Following delivery of a well prepared Grace by Bill J., Past President Wayne S. presided in Bev's absence. Wayne took a moment to reflect on the very sad events in La Loche, near where he was once stationed.

 

Visitors and Guests included Oshawa Club member Ron Dyck, our former President and his son Mike.  In addition to our guest speaker Steve Mazurak, we were pleased also to welcome Father John Koziano from Malawi, a guest of Peter and Elaine.

Sergeant Adriana quizzed us on Robbie Burns Day ("Auld Lang Syne") and little known facts about Chief White Elk, a 1921 con man who was not of aboriginal descent.

Fines and fees were raised for:

Peter introduced Father John more fully. Father John thanked us for the invitation and for our participation in the Malawi Project headed by Peter and Elaine. "The impact has been significant!" he said.


Todays's Program

Bill J. introduced our guest speaker Steve Marazuk, VP of Sales for the Riders. Bill prefaced his remarks by saying that the Sunday Sermon at his Church was largely given over to the topic of Darian Durant's signing. Only in Saskatchewan!

 

Steve's official accomplishments are best documented from the CFL website as follows:

"...(Steve) Mazurak played for the Green and White for nine seasons and was recently inducted into the Roughrider Plaza of Honor. After his playing days, he served as the Executive Director for the CFL Players Association from 1981 to 1985. 

 

During his playing career, Mazurak was one of the true hard-hat, bring-your-lunch-box-to-work type of Canadian receivers many teams long for. He played wide receiver and slotback for the Riders from 1973 to 1981. His athleticism and tenacity allowed him to make great catches over the middle and help lead the team offensively. Mazurak, a native of Regina, began playing with the Regina Rams before attending the University of North Dakota on a scholarship. He played in the 1976 Grey Cup game and the 1977 and 1978 CFL all-star games while with the Green and White. Mazurak was one of the Roughriders’ team captains from 1977 to ’80 and was a nominee for Outstanding Canadian Player as well."

 

Bill reported as well that Steve accomplished a career total of 3,714 yards including a 1976 Grey Cup touchdown pass!

 

Steve spoke about the new Stadium in Regina slated for completion in late 2016, and ready for the 2017 season. At a total budgeted cost of $280 million, funding is comprised of $80 million from the Province, $60 million from the City,  $40 Million from the Riders and the private sector (Steve's daunting task), and $100 million from the fan base.

Mosaic is a founding partner and Steve is looking for eleven more, a challenge in today's economy.

The new complex will be two blocks from the existing Stadium and was designed by HKS Architects, also responsible for the Minnesota, Dallas and the newly possible California stadium designs. PCL is performing the construction.

60 percent of the regular seats will be "below grade", offering excellent sight lines and no need to climb stairs. Club seating will hold 1,600 seats, including 40 suites and 70 Loges (4 seat groups). Lighting will be LED, the first CFL Stadium with this feature. The Corporate Boxes at center field will accommodate 500 seats. The Stadium will boast Canada's largest outdoor HD video screen.

The surrounding Confederation Park will also get an up-grade, with additional trees and landscaping.

Bathroom and food facilities will be much improved over Taylor Field, a major shortcoming of the old facility. All seats will be "theatre style" with cup holders!

The beautifully designed roof is engineered to abate wind impact but also to enhance the sound experience. "Loud is good" says Steve. While the roof is "design ready" for full enclosure in the future, the associated costs are not sustainable at this time.

 

There will be initial test event games for the Rams and also the U of S Huskies. (Mark is very excited for his son, who is a Husky!)

 

Thanks Steve for an outstanding presentation. "Go Riders Go!"