The Saskatchewan Roughriders may have lost their second straight Grey Cup, and 15th in club history, but for long-time fan Randy Goulden this year's Canadian Football League final will forever be special.
The truly special moment for Goulden came at the Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards when she accepted the Canadian Football League's Commissioner's Award which was presented to Saskatchewan Roughrider fans everywhere. She accepted the award on behalf of 'Rider Nation.
"I've had some really interesting moments in my life, but this was one of the best," she said.
Goulden said as she stood on the stage accepting the award, accompanied by four of her grandchildren, she realized just how special it was to be the one accepting the award.
"Looking out over the crowd a lot of 'Rider Nation were out there. I was amazed I was chosen," she said adding there are others who have "been involved with the 'Riders in some larger roles than I have."
That said, Goulden is a long time fan, having had season tickets for nearly 40-years.
"I've had season tickets longer than children," she said.
Goulden said she has passed on her love of the Roughriders to her grandchildren too. Granddaughter Kathryn Goulden-Maddin, who was at the awards with her was at her first game at a very young age.
"She came with me to her first game when she was only three months old," said her Grandmother, who added a then Rider Rep, they were actually down on the field at half time for the game.
Goulden was also joined by grandchildren Calen Goulden, Johnathon McLeod and Amarah Goulden for the ceremony.
As for the 21-18 Grey Cup loss to the Montreal Alouettes, Goulden's first comment was simply "very disappointing."
Goulden would expand her simple comment by explaining she thought this year's Grey Cup was going to come back to Saskatchewan.
"I think we had the team to beat them, I really and truly do," she said, adding the 'Riders missed chances. "We didn't capture our opportunities."
It was like moving away from some previously successful aspects of their game, reasoned Goulden.
"What was successful in Calgary (the semi final a week earlier), we didn't do in Edmonton," she said. "We didn't run. We weren't throwing down the field."
Goulden said the game was lower scoring than many may have expected, but football in late November in Edmonton changes things.
"It was cold there, but not a lot on wind," she said, adding she felt the cold limited offences.
At the same time Goulden said the Alouettes should maybe get more credit than they seem to be. She said Montreal did what they had to do to win.
"They dominated the third quarter," she said, adding that was another disappointing aspect of the game. She said at halftime, in the stadium with her family she felt Saskatchewan was in a position to win. "I really thought we were in the game."
Goulden said Anthony Calvillo certainly showed his quiet class in the game. She noted how after the game it was learned tests earlier this season had found a lesion on his thyroid, but he kept it quiet and played the season out even though it is unknown if it is cancerous.
"This is a class guy that played through it all," said Goulden.
In spite of the loss, Goulden said it was great to be in the stands Sunday.
"It was a good game, and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing," she said, noting their seats were within 20 yards of where Prime Minister Stephen Harper was sitting.
And, the crowd was definitely behind Saskatchewan.
"It was overwhelming, such a sea of green. There were 'Rider fans everywhere."
