Dan Farthing - Receiver - 1991-01 - Saskatchewan

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Kevin Clive - Riderville.com

Saskatoon’s own Dan Farthing continues to call Regina home.

The 11-year Saskatchewan Roughrider, who retired after the 2001 season, has just partnered with another former Rider Brooks Findlay, operating Level 10 Fitness Inc.’s elite athletic training sector. Farthing is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and is content with life after football.

"I enjoyed my years with the Riders and I’m now able to focus my time on my family and business," said Farthing, who will be honoured this weekend as the Alumni Player of the Game on Labour Day. "I miss the friendships for sure and the feeling you got when you heard your name announced in front of a Labour Day crowd, so to be recognized for this game is very flattering and special."

Growing up in the Bridge City, Farthing excelled at sports and was one of the top athletes at Holy Cross High School, where he played receiver and defensive back for the Crusaders. Holy Cross won back-to-back provincial football titles during Farthing’s Grade 11 and 12 seasons.

From there, Farthing attended the University of Saskatchewan and began a productive career as a U of S Huskie receiver. During his four years of play, Farthing amassed 2,120 yards on 96 receptions and 11 touchdowns. In his first year with the U of S, he was named CIAU Rookie of the Year in 1987.

Farthing played in two Vanier Cups, losing to Western University in 1989 and winning it a year later against the St. Mary’s Huskies in 1990.

Farthing’s accolades and dedication to the sport did not go unnoticed, especially by the province’s top football team, the Roughriders.

The Riders traded two first round picks (4th overall and 8th overall) to B.C. for the second overall draft selection just to get Farthing in that 1991 Canadian College Draft. The move would pay off as Farthing would go on to be one of the best receivers in Roughrider history, catching key passes and peaking fan interest in the �local kid’ who worked so hard.

"I had some good years and I would say 1997 was my best statistically and we made it to the Grey Cup, but I loved playing for the Riders and in front of the greatest fans in the CFL," he said. "It was my one disappointment that I was never able to win a Grey Cup, but we had a great run that year. I also enjoyed the 2000 season and playing with quarterback Henry Burris. He was exceptionally smart and fun to play with."

Farthing finished the 1997 season with 58 catches for 959 yards and four touchdowns in 18 games. In 2000, with Burris at the helm, Farthing scored a career high six touchdowns off 44 catches for 729 yards.

Farthing said the hardest part about being away from the game is when he actually attends a game at Taylor Field.

"The juices get flowing again when I see a game and it makes you want to be in there going to battle with the guys," he said. "But I certainly don’t miss the practices."

For Sunday’s big game, Farthing will be accompanied by his wife SueAnn and their two daughters, Jasmine 5, and Gabriella 2.

"We are so happy we have stayed in Regina and it’s going to be a very special time for the entire family on Sunday," he said. "It will be nice to hear the crowd again."