Dan Clark has been a mainstay with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a number of years. From practicing with the team when he was a member of the Regina Thunder to today, Clark has seen a lot in his days with the Riders.
On Saturday night when he takes the field with his teammates at B.C Place to finish a home-and-home series with their Western Division rivals, it will be game 100 in his CFL career.
The 31-year-old is glad to be at this spot in his career, but he admits he could be working on his second 100 games if it weren’t for bad luck.
“It’s about time!” Clark said with a laugh this week following a practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I’ve had a lot of injuries I’ve been dealing with over the last couple of years has been a setback. Getting here is something I’ve thought about, but when you look at games played it is nowhere near the top which is what Gene Makowsky has. It’s nice to have though because there is a lot of work put into it and a lot of trust.”
Clark, who has gone from working out with the Riders when playing for the Thunder in 2009 to now being a leader in the dressing room, says the growth he has experienced over his time in the organization is one that can’t be measured.
“It’s been a mindset from my parents to establish that hard work mentality. I was 13 when I started in Regina Minor Football and my dad told me I was the baddest man on the field as soon I stepped on it.” Clark said. “Being around 30 year old guys when I was 19 taught me a lot because I could listen to guys talk. Guys like Dominic Picard, Marc Parenteau, Ben Heenan, Chris Best and others and learning from them was huge. I didn’t know how to play center when I first came in here, but I learned thanks to those guys and others.”
Clark has caught touchdown passes and one would think that might be a career highlight if you don’t include the 2013 Grey Cup, but he says no.
“Believe it or not, it’s not a career highlight.” Clark admitted. “In 2013, I had my facemask get crushed in during a kickoff return in a game against Montreal. That was the one I remember the most. The TD passes were fun though.”
The one thing Clark says is very special is the fact he has been able to do everything playing in his hometown.
“It’s very special. My wife (Kayla) and my family have been by my side right from the start. They have been right with me for this journey.” Clark said. “If I was playing in Ottawa or B.C, they would still be with me, but it would be through things like FaceTime or phone calls. As long as I can share this moment with my family, that is what counts. They believe in me and they have been with me every step of the way.”
Clark and the Riders look to move to a record of 3-3 when they butt helmets with the Lions in a 5 o’clock start on 620 CKRM. Our pre-game show starts at 2.
