I write about the Advocate’s coverage of a talk about ’Rider pride delivered by someone named James Martens who is identified in your paper as a history instructor at Red Deer College. His research capability is less than historic.
I will deal with only one example of his prowess as researcher. He contends that only George Reed and Ron Lancaster stayed in Saskatchewan for some mysterious reason while every other player couldn’t get out quickly enough. What are the facts?
I will use the 1966 Grey Cup championship team as an example since Lancaster and Reed were part of that group.
Clyde Brock and Henry Dorsch worked in the business office of the Regina General Hospital. Ron Lancaster, Alan Ford and Dale West taught school. West was re-elected recently to the Regina Public School Board.
Reed was employed by a brewery which later transferred him to Calgary. This past spring he moved back to Regina to what he calls “home.”
Ed McQuarters worked for the Saskatchewan Power Corporation and continues to live in retirement in Regina.
Ken Reed (the other Reed) established a successful farm implement business here. Gene Wlasiuk worked as a winery representative and lives here in retirement. Jack Abendschan was employed for many years by Kalium Potash.
Al Benecick moved to Florida after retirement as a player (he played briefly in Edmonton) and then some years later returned to Regina where he worked in the public service and is now retired here.
The late Gordon Barwell worked in a men’s clothing store; Ted Urness was in the heavy equipment business and served as the CEO of the Saskatchewan Liquor Board.
By the way, a current member of the team, Chris Szarka was elected to Regina city council recently. I guess he plans on staying here. The list goes on.
One gets a little tired of being patted on the head by Alberta cowboys who know nothing about life here, but keep trying to explain away the fact that residents of Saskatchewan support and enjoy their football team. You may need the services of someone more qualified than “a history instructor.”
Lorne Harasen
Regina