The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the two players who will be inducted into the Riders’ version of the Hall of Fame at the 2015 Plaza of Honor dinner.
The two former greats who will take their place on the plaza monument this year are Tim McCray and Scott Schultz.
I was able to speak with both of them and, from the sounds of it, they are extremely honoured.
I asked Schultz, what’s the best part of all of this?
“There’s no best part – it’s just surreal! I mean, there are so many of my childhood heroes in the Plaza, the idea of being spoken about in the same breath with those guys is just surreal,” beamed Schultz.
He has lived a surreal life as a local product who has achieved success in just about everything he has done in his relatively young life.
I had to ask, who is the single greatest influence on your football career or life in general?
“Biggest inspiration for both is my parents – they never pushed things on me, they recognized a drive and stubbornness in me at a young age. They always instilled above all else – if you want something in this world, no matter what that may be – you can have it if you are prepared to work. Really that’s the key to any success I’ve ever had in anything – I work for every inch.”, said Schultz.
Will we see the Moose Jaw Stomp revived on the night of the dinner?
“I don’t think so. Although it was a preset celebration the only way to get up enough energy and nerve to do it is to actually get a quarterback sack,” joked Schultz. I had heard was a great interview and he certainly was.
Tim McCray is the best Roughrider running back I’ve seen in 30+ years. George Reed probably still edges him out for best all-time, but McCray did everything very well. I asked the dominant runner/catcher/returner, what’s the best part of all of this?
“Just happy to be a part of the plaza of honor family. I’m really excited about coming back to Regina again. To see the city and some old friends again,” said Rider All-Time team member Tim McCray.
I followed with, Who do you think is more excited? You or Scott Schultz?
“I’m sure both of us. This is like a dream come true for all the hard work we put in for this to happen,” said McCray.
We hear it from both of these wise men. It is all about hard work. Without going through some really hard training camps, practices, workouts, games, and a balanced life off the field; guys don’t even get looked at. Particularly if they play less than a minimum of three years.
Congratulations to both Tim McCray and Scott Schultz on their great careers and this one of a kind honour. This year’s dinner and induction ceremony is at the Credit Union Eventplex on Friday, September 25th.
Press Release
Roughriders announce Tim McCray and Scott Schultz as 2015 additions to Plaza Of Honor
Today the Saskatchewan Roughrider Plaza of Honor Committee announced two new members will be inducted into the Plaza of Honor. This year Scott Schultz and Tim McCray will have their names forever etched into Saskatchewan Roughrider history.
As a result of being Saskatchewan’s most prestigious sporting dinner, the Plaza of Honor Dinner has contributed over $6 million to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.
The Plaza of Honor Dinner presented by SaskTel has inducted 118 individuals who have made major contributions to the proud tradition of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club. The club has also inducted the 1966, 1989 and 2007 Grey Cup championship teams.
The cairn honouring the Plaza of Honor Inductees is situated outside the main gates on the west side of Mosaic Stadium. 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, September 25th at the Credit Union Eventplex – Evraz Place. Four seasons ago the Dinner was moved to the Eventplex in order to accommodate a much larger audience. The space allows patrons the opportunity comfortable mingle and meet friends and associates throughout the evening. Many changes are in the works for this year’s dinner. The committee is working diligently to renew this event in order to ensure it continues to be an exciting, memorable, and unique experience for everyone involved.
For information on tickets or corporate tables, contact the Saskatchewan Roughrider Ticket Office at 306-525-1281 or 1-866-474-3377 or any committee member.
Scott Schultz, North Dakota, #96,
Defensive Tackle, 2001-2009.•Born in Moose Jaw, SK in 1978
•Played nine seasons in the CFL – all with the Roughriders
•Played his college football at the University of North Dakota
•Originally selected in the 1st round (1st overall) of the 2001 Canadian Draft
•Played 128 regular season games
•Played in 11 playoff games
•Won the Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 2007
•Named the Riders Most Outstanding Canadian in 2005 and 2006
•Finished his CFL career with 168 defensive tackles, nine tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
•Sits sixth all-time in franchise quarterback sacks with 35.
•Was known for the “Moose Jaw Stomp” sack danceTim McCray, Tulane, #14,
Running Back, 1986-1990.•Born in Waycross, GA in 1960
•Played seven CFL seasons; five with the Roughriders
•Played collegiately at Tulane University
•Was acquired from Ottawa on June 21, 1986
•Played 70 career regular seasons games … 54 with the Riders
•Played in four playoff games … three with the Riders
•Won the Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 1989
•Was named a West Division All-Star in 1989
•Was named a CFL All-Star in 1989
•Finished his Rider career with 519 carries and six rushing touchdowns. •Currently sits seventh on the franchise all-time rushing list with 2,898 yards.
•Had 171 receptions for 1,538 yards and seven touchdowns.
•Also added 81 kickoff returns for 1,829 yards putting him in ninth all-time.
