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My Bob memory is a little more personal. My father had taken me to Bomber games since 1981 at Canadinns stadium, and because of a few rowdy swearing fans in our early season ticket years there we took to wearing headphones to drown them out and listen to the broadcast. After a few games my dad noted “I don’t know why we never did this before, it totally changes how I watch the game. Bob’s call is so good and it makes me see things in a way I never saw live before.” One thing he always wondered is where the broadcast was coming from (we were east siders then) and he asked every other game or so, so I would point out the small radio booth across the field and he could kind of make it out, but I was never sure he figured it out So fast forward 25 years to the 2005 season. My dad’s 77th birthday came up on Labour Day and by that age it was hard to think of gifts for him, but we still shared our Bomber games together (and I was finally getting to the age where I could pay for our season tickets instead of him). I thought it would be a neat idea to give him a tour of the west side broadcast area, past media row and the TV and radio broadcast booths, so he could finally see the location of all the Bomber broadcasts he had been listening to. Carol Barrott of course made the arrangements, and said we might get to see Bob Irving in action before the game, but he would likely be too busy with the broadcast to say hi. So on Thanksgiving that year, which was the actual 75th anniversary celebration game, we met her at the club offices an hour and a half before game time and she took us up into the west side press area, past writer’s row and the TV broadcast booth and the visitor radio booth. We get to the Bomber booth and out comes Bob Irving (this is right up to the pre-game show time, mind you) and not only does he say hello and shakes our hands but engages my dad in a 5-10 minute conversation. I was struck by how tall he is in real life, and to my surprise most of their conversation was not about the specifics of football but about what my dad did for a living, how long he had been coming to the games, how flattered he was when my dad told him that listening to his broadcasts from the seats was a highlight for him, and also about Bob’s kids and his life as a broadcaster and how he missed a few big life events because his road broadcasts took him away from them. Apologized when he had to end the conversation because he had to get back to the broadcast. But he wished us well, thanked US for coming to visit, hoped we would enjoy the game and said it was going to be a special day because they were honouring the all-time 75th anniversary team and he was excited to be calling a memorable event. Thanked us again for always tuning in to the broadcast home or away. And then to back up his promise of something memorable, he called the game where Milt Stegall got 4 touchdowns on 4 passes that day. Total class act, real down to earth guy, and I like to think it was the best gift I could ever have given my dad. In the Billy Crystal movie “City Slickers” there’s a scene about your best and your worst day, outside of the usual “day your kids are born” life-changing events. I think of that day and seeing my dad light up talking with Bob Irving for his birthday celebration, and it is right up there with my best days.

From CFL.ca HEIGHT 5'11 WEIGHT 214 LBS BIRTH DATE (AGE) 1993-12-14 (27) BORN WINNIPEG, MB SCHOOL MANITOBA STATUS NAT TWITTER RECEIVING YEAR TEAM GP REC ATT YDS YAC TD AVG LG 2015 SSK 14 13 16 165 - 0 12.7 72 2016 SSK 17 37 60 338 147 2 9.1 53 2017 SSK 9 19 26 222 64 1 11.7 35 2018 WPG 17 59 84 554 253 3 9.4 42 2019 WPG 17 44 69 543 238 3 12.3 82 2021 WPG 12 48 70 654 351 4 13.6 54 Total 86 220 325 2476 1053 13 11.3 82 RUSHING YEAR TEAM GP CAR YDS TDS AVG LG 2015 SSK 14 6 30 0 5.0 32 2016 SSK 17 3 8 0 2.7 12 2017 SSK 9 0 0 0 0.0 0 2018 WPG 17 34 248 1 7.3 30 2019 WPG 17 26 147 2 5.7 35 2021 WPG 12 13 87 1 6.7 21 Total 86 82 520 4 6.3 35 PUNT RETURNS YEAR TEAM GP PR YDS AVG LG TD 2015 SSK 14 45 377 8.40 60 1 2016 SSK 17 16 125 7.80 18 0 2017 SSK 9 23 227 9.90 63 0 2018 WPG 17 12 98 8.20 22 0 2019 WPG 17 1 8 8.00 8 0 2021 WPG 12 0 0 0.00 0 0 Total 86 97 835 8.6 63 1 KICKOFF RETURNS YEAR TEAM GP KOR YDS AVG LG TD 2015 SSK 14 14 284 20.30 33 0 2016 SSK 17 2 47 23.50 27 0 2017 SSK 9 0 0 0.00 0 0 2018 WPG 17 14 276 19.70 55 0 2019 WPG 17 0 0 0.00 0 0 2021 WPG 12 1 4 4.00 4 0 Total 86 31 611 19.7 55 0 MISSED FG RETURNS YEAR TEAM GP NO YDS AVG LG TD 2015 SSK 14 3 122 40.70 93 0 2016 SSK 17 0 0 0.00 0 0 2017 SSK 9 0 0 0.00 0 0 2018 WPG 17 0 0 0.00 0 0 2019 WPG 17 0 0 0.00 0 0 2021 WPG 12 0 0 0.00 0 0 Total 86 3 122 40.7 93 0 Those are the stats. On pace for over 1,000 all-purpose yards. Does a little bit of everything for us and definitely stirs the drink. Your appreciation goes here

The Argos are the best in the East and a very mediocre team. Not particularly well coached. But, Rod will be Rod, which makes him as useless as a toothbrush in Saskatchewan.

I am glad that Alexander seems ok.

Can't wait for playoff Demski

1. To quote the Miller beer commercial: “I guess I’ve reached that age where I realize yelling at the TV screen isn’t going to change the ref’s call” 2. Whining about the injustice of a player snub seems like a Riderfans thing to do. 2a. Since we dump all over the other fan bases and their media when they complain about their ignored players, I do not wish to be labelled a hypocrite for doing the same or delusional for overvaluing our player’s worth in others’ eyes like we do for them. 3. Mike O’Shea preferred to not focus on the individual accolades and embraces the team. I am cool with that mentality. 4. There is only one award worth having, and I am sure Demski will put his full energy into defending ownership of that award Dec. 12. But that is just me. Not objecting to your anger, I am sure it is enough to sustain the both of us, and your approach is valuable in the make-up of a good fan base. You do you, I will take the quiet path, and we can both be content.

Good old Winnipeg boy. I remember watching him play in the high school finals for Oak Park absolutely destroying St.Paul’s. I used to play for Team Manitoba and my dad coached a lot of good players from high school, and in the midget league but he was probably the best high school football player I’ve ever seen.

Message from Blue Bombers, CEO Wade Miller Free Youth Ticket for West Final We are getting close to the West Final on December 5th, kick off at 3:00 pm, gates and pre-game tailgate area open at 1:30pm. The Winnipeg Football Club recently held a Youth Football Summit for volunteer coaches and administration of clubs and high school programs. We had great discussions on how to increase participation and grow our game in the province. One of the items that came out the summit was that kids need to watch more football. This pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially our youth. I am pleased to share you with that The Winnipeg Football Club, on behalf of our Corporate partners, are able to extend the following offer to you. Buy One Adult Ticket and get One Youth Ticket FREE To redeem this offer, visit: www.ticketmaster.ca/bombers Click on “See Tickets” for the December 5 – CFL Western Final: Winnipeg Blue Bombers v. TBD On the top right-hand side, click the drop down to change the quantity of tickets to purchase. To receive the discount, click the “Unlock” button and enter: YTHFTB – then click UNLOCK. This will show you all the sections available to redeem your discount. Change the quantity of Youth tickets by clicking the “-“ sign and click “+” to add an Adult ticket. If you need assistance on redeeming the offer or have questions, please contact Beth Chopey at bchopey@bluebombers.com or 204-784-7298. Come be a part of history as your Winnipeg Blue Bombers march towards the Grey Cup. We need a loud and full stadium to prove our fans are truly the loudest fans in the CFL and our 13th man during the game. GO BOMBERS! Wade Miller President and CEO Winnipeg Football Club 315 Chancellor Matheson Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2

Hey Rod, tell me about the great coaching job he did against BC with that epic clock mismanagement that should have lost him the game. The most visible coaching he did this year was a massive f*ck up. “Useless as a toothbrush in Sask” - I may plagiarize that in the future, that is some solid work there.

FOR THE ANTIVAXXERS:

Alexander back is huge for the D. Best safety in the league imo.

Nic Demski was a victim of too many good players on the Bombers this year... The voters were never going to give Bomber nods for almost all the awards... and Demski was the most "borderline" of the candidates so they gave it to Lokombo instead... under normal circumstances, Demski is - at least - the west nominee.

He is the true MOC this year. We all know it. In a week he will continue to show it.

Sheepishly books third dose while other countries are still waiting on their first.

Cool story! First off - Carol is a class act and just generally a wonderful person to talk to. I've been a season ticket holder since 2011, but we always try to renew our tickets with her, if we can. My broadcasting memories are few and far between, though I will say one of my favorite Irving calls was the "Better late than never" lightning game on August 3, 2016. I was on vacation in Ontario at the time and out staying out a cabin, with the time change it was even later there! Game took forever to get going but the Bombers absolutely steamrolled the Ti-Cats. I just remember playing cards with my wife pretty late, then just laying down, listening to Irving's smooth voice as he called the game, all in a living room that looked like it came straight out of the 1970s. Dug up the old highlights if anyone is interested: https://www.cfl.ca/games/2300/hamilton-tiger-cats-vs-winnipeg-blue-bombers/

Alford should be ROY. He came in and played a premium position and was probably the best player in the league. The problem is the corner isn't a big stats position and these awards/all stars seem to be based off stats. An example of this is Nick Marshal. As a rider fan I think he is the worst player in our secondary. He doesn't tackle at all. gives up a couple big plays a game and is good for a 15 yard unsportsmanlike every couple weeks, but he is voted an all star because he does make a decent amount of picks and knockdowns. and thats what the voters look like.

Never. Stories like this are what it's all about. Thanks for sharing! I have probably dozens of memories involving Bombers radiocasts, but I'll say this..... when I worked up in Dauphin from 2002-2006, we were part of the Blue Bombers Radio Network, and I was the in-house producer (basically just play local commercials when CJOB played Wpg commercials) for Dauphin's end of the coverage. It's a monkey job, but....I got to be a PART of the Blue Bombers Radio Network. Bob would almost always "say hello" to the people listening on our station during the broadcast, and I couldn't have been prouder to feel a part of the team. That's something that I'll carry with me forever.....

we don't know what is going on inside the team or the dressing room so it's tough to speculate as to why these guys are playing so bad. The coach almost always has to take the fall, no matter what, just the law of the jungle.

I think the PaMa era is just about over.

fantastic - fill the house, whatever it takes! And nice to know that corporate sponsors stepped up to make that happen!

Manitoba announced 153 new cases of #COVID19 and one more death on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Active cases: 1,516 Total caseload: 67,420 Recovered: 64,599 Deaths: 1,305 The seven-day average daily #COVID19 case count in Manitoba declines by 7 to 153. Manitoba #COVID19 patients in hospital: 134 (down 2) In ICU: 24 (no change) Total patients in ICU (COVID and non-COVID): 92 (down 6)

We've all been there.

How can you not luv the guy if you're a true blue and gold supporter....He exemplifies everything a star CFL football player should and can be.....and to boot he's hometown grown....He was passed on an award but I'm sure he'd be the first to say the real one I want is in Ham. on Dec. 12th....Shine on Nic

85% can turn into 0% really fast. Save him for next season's Western Final. He's playing forever right?

I’m not too worried about him not practising this week but if he isn’t practising next week then we’ll know there’s some serious doubts.

We're seething in silence - mutely loathing our lividness - close-mouthedly cussing....

Nic Demski is a good football player.

Unfortunately, abstaining from our 3rd doses helps nobody, but I feel this

I'm updating the weather forecast for the 5th as get closer, just for fun. Well, it's trending warmer now. Thanks Obama!

Demski is the straw that stirs the drink. With out him what we do doesnt work. The jet sweep motion pulls defenders to the line and stretches them out. That opens running lanes. When the D is cheating hard to the run thats how we beat them and keep them honest. His ability to catch and run forces the defense to take good angles and not cheat on him too. His blocking is superb, and he runs as well as any bomber. Even when he's away from the ball on plays, he's forcing the defense to give us better options. This year wouldve been a big coming out party for him. in 18 games he wouldve put up 1k yards. He's about to turn 28, and any of the next 3 or 4 years could be his best.

Bob Irving is the soundtrack to my fandom of this team. I will share my oldest and dearest play call of his that I remember. I was a young boy out camping with my parents. The Bombers were playing the Edmonton Eskimos ....we didn't have much success against them...the year...1984. The Evil Empire had a dynasty going....we were trying to turn the tide. It was a regular season game....tied up late in the game....a real slobberknocker for CFL dominance at that point of the season and a precursor to a changing of the tide. " Hank Ilesic is back to punt....ITS BLOCKED....this could be a touchdown....AND IT IS!!!" With that one sentence, that one play, that one play call by Bob it was apparent that the monkey was off our back. The Evil Empire was vulnerable and the tide was changing. Am I being a little too nostalgic, or poetic, with my description of the events of that day....MAYBE...but I can tell you that one play, and the excitement in Bob's voice ratcheted me up from a casual fan to a Blue believer. That's my story and I think we all have one that we remember about Bob. That's what makes him so damn special.

the Harris thing is weird...if he's done for the year, why not just announce it??

If Oliveira and Augustine are healthy, I'm okay. But, it sure would be nice for Harris to line-up back there. Not sure which RB I would take out, though.

Two types of extremely dumb buffoons that frustrate the hell out of me: One: Being consistently racist in your behaviour, showing patterns of inappropriate behaviour and really truly thinking these same racist inappropriate behaviours of yours proves other people are actually the racists and not you. Most notable example that comes to mind: Lauren Boebert and Donald Trump Jr. Two: Hiding who you really are by passively aggressively and completely incorrectly using lets all unite, they're no racism here, just move on, stop your hate, love each other to respond to people who have experienced and/or see everyday systemic racism. Most notable examples that immediately comes to mind: Tulsi Gabbard.

My thoughts on the WSF.... We can only lose if we don't show up mentally and take the game off. The only team we might do that against is the Stamps. Therefore, I want the Riders to win the WSF as it pretty much guarantees our guys are all up for the game and therefore we are assured victory.

I fully admit to underappreciating him until I saw him out of the line up early this season. I am now a believer.

I juat don't think Demski gets the love outside of the Peg that he gets here, so it would be harder. I think Bomber fans know how important and what a beast Demski is

Outside of finding a better deep threat then Adams , the receivers we have now are a perfect compliment to each other. Had we been able to get Begelton to replace Adams that would of been an insane receiver group.

I gotta say, this thread shocks me with how vastly underrated Nic Demski is around these parts....

Listened to Matt Dunigan throw for 700 yards...while picking saskatoons.

It wasnt during playoffs but me at Carlos & Murphys chicken wing happy hour a few weeks back was a truly dominant performance.

Back in the day, I delivered pizzas. Home or away, I would listen to Bob on the radio, plus the coach's show. For a four year period, that's almost exclusively how I experienced Bomber games.

😭

Very nice tribute video on Twitter put out by the club. Might get a lump in your throat.

Glad Bob is going into the Ring.

@Noeller bet you're extra glad you'll be there in person