Brent Lauther of the Riders was in Prince Albert on March 16. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

RIDER READING

Riders kicker reads to kids and meets fans in PA

Mar 17, 2023 | 10:36 AM

Football fans young and old had a special day with a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday.

As part of the team’s Rider Reading program, kicker Brent Lauther was in Prince Albert reading to kids from pre-K to grade 4 and interacting with the students for most of the day.

“It was just a lot of fun,” he said. “It keeps you on your toes and the kids are always a blast.”

The Rider Reading program is a community initiative that encourages students to read together and at the same time, gives them an opportunity to meet one of their favourite Roughrider players.

“It’s usually going to a classroom, read a book or two, answer questions from the kids and then I like to stick around and play some games,” said Lauther.

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After a busy day of reading with the students, Lauther came to the A&W on Marquis Drive for a meet and greet with local fans.

Being his first time in Prince Albert, Lauther said he enjoys his time hanging out with members of the community.

“It’s the best. It’s why I stay out in Saskatchewan year-round now,” he said. “I go to a lot of places I never would have got a chance to see before. Everyone is so welcoming and such good people everywhere.”

Of course, football and the upcoming season were on the minds of many fans who came to the restaurant, and Lauther spoke about the busy off-season the team has had.

“I think the team’s done a really good job to position us to make a good run at it,” he said. “I’ve had a great offseason so far, so I’m looking forward to the season.”

So does the team have what it takes to win the Grey Cup in 2023?

“I like to think that every year, it’s why we play the game,” Lauther said. “I do really think that we kinda loaded up in some key positions and at the end of the day, I’m just going out and try to do my job and hopefully everyone else does theirs and we’re going to be one of the last teams standing.”

The Rider Reading program continues throughout the month of March with stops in Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Lloydminster coming up.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock