Three members of one of the most successful eras in the history of the Saskatchewan Roughriders were inducted into the Plaza of Honour on Thursday.
Ken Miller, Weston Dressler, and Mike McCullough joined the elite members of Rider history as the 2022 Plaza of Honour Class.
Miller originally joined the Riders in the 2007 as the team’s offensive coordinator under Head Coach Kent Austin. The green and white would go on to win the Grey Cup that year.
The following year, Miller would assume the team’s Head Coaching duties after Austin left the Riders to become the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss.
In his four seasons leading the Riders, Miller compiled a record 36-27-1 with two Grey Cup appearances.
Ken Miller. Photo provided by Gloria Evans.
Receiving the induction to the Plaza of Honour is something that means a lot to the former Riders Head Coach.
“When we came into Regina it was a tender moment for us to realize that we’re coming home to be apart of a tremendous celebration, we’re just so pleased.”
Leading up to Friday’s game against the Lions, Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson had Miller speak to the current team. He noted it was very special to have his former colleague say a few words.
“One of the things he talked about is having an attitude of gratitude or being thankful, and being thankful not only for who’s with you now, but for who has helped you along the way and for me that attitude of thankfulness applies to Coach Miller cause he was here in 2011 when I started here and he really helped me grow as a coach and as a person.”
For Miller, speaking to the current Rider team was an emotional experience.
“My voice broke a little, I had to get a hold of myself to be able to finish that talk again another special moment a flashback to eleven years ago really what it was.”
This week marked the first time Miller got a chance to see Mosaic Stadium in person. He says that he is looking forward to watching Friday’s game and experiencing the new facility in the Queen City.
The 80 year old still finds time to watch CFL whenever the opportunity happens.
“Fortunately the games in the States the games are carried by ESPN2 or ESPN+.” Miller added “I see bits of every game, I especially like to watch the Riders.”
Miller noted that the green and white are the only team who he cheers for in the CFL.
Dressler arrived in Rider Nation in the 2008. The wide receiver would spend eight seasons in Saskatchewan as he exceeded the 1,000 yard mark for receiving yards five times. Dressler also had a pair of seasons in Saskatchewan where he picked up 941 yards receiving.
Beginning his career with the Roughriders, Dressler had no idea his career would end up becoming a legendary one in Saskatchewan.
“I came here in 2008 as a young kid fresh out of school, that’s not what I thought about at that point of time, I just wanted to play football. ”
Weston Dressler. Photo provided by Gloria Evans.
The product of North Dakota recalls his introduction to the CFL.
“We got the feed in Grand Forks, being pretty close to Canada and I watched the 2007 Grey Cup, that was the first CFL game I ever saw, football was on TV, so I watched it and I didn’t know at the time what I was witnessing, what I was witnessing was the Riders win a Grey Cup.”
The wide receiver considers himself lucky to be apart of the successful time in the franchise history.
“I was fortunate to play in a great time for this organization, very popular time, very energized group of fans, some great coaches I got to play under, obviously some great teammates, friendships that I made that continue onto this day and will continue on for the rest of my life. ”
Mike McCullough was a third round draft pick of the Riders in the 2003 CFL draft. The linebacker would go on to spend his entire career in Saskatchewan. He was a member of two Grey Cup champion teams in 2007 and 2013.
Winning the 2013 Grey Cup in Regina was a special memory for McCullough.
“Just thinking about the Grey Cup being here it’s been nine years and it’s shocking that I am nine years older than I was from the last time I played. Especially to end it in 2013 the way we did, it’s special, it will always be, I don’t think you could ever replicate that, hopefully we will this year, hopefully the guys will play on the homefield and bring one home.”
Mike McCullough. Photo provided by Gloria Evans.
Looking back as a player, the St. Francis Xavier University product enjoyed his time watching the Plaza of Honour inductions.
“It’s always nice to see those guys go in. You heard some of the names but didn’t know the stories necessarily, to see kind of their backstory and started to get to know them, is a really cool experience.”
McCullough says his advice for the current players is to savour the game while they can.
“Enjoy the moment, enjoy the game, you don’t know when it will be your last and that is so true.”
Current Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo noted that it’s special playing during Riders Legends Night, and is hoping that one day, he will be able to join other members of the Plaza of Honour.
“It’s an honour to be around these guys who have set the building blocks for us, me as a player and done so much for the program, and one day hopefully my name is mentioned in it and that’s a long ways away, and I got to play some good football but that’s your end-all be-all goal.”
All three inductees this year noted one of the best thing about the Roughriders, is the fanbase.
Dressler feels that something unique emulates from the Rider fanbase.
“The fans here are something special and they bring a passion and an excitement and energy to every game that’s something as a player I’m forever grateful for. ”
Miller also feels there’s no kind passion like Rider Pride.
“The CFL is special for fans, but the Rider fans, there are none like the Rider fans and so it will be really special to be acknowledged by the those people who care so much about this place and what these people do.
The three newest members of the Plaza of Honour will be acknowledged during Friday night’s game against the BC Lions.
You can listen to the game on 620 CKRM with an opening kickoff at 8:00.
