Breaking: C.J. Coldon of Riders Sends a Crucial 8-Word Message
Their football careers diverge in that Mace played exclusively for the Wyoming Cowboys during his time in college, while Coldon was a member of the Cowboys’ program from 2017 to 2021 before moving on to the University of Oklahoma. As a senior with the Sooners, he was recognized as an honorable mention All-Big 12 player.
Amid the friendly banter, Mace makes fun of Coldon’s connection to Oklahoma University, a lighthearted conversation that mirrors their regular antics in the weight room. Since the start of rookie camp at Griffiths Stadium on May 8, coaches, reporters, and spectators have grown to admire Coldon. Mace praises Coldon for his impressive plays and says he can’t wait to see him in action in future games.
The excitement is building for the CFL preseason opener at Mosaic Stadium on Monday at 2:00 p.m. versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Coldon, who hasn’t played football since his August 26 stint with the Minnesota Vikings, is excited for the chance to show off his skills. Looking back on his move to Canada, 25-year-old Coldon is appreciative of the experience, pointing out the atmosphere and climate in Saskatoon are comparable to those in Laramie, Wyoming, his homeland.
Coldon is looking forward to seeing Regina and Mosaic Stadium and taking in the fervor of the supporters while seeing the facilities. His eagerness is contagious, as he anticipates Monday’s game with great anticipation, ready to make an impression and enjoy the excitement of competition.
A Day Green and White
At SMF Field, gates will open at noon on Saturday for the yearly Green and White Day. State of the Nation, the primary event, will begin at 1 p.m. and last for 45 minutes. It will feature Mace, Craig Reynolds, President and CEO, and Jeremy O’Day, Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager.
A panel discussion will be moderated by Dave Thomas, the new voice of the Riders on 620 CKRM, and then there will be a chance for audience members to ask questions.
Mace said, “I’m looking forward to State of the Nation and getting to talk with some of the fans,” expressing excitement about mingling with the audience. I’ve just been speaking with you guys (in the media) up to this point, and I adore you all. You people are amazing. However, interacting with the fans will be enjoyable.”
Gainer the Gopher, the 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band, and the 620 CKRM Rider Cheer Team will all make appearances at Green and White Day. There will be games, music, face painting, inflatables, and other family-friendly entertainment available.
The players and coaches of the Roughriders are expected to begin on-field workouts at 3 p.m. “It will be nice for the guys to go off-site and see something different,” Mace said. We’re going to perform well for the audience while also having great practice.” Players will be available for autographs and photo opportunities near the fence beginning at 5 p.m., following the on-field events.
QUICK SPEED UNDER SPEED
Starting a full week ahead of schedule, the Roughriders will begin their preseason earlier than in years past. Historically, May 27 of both 2018 and 2023 saw the earliest preseason games. This year, though, the Green and White will have finished their preseason schedule by May 27. The game against the Edmonton Elks, who will host the series, is set for May 25.
Prior to this, the Roughriders’ preseason ended on June 2, 2023, the earliest date ever. The 2024 training camp opens in thirteen days, and the Edmonton game is thirteen days away.
“It comes at us quick, but I think we’ve done a good job as a staff of organizing our practices around that and preparing the guys to be in the best position to go out there and make plays,” Coach Mace said, expressing confidence in the team’s preparedness despite the brisk tempo. We’re going to have to make some difficult choices in this situation. We want to make sure the boys are fresh enough to play their best since the preseason games are really important.”
The squad will have a vacation following the preseason finale on May 25 before hosting Edmonton in the regular season opener on June 8. Mace observes that there are benefits and drawbacks to the schedule, saying, “There is give and take. Although we play right into camp, which some may view negatively, it actually gives us a little extra prep time (after the pre-season). We are approaching it from a positive perspective. The fact that we get to play Edmonton and then again in the opening game of the season makes me optimistic.