‘Like I came home': Sask. Roughriders veterans join rookies in training camp
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back in action, as training camp continues. The first few days were exclusively focused on the rookies, and head coach Corey Mace says once the veteran players hit the field, it showed lots of promise for the 2025 season.
'I told the rookies they had a great camp, that things are going to pick up pretty fast here when the vets came in. And I think they saw that today. So, just for them, the speed of the game, the speed of processing, it was just good, I think, from their experience to see that and what it looks like to be around guys who've done it for a while,' Mace said.
This certainly proved true for rookie receiver Daniel Wiebe, a Saskatchewan-born athlete who recently joined the team.
'It's great to be around these guys. They're pro players, they know how to do it. They know how to get the job done. So, [I'm] just trying to learn as much as I can from these guys,' Wiebe said.
Wiebe is no stranger to green and white, thanks to his time with the U of S Huskies. Riders training camp is hosted on the Huskies' home field at Griffiths Stadium, which Wiebe described as a full-circle experience.
'It's an amazing feeling, especially being at home with the Riders. I've dreamed of playing with the Riders since I was a kid. So, it's a blessing for sure.'
Coach Mace says the rookie has had an impressive week so far.
'He's a confident kid, man, and he knows exactly what it means to be a pro. And it's really special that he's putting on the green and white,' Mace said.
While the rookies are finding their footing among the team, several vets shared that they're also thrilled to be back on the turf.
'This is the first time since 2018 I felt like I came home. Stepping into this province, stepping in with these guys, with the coaches and whatnot, I felt like I came home, and I think a lot of guys kind of have that same sentiment,' quarterback Trevor Harris said.
Trevor Harris signed a year-long extension during the offseason. While the 38-year-old quarterback battled two knee injuries in the last season, he says thanks to lots of offseason work, his 'knee feels brand new.'
Mace also echoes confidence in his quarterback.
'Trevor is a worker... Whether it was rehab or just attacking his offseason, that guy is a worker, and he's probably one of the best on the team. I'm just excited to see him come out here and lead like he has been doing,' Mace said.
The 2024 season left the Riders with a 9-8-1 record, and Harris says his confidence in the team's ability to build off of that.
'We got to take the training wheels off toward the end of the year. Now, I think we could be riding some mopeds and some motorcycles by the end of the year,' Harris said with a laugh.
Both Mace and Harris shared that the team has remained consistent, and they're building towards big goals in the 2025 season.
'There's no complacency in this group. That's what we love about it... This group is just ready to get going,' Mace said.
'A lot of people talk about continuity, and for very good reason. But I think you have to ask yourself with continuity, have you reached a ceiling? Have we tapped out who we are? And we're not even close to that,' Harris said.
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