By RJ Currie - a tongue-in-cheek look at sports and the world.
Saturday, 8 September 2018
Can't say the Bombers are playing musical chairs with their
quarterbacks. Yet leading up to a game called Banjo, everyone in
Winnipeg frets over the second-string.
It is called the Banjo Bowl because many years ago (2003?) the Blue Bombers had a placekicker named Troy Westwood. Heading into the Labour Day Classic against Manitoba's bitter prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Westwood called the good folks (his tongue firmly in cheek) of that fair province a bunch of "banjo-pickin' inbreds."
Roughrider fans took exception, and shoved it in Winnipeg faces by embracing it. Thousands showed up for the traditional 2nd part of the back-to-back in Winnipeg — most carrying banjos. Some were cardboard, many were real. The name Banjo Bowl was born.
Post-script: That year in the semi-final, the underdog Riders came into Winnipeg and smacked down the Bombers. Every time they sacked Winnipeg's QB — which was often — the sacker(s) would play air banjo nearby.
Not picking the Bombers. They need to change defensive coach and starting QB. And the head coach, who is too much of a friend and not enough of a coach.
Subtle. Yes, frets, the ridges on the guitar neck used to create different notes.
ReplyDeleteAre you pickin' your BBs?
ReplyDeleteWhy is it called the Banjo Bowl?
It is called the Banjo Bowl because many years ago (2003?) the Blue Bombers had a placekicker named Troy Westwood. Heading into the Labour Day Classic against Manitoba's bitter prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Westwood called the good folks (his tongue firmly in cheek) of that fair province a bunch of "banjo-pickin' inbreds."
DeleteRoughrider fans took exception, and shoved it in Winnipeg faces by embracing it. Thousands showed up for the traditional 2nd part of the back-to-back in Winnipeg — most carrying banjos. Some were cardboard, many were real. The name Banjo Bowl was born.
Today a small Banjo trophy is awarded to the winner of Banjo Bowl, and the game has been sold out ever since. Promotion-wise, genius by Westwood.
DeletePost-script: That year in the semi-final, the underdog Riders came into Winnipeg and smacked down the Bombers. Every time they sacked Winnipeg's QB — which was often — the sacker(s) would play air banjo nearby.
DeleteNot picking the Bombers. They need to change defensive coach and starting QB. And the head coach, who is too much of a friend and not enough of a coach.
ReplyDeleteWhatever one can use as motivation! The Roughriders can deliver!
DeleteDeliverance movie reference, Gary?
Deletehttps://tinyurl.com/ybnvxnc7
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