We don’t know exactly how Rider rookie offensive lineman Riley Schick is spending Father’s Day, but we wouldn’t be surprised if today’s itinerary involves old automobiles. Schick and his father co-own a vehicle restoration business (bdsr restorations) in Lumsden, where the father and son duo work side-by-side to restore vintage vehicles to showroom condition.
“We share a love for old cars and trucks,” Riley acknowledges. I’m very lucky to have such an experienced and knowledgeable guy like my dad to work with, and learn from. It’s been great.”
When Riley Schick isn’t busy sanding and welding, he’s pulling double duty this season as a practice roster player for the Riders and will play a third season for the Regina Thunder junior team as well. That’s a path previously travelled by starting Rider o-linemen (and Thunder alums) Dan Clark and Logan Ferland – a fact which has not escaped Schick’s attention.
“That’s absolutely the road I want to travel too,” Schick says. “Those guys have been a huge help to me already, showing me what it takes to be a full-time pro. It’ll be tough doing both this season (practicing with the Riders and playing with the Thunder), but if that’s what it takes to get to my ultimate goal of playing in the CFL, then it’s a small price to pay.”
Of course, before the 6’1” 300-pounder can become a full-time CFLer, there’s a learning curve to deal with. Schick admits that curve can be a bit steep at times.
“It’s amazing how much I’ve learned, just since the start of training camp,” Schick states. “The d-linemen at this level are bigger and faster than the guys I’ve lined up against in junior. But all the guys in our (o line) room are super supportive in helping me get up to speed, literally. It’s a real brotherhood in our group, and I can’t thank the veterans enough. Hopefully one day I can pay it forward with the next crop of young players.”
The next action for the Riders is Thursday night in Montreal. The game gets underway at 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time, with 620 CKRM’s coverage starting with the pre-game show at 2:30.
