Mitchell Blair
Weston Dressler never realized he picked up his 500th career reception last Saturday until it was announced in the stadium. His 500th may have just been another reception, but one catch he will always remember is the first of what is now 503 career catches.
“It was in 2008 and it was a little screen over there by the Maxtron, “ Dressler said with a chuckle. “It was the first game of the year.”
Since making that catch, Dressler has dazzled Rider fans and the CFL by doing what he does despite his small stature. It is something that he doesn’t want to trumpet and he is very quick to share the credit.
“When you hear 500, it is a moment to reflect and to be honest, I feel very fortunate to have played as long as I have and been as successful as I have. “Dressler stated. “This whole organization has treated me well from the first time I came here and given me a great opportunity.”
With his performance against the Stampeders, Dressler becomes the 3rd member of the Riders to reach the 500 catch plateau joining Don Narcisse (919) and Ray Elgaard (830), and his 7,306 yards receiving is also 3rd on the Riders all-time list behind the same two hall-of-famers. He does admit it is nice to be categorized with two of the all-time Rider and CFL greats.
“It is cool, “Dressler said. “Seeing your name alongside guys like that who have meant so much to this organization and this league is a great thing and is a definite honour.
When Dressler came to Saskatchewan as a fresh-faced rookie in 2008, he made an immediate impact on then head coach Ken Miller. During the first day of a rookie camp Miller proclaimed Dressler would be something special without even seeing what he would do against veterans at main camp.
That proclamation by Miller turned out to be correct. Dressler went on to be named the CFL’s top rookie in 2008 catching 56 balls for over 11-hundred yards and 6 TD’s. He went on to prove that rookie season was no fluke by having one solid season after another with his best being 2012 when he caught 94 passes for 1,207 yards and 13 touchdowns. 2013 saw Dresssler catch another 70 passes in the regular season and adding another 16 catches for 240 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs including the last touchdown of the 2013 Grey Cup which was won at Mosaic Stadium.
Throughout the years, Dressler’s Hall of Fame play has amazed many because of his 5 foot 7 stature. He says he hasn’t used that as a motivator for the career he has had both during his University days at North Dakota and as a Rider, but it is something that has always been in the back of his mind.
“I never listened to the nay-sayers from day one when I picked up a football. “Dressler said. “What it is to me is a validation of the personal work I have put in through the years from high school to now to make it to this point and to play at a level that I have.”
Riders head coach Corey Chamblin has been impressed from day one with what he has seen from Dressler.
“His size and the way he has been able to dominate over the years is the most impressive thing about him.” Chamblin said. “His heart is second to none and he is the ultimate professional. He lives his life the right way by trying to win every situation he is in. He is the same guy off the field as he is on the field and that is why he is an all-star.”
Dressler will look to add to his 503 career catches Sunday in Ottawa, but where he will finish at the end of his fantastic career is still to be answered. Number 7 says he isn’t putting any numbers down as to what he wants to accomplish.
“I don’t set those type of number-goals for myself.” Dressler stated. “I haven’t really thought about 500 and I truthfully had no idea until they announced it where I was. I just will keep taking it day-by-day and do what I have to do to be ready for tomorrow. It’s a special accomplishment, but I haven’t really taken it into perspective as to what I’ve accomplished. “
