REGINA — When you described the last 12 years of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, long-time fans would tell you it’s been an emotional rollercoaster.
Before their victory in Sunday’s Grey Cup matchup against the Montreal Alouettes, the Roughriders hadn’t been in the championship game since winning it in 2013.
“Every year, of course, you just hope for a little better and a little better and a little better. And it hasn't always been that case,” said longtime Roughrider fan Nathan Clearihue.
As for other fans, David Bernakevitch described many ups and downs, but noted his support for the team would never waver.
After 2013, the team had mixed results, making it to either the Western/Eastern Final of the Canadian Football League (CFL) four times between 2014 and 2024.
However, the team also had multiple 4th and 5th-place seasons in the Western Division.
Heading into 2025 after the team reached the Western Final, Clearihue saw potential in the Roughriders after watching the squad during training camp.
“It seemed like a lot of them were more like friends instead of co-workers. And it looked like a great work environment.”
Bernankevitch himself had hope for the team, but didn't believe the team could win it all.
But when did fans’ hope turn into expectations? Clearihue said it was when commentators started talking about the Roughriders in early September as playoff contenders.
“I've never heard any commentators, any of the supposedly knowledgeable people in the know, say anything positive about the Riders in that aspect. So I was like, well, wait a minute, we have something here.”
“When we won the Western Final, I knew that we had a really good shot,” said Bernankevitch.
While Bernankevitch and Clearihue weren’t sure about going all the way, longtime fan Deb Smith always believed.
“Positivity and [head coach] Corey Mace can't say enough good things about that man.”
After witnessing the Roughriders win the Grey Cup, Bernankevitch celebrated with his friends and wanted his five-year-old son to be aware of their victory.
“I made him a sign, put it on the wall, so when he woke up in the morning, he was the first to see that we won the Grey Cup.”
Meanwhile, Clearihue decided to bring his 11-year-old son to the Green Mile, an experience he’ll never forget.
“I could just see the look in his eyes. He's like, ‘Oh my God, … like I get to experience this.”
For both Clearihue and Bernankevitch, being able to celebrate a Grey Cup win with their sons for the first time made it more special.
“It's amazing. He just lights up [for football] and I mean, that's what it's all about,” said Clearihue.
“It's so important for me to pass on my love of the game to him, and that's why we're here today,” said Bernankevitch.
