Rod Pedersen
CFL.ca
Not only is Mosaic Stadium the site of the biggest game of the year this Saturday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders against the Edmonton Eskimos, but it also marks the long-awaited launch of the book ‘Green Magic – Canada’s Team Wins The 2007 Grey Cup’.
On June 1 of this summer I was contacted by Lulu Publishing, the book production giant owned by Hamilton Tiger-Cats owner Bob Young, about putting together a project to commemorate the Roughriders’ 2007 Canadian Football League championship season.
Over the next few months, it was a dizzying adventure of gathering photos, interviews and stories pulling the whole remarkable season together. Along the way, it evolved into the story of the Riders’ remarkable journey from its last Grey Cup championship season in 1989 through to the end of last year.
There was no shortage of advice on which direction to take with the book, but the greatest pearl of wisdom came from Regina internet marketing guru Steve Powell who offered, “When I read this book in the years ahead, I want to feel all the great emotions I experienced through the Riders’ Cup run.”
In the end, that’s what we accomplished. The foreword was graciously penned by 2007 CFL Coach of the Year Kent Austin, whose monologue hits you right between the eyes as soon as you open the cover.
All the central figures of Roughrider history in the past generation tell their stories including GMs Alan Ford, Roy Shivers and Eric Tillman along with team executives Tom Shepherd, Tom Robinson, Bob Ellard, Graham Barker, Jim Hopson and Rob Pletch. There’s also a heavy emotional theme including Paul McCallum’s heart-tugging story of how his family was terrorized by vandalism and threats following the 2004 playoffs. You’ll learn how they coped with it, but also how it still haunts them today.
As far as the ’07 season goes, Green Magic is a virtual day-by-day account of how Austin assembled a championship coaching staff and roster, and a detailed description of the adversity they faced throughout the season. We also deeply examine the aftermath which included Austin’s sudden resignation and the trade of league MVP Kerry Joseph before the Grey Cup celebration was even over.
The soft-cover book is 8″ X 10″ and includes 208 pages packed with 53 colour photos recalling the magical season of 2007.
The book will be launched this Saturday afternoon with a book-signing on the Rider practice field from 3:00 – 4:00pm prior to game time. The book is available for purchase at both Rider Store locations in Regina as well as www.riderville.com and www.lulu.com.
Hopefully you enjoy it!
Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Riders on 620 CKRM Radio.
