Labour Day Classic: Riders set to write another chapter

As CFL fans prepare for a new chapter in the Labour Day Classic, it’s a chance to remember some of the moments the annual tilt has provided.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6) will meet in the 60th Labour Day Classic on Sunday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

The Riders hold a 38-21 record in the series. The Riders do not include the 1952 game that took place in Winnipeg in their count.

Last year was the Riders’ first win in the game since 2019, and it was also the first time the Labour Day Classic needed overtime, with Saskatchewan winning 30-32.

Current Riders offensive co-ordinator Marc Mueller has fond memories of the Labour Day Classic growing up in Regina. The last time he was at the game was in 2013 when he was working for Molson.

“My last memory was putting the old Pilsner can up on the old practice field,” Mueller said. “I used to love coming to the game. I used to try to get tickets on the grass hill … (The game) was fun and unfortunately it meant the beginning of school.”

This is Mueller’s first season on the Riders sideline for the game after spending years as a member of the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff.

As someone who grew up in Regina and always wanted to be a Rider, it will be a special moment.

“Whether you are walking out and looking at statues or a picture, the history of this team is a big part of the team, and to be able to see that as a young man and witness it, it’s pretty cool,” Mueller said.

Kicker Brett Lauther has been able to provide some memories for fans himself, with the Truro, N.S., product hitting a 26-yard field goal to give the Riders a 19-17 win in 2019. After he hit the kick, Lauther and holder/punter Jon Ryan ran over into the stands to celebrate with the fans.

“That was a great one, but any time you come out it’s a great day,” Lauther said. “It’s a great day to celebrate the league and when we can win. They all feel the same, but the 2019 one was pretty special.”

Head coach Corey Mace also wanted to highlight the past to the current players.

“I wanted to set the stage for those guys. We had some of the alumni come in — Gene Makowsky, Wes Cates, (Chris) Getzlaf, (Scott) Schultz — they came and spoke to the team,” Mace said. “Just understanding what it is and what it means to this province and what it means to play against the Bombers on Labour Day.

“We have set the stage for that, and the guys are eager to get out there.”

This year’s showdown comes with extra importance, as the winner of the game will take over first place in the CFL west division.

Ahead of the game, the Riders have only made two changes to their depth chart. Fullback Clint Ratkovich comes back on to the roster as well as safety Godfrey Onyeka. Safety Jayden Dalke was put onto the one-game injured list, while linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. was put on the practice roster.