Rider training camp: Geno Makowsky enjoying stint as O-line guest coach

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Gene Makowsky welcomes his return to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, albeit in a temporary capacity.

The CFL Hall of Famer is among the guest coaches at this year’s training camp, returning to his old stomping grounds at the University of Saskatchewan where he played for the Huskies..

“It’s been a lot of fun,” says Makowsky, who switched to provincial politics after he retired from football in 2012. “There’s a good group out there. It’s nice to be in the O-line room again and learning from these guys. Boy, they’re a real pleasure to coach and a really good group and coach (Edwin) Harrison is awesome to work with, as well. I’m just enjoying being back on the field. I’ve been coaching for a number of years, but high school kids, and to be to hang out with the pros for a while, it’s been a real treat for me.”

What makes it extra sweet for Makowsky, who had a 17-year career with the Riders, is that he’s been back at the U of S, his alma mater, for camp.

“It works out well. It’s great to be back here in Saskatoon and enjoy the surroundings and I’ve been enjoying the (Marquis Hall buffet) food a little too much, unfortunately,” he said with a laugh, “but it’s really good. U of S is a great host and treat the players and team really well.”

The Riders training camp facilities have changed a bit since Makowsky attended Rider camp in Saskatoon nearly two decades ago.

Back then, the Riders practiced on the natural grass adjacent to Griffiths Stadium and didn’t have use of the current Huskies Clubhouse.

“Boy, this end-zone facility (Huskies Clubhouse) is something. It’s great and the field turf and everything. Again, U of S is first-class facilities here and a first-class operation. It goes all the way to Marquis Hall. I enjoyed it when I went through training camps here but it’s certainly stepped up over time and it’s great to be here.”

When asked what advice he could give the current O-line, Makowsky said it’s a great group, as it is, and the players don’t need a lot of advice.

“They’re very polished, they know what they’re doing. Just a great group to work with. My role here is just to support, wherever we need it, and to answer questions, but also to learn. It’s ben interesting how things have changed over the years. Being away from the game for a while, you still watch the games but you don’t know, in depth, what’s going on. To see the changes, but also see the similarities how CFL offences are operating, and a chance to see, in depth, all the work that goes on behind the scenes. As a player, you know the players’ side, but the coaches work extremely hard and they’re very professional, They put in a lot of hours, I can tell you that.”

Makowsky played a total of 284 regular-season games, 16 playoff games, and four Grey Cup games with Saskatchewan. He’s the all-time leader for most seasons played by a Rider.

He was a perennial Western Division all-star from 2004-2010, a CFL all-star from 2004-2006 and again in 2008 and 2009. He was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2004 and 2005.

He played in four Grey Cups with the Riders, winning once in 2007.

Makowsky went on to serve as a member of the legislative assembly in Saskatchewan, under the Saskatchewan Party government, but lost his seat in the election this past year.

“I didn’t have the time, for a number of years, to be able to (attend camp) when the opportunity rose before,” he explained. “So glad it worked out this time and I’m looking forward to the pre-season here, and of course the season, as a fan. This group has a lot of potential. I want to see how they operate and I’m excited about the season and being able to see it first-hand has been a lot of fun for me.”

One thing that stands out for Makowsky, when it comes to this year’s O-line, is how much they care.

“They want to be leading the offence. I’m noticing that in their spare time, they’re not talking about the hockey game or whatever they’re talking about, but (instead) what they could have done better on this play or how this should have been done. So they are all in. They’re dedicated and they’re a close group. Coach Ed is leading it and I’m very impressed by him. He’s done a great job in this camp and I know he did a good job last year with all the changes they had to go through this past season. They’re professionals. They care. They want to win and that’s all you can ask for.”

dzary@postmedia.com

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