Madison cheers on Canada Day (Photo by Mark Mennie)
There’s always so much excitement around game day. I think I speak for every Outrider when I say that the feeling we get when we hear “Bring em’ out, bring em’ out” is indescribable until you experience it firsthand. I remember in my rookie season, some of the Outrider veterans tried to explain this to me, but I was still surprised when the adrenaline hit in my first pre-season game. I got to be on the other side of that experience this season when I attempted to explain to the 2016 Outrider rookies what the sense of adrenaline feels like, and seeing the excitement on their faces in their first home game brought the memories right back.
This is my second season with the Outriders and my excitement and enthusiasm for game day has only grown. Now that I have experienced a full season, I have come into this year knowing what to expect but also being surprised by new developments in the league and, of course, the exhilaration and unpredictability of game day.
It drives our coaches crazy but, on game day, kicks truly get higher, smiles get bigger and we can’t contain our excitement when a touchdown is scored for our team. We have a very unique perspective when we cheer in a home game. Not only do we watch firsthand from the sidelines, we also have the amazing privilege of turning around and interacting with the amazing fans as well. Seeing their reactions to big plays — and, of course, touchdowns — makes every game day memorable in its own way.
The Stampeders games have created so much excitement for the rest of the 2016 season. Something that I took away from my rookie season with the Outriders was that each game, promo and event brings with it a new memory in my mind that I will reflect on in years to come as some of the best experiences of my life. We’ve had some incredible moments in the season so far, but I have to say that my favourite yet has been watching the fireworks on the field of McMahon Stadium with my fellow teammates on Canada Day. Turning around and seeing the fans that stayed even after a late game to experience the fireworks together made it another unforgettable memory.
Every season changes in some way, but the love and support of Stampeders fans remains the same. I am beyond excited for the rest of my second season with such an amazing group of accomplished women and to make more amazing memories cheering on the best team in the CFL.
Go Stamps Go!