home game isn’t until August 25, but Rumpel hopes the fans in Regina will come out and support the team for their home opener.
“We give back to the community with fundraising, donating our time, coaching flag football. It’s just nice to see the support for the players that give back to the community. And it’s exciting games. It’s good football to watch,” said Rumpel.
“Junior football ain’t easy. The players we get are guys who go to school all day or work all day and then come do four or five hours of work at the clubhouse after and then go play a game. So, the time commitment’s just extraordinary, and the kids that come out of this program are just really special,” said Rumpel.
Kickoff for the season opener is set for 12 p.m.
