HOPSON AND TERRY INDUCTED INTO PLAZA OF HONOUR

The 2018 Plaza of Honour induction ceremony was held Friday night at Mosaic Stadium. Rider greats Jim Hopson and John Terry were inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. Here are some photos:

The stadium setting will hopefully become very popular. It’s been used with success by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton, ON.

Born and raised in Regina, Jim Hopson realized a dream by playing for the Thom Trojans, Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Roughriders. After 38 years in Education, Jim became President & CEO of the Roughriders in 2005 and that’s when everything turned around for Canada’s Team. Over his decade in office, the Riders appeared in four Grey Cups and won two. In 2014, Jim won the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award from the CFL.

Hopson concluded his speech by thanking the fans. He said they’re the ones that made his job so worthwhile, and kept him eager to serve day after day as President of the Riders.

John Terry grew up in South Carolina and came to Saskatchewan in 1996 after stints with the Cowboys, Bears and Argos. He talked about some of the legendary coaches and mentors he had in his career, and he also thanked Roughriders fans for sticking with the club even through the tough times.

That was a nice touch.

Riders Assistant VP of Football Operations Jeremy O’Day inducted John into the Plaza.

Mosaic Stadium is still a marvel. The best in the CFL.

We broadcast the SportsCage live from the concourse, and were entertained by the 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band ..

I had the honour of MC’ing the Plaza Luncheon on Friday morning, and it was a treat to have worked with both J.T. and Jim during my time with Canada’s Team ..

RP
@rodpedersen