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Homecoming: Regina ‘means a lot’ to former Riders
Kent Austin was the first person down the stairs and into a crowd of fans and reporters at Regina International Airport. First greeted by cheers from Ticat and Rider fans alike,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, he signed some autographs and shook some hands – all the meanwhile looking like someone who had just returned home after a very long time away. “This place means a lot to me,” Austin said. Maybe the feeling hasn’t entirely sunk in for Austin and fellow former Roughriders Henry Burris and Andy Fantuz, all of whom played pivotal roles in the Ticats returning to the Grey Cup for the first time since 1999.But it’s without a doubt starting to.For Burris this was something he’s dreamed of all season.“When the season started I was talking to my father back home and he was like ‘man, it would be amazing if you were able to help get the team to Regina,Cheap NFL Jerseys, a place that you got your first opportunity to truly show yourself worthy in this league as far as being a starter’,” reflected Burris. “I’m still thankful for that, to be able to come here and play in this game and enjoy this week with the fans and be a part of it as a player,” he continued. “It’s definitely right where you want to be.” Related Links Austin not concerned with distractions Set to enter hostile territory, Kent Austin says he'll be giving his team a detailed lesson on what to expect during Grey Cup week. Burris soaking in GC experience 101st Grey Cup Centre Fantuz will likely be in for the most hostile of returns to Riderville, as the wound he left remains fresh for many Rider fans.He’s only in his second season as a Tiger-Cat since leaving Regina as a free agent in order to be closer to home, and seeing as he wasn’t fit to play in the teams’ only meeting in Saskatchewan during the regular season it’s been a while since he’s played a game here.“I’m really excited to be back here,” said Fantuz. “This city’s done so much for me and it’s been a big part of my life.”He’s most excited to go against former teammates and fans, even though he’ll likely be public enemy number one this week. “I’m excited to go against them,” he said. “I always cheer for them when we’re not playing them, but this week is going to be a little bit different so I hope everyone plays well and stays healthy but we’re here to win.”Burris on the other hand is much further removed from his time as a Rider, although he still expects to be booed come game time.“If they didn’t I’d be disappointed,” said Burris. “I mean this is like a second home for me so I expect the fans on game day to be ruthless, but during the week we’re going to have some good times together.”Like sibling rivalry was how he summed up his relationship with Rider fans. “When it comes game day we’re competing, it’s like a brother and sister competing and may the best person win on that given day because they know I’m here to win, I know they want to win, they’re supporting their team,” said Burris. “Their team’s done a phenomenal job this year and what better opportunity for the Rider faithful than being able to watch their home team play home here at Mosaic Stadium in the Grey Cup, and here we are; we’re the bad guys coming in now.”