CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders

Plaza Adds Three Rider Greats

Published on May 24, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Saskatchewan Roughriders News Release


Today the Plaza of Honor Selection Committee reached back into the proud history of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and announced that three new members will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor. This year Gary Brandt, Larry Bird and Bobby Jurasin will have their names forever etched into Saskatchewan Roughrider history.

Besides being Saskatchewan's most prestigious sporting dinner, the Plaza of Honor Dinner has contributed over $4 million to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.

The Plaza of Honor Dinner presented by SaskTel has inducted 82 individuals who have made major contributions to the proud tradition of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club. The cairn honoring The Plaza of Honor Inductees is situated outside the main gates on the west side of Taylor Field. The Plaza of Honor cairn is sponsored by SaskTel, SASK SPORT INC. and the City of Regina.

This year's dinner is set for Friday, October 4th at the Queensbury Center on the Exhibition Grounds. For information on tickets or corporate tables for the 50th Annual Plaza of Honor Dinner presented by SaskTel, contact the Saskatchewan Roughrider Ticket Office at 525-2181 or 1-888-474-3377 or any committee member.

SASKTEL PROUD SPONSOR OF THE PLAZA OF HONOR DINNER

HERE IS A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS YEARS PROUD INDUCTEES:

GARY BRANDT was the heart and soul of the Saskatchewan Roughrider offensive line from 1967 to 1977. The 11-year Roughrider joined the CFL after an outstanding career at the University of Washington. Brandt, a native of Regina and a graduate of Balfour Tech High School, helped open gaping holes for Hall of Fame and fellow Plaza of Honor inductee George Reed, who rushed for over a 1,000 yards eight times. In 1975 Brandt was rewarded for his outstanding contributions by being named the Roughriders' outstanding offensive lineman. Brandt was known throughout the CFL for his hard nosed play, leadership and his versatility. During his career he played all positions on the offensive line as well as long snapped on punts. Brandt helped lead the Green and White to 10 Western finals, four West Division championships and four Grey Cup appearances.

>From 1971 to 1978, LARRY BIRD anchored the Roughrider offensive line at centre. In addition to being a fierce competitor, Bird possessed great natural strength, agility, and a remarkable work ethic. Bird was also a key force behind the Roughriders tremendous running games. With Bird in the Roughrider line-up, the great George Reed rushed for over 1,000 yards five times, and Mike Strickland added one 1,000 yard rushing season. Prior to joining the Roughriders in 1971 Bird plyed his trade with the Edmonton Huskies, Alberta Golden Bears and Western Ontario Mustangs. In his eight seasons with the Green and White Bird helped lead his teammates to six Western finals, two West Division championships and two Grey Cup appearances.

BOBBY JURASIN, one of the most popular players in Saskatchewan Roughrider history, terrorized opposing quarterbacks from 1986 to 1997. Jurasin, a six time Western all-star and four-time all-Canadian, is the Roughriders all-time leader in quarterback sacks with 142. During his remarkable career in Saskatchewan, Jurasin played in 197 games registering 411 defensive tackles. In 1987, the Northern Michigan grad set a team record with 22 quarterback sacks. For his tireless efforts and on-field leadership, Jurasin was selected the Clubs Most Outstanding Defensive Player three times (1987, 1996, and 1997). Jurasin also won the Molson Cup Most Popular Player in 1987 and 1997 as well the Clubs' Most Outstanding Player in 1997. In his 12 seasons with the Roughriders, Jurasin was instrumental in leading the Green and White to two Western finals, two West Division championships, two Grey Cup appearances and a Grey Cup Championship in 1989.

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