Frankie Hickson blazed the trail toward Blaze.
Following Monday’s Coors Light Riders Training Camp workout at Griffiths Stadium, the second-year CFL running back scurried to the fence to cheerfully renew acquaintances with a most inspiring and courageous nine-year-old.
His presence had been touted on a sign that was draped over the fence.
Noticing that, Hickson made a beeline toward Blaze as soon as Head Coach Craig Dickenson completed his post-practice address to the players.
“I had an opportunity before camp started to visit the children’s hospital up the road,” Hickson explained after Tuesday’s practice. “I met some incredible children and also some incredible parents and families, and Blaze was wonderful.
“A nine-year-old who has had seven surgeries already? You can’t really look out here and complain about anything. You’re just thankful for everything.
“Honestly, it’s hard not to get emotional.”
Having spotted Blaze, Hickson didn’t simply walk toward the fence. He sprinted, leading a lengthy lineup of teammates toward the youngster.
“It was always their decision (to join in),” Hickson said. “I asked them as a teammate, ‘If you have time to do it, go ahead and do it.’
“But the turnout was way better than I could even expect. For that, I’ll always appreciate the team and the coaching staff.”
The appreciation was noted on the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Facebook page on Monday.
“We want to give Saskatchewan Roughriders player Frankie Hickson a big thank you for making such an impact on Blaze and all the other kids and families he met visiting Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital last week!” the post began.
“Nine-year-old Blaze wanted to thank Frankie for the visit, so he and his family went to the Riders’ training camp today to thank his new favourite player in person.
“Blaze got to meet other players while sporting a #20 jersey and encouraged them to “always try your best and never give up.”
AWACHIE WATCH
An assortment of Roughriders players swarmed veteran fullback Albert Awachie after he caught a touchdown pass during a seven-on-seven session.
Awachie, who has yet to reach the end zone in 53 career CFL regular-season games, received a series of chest-bumps and pats on the helmet after crossing the goal line.
“That was great,” Dickenson said. “You could tell how the team feels about Albert. The whole team erupted.”
Awachie has been an unheralded, yet invaluable, contributor to the Roughriers since joining the team in 2017.
Four of his six career receptions were made during the 2022 season, when 32 of his 38 yards were gained after the catch.
A bruising blocker, Awachie excels at providing additional pass protection and at clearing holes for running backs.
It isn’t the most glamorous job, but nonetheless one that is essential — and, judging by Tuesday’s celebration, greatly appreciated.
TUESDAY TIDBITS
The offence, which did not have its finest day on Monday, quickly rebounded. That was especially evident when veteran quarterback Trevor Harris was at the controls during the high-tempo “Fire!” period.
“I thought Trevor did a great job of getting them in and out of the huddle and handling the play clock,” Dickenson noted.
Harris also launched a picturesque pass that was caught in the end zone by Jake Wieneke, who ran a corner route.
Another Harris pass was caught in spectacular fashion by Samuel Emilus. The Roughriders’ 2022 first-round draftee made a diving catch near the right sideline while somehow keeping his feet in bounds.
Jake Herslow made four especially fine grabs, including a diving effort in the end zone.
Shea Patterson’s nicest throw of the day was to (who else?) Herslow for a TD down the left sideline.
Although quarterback Mason Fine isn’t always flashy, he is efficient and accurate while moving the offence with confidence and a brisk pace. He found Mitch Picton for one particularly noteworthy completion, on a corner route to the right.
In one-on-one blocking drills, running backs B.J. Emmons and Rodney Smith repeatedly neutralized the onrushing defensive players.
Defensive highlights?
With all the players wearing pads, defensive ends Nicholas Dheilly and Stefen Banks disrupted running plays.
Defensive backs Rodney Clemons, Jaxon Ford and Devin Jones had pass knockdowns.
Special teams highlights?
Punter Kaare Vedvik had a peak hang time of 4.51 seconds. Saskatoon Hilltops product David Solie unloaded a 4.43-second rainbow.
SHORT SNORTS
- Offensive tackle Jordan Tucker suffered an injury of unknown severity and was forced to leave Tuesday’s practice. “We don’t know exactly what it is, but we’re optimistic that it isn’t too bad,” Dickenson said.
- The Roughriders are being careful with receiver Tevin Jones due to a knee injury that required a procedure during the off-season. “We’re going to lay off him probably for most of camp,” Dickenson said. As a first-year CFLer, Jones caught 20 passes for 265 yards and three TDs in 14 games. His talents on special teams also impressed Dickenson.
- Tuesday’s two morning practices, separated by an intermission, were as spirited as one would expect when you consider that: (a) The players were wearing pads; and, (b) 10 cuts had to be made by day’s end. “It was intense,” Dickenson said. “We want that. Iron sharpens iron. We’ve got to go hard against each other to get better. We’ll be in pads again tomorrow.”
- The first of two practices on Wednesday is to begin at 9 a.m. The second session is expected to conclude around 12:30 p.m.
