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| Bob Poley and 620 CKRM’s Willie Cole before Poley was introduced as Alumni Player of the Game. Photo by Kevin Clive |
Bob "Polecat" Poley
By KEVIN CLIVE
Riderville.com editor
Bob Poley will always be fondly remembered. Not that he’s gone anywhere, but when someone thinks of the old Polecat, they usually smile. Poley is one of the nicest, most genuine persons you’ll likely meet and it’s hard to believe he was such a brute on the football field.
Poley began playing football when he was a kid growing up in Hudson Bay, Sask. He was a defensive lineman and was recruited by Simon Fraser, UBC, the Saskatoon Hilltops and the Regina Rams. He chose to come play in the Queen City and suited up for the Rams for four years. Poley even played hockey for the Regina Pats for half of a season as rugged winger.
In 1977, Poley was invited to camp by the Roughriders, eventually switching over to offensive centre on the advice of quarterback Ron Lancaster. Lancaster would soon become coach and told Poley he would have a long career in the CFL if he learned how to snap the football.
The Polecat played from 1978 to 1984 with the Green and White before being traded west to the Calgary Stampeders. He returned to the Riders in 1988, won the Grey Cup a year later and played for the home team until 1992.
"I told (head coach) Don Matthews in 1990 that I only wanted to play two more years," recalls Poley. "The old body was beat up and so I snapped on field goals, punts and backed up the offensive line. I did that for the last couple of years and it was wonderful to go out how I wanted to."
Poley retired at age 36 with 15 seasons under his belt. Life after football has been almost as exciting for the man with the moustache. He has been a contributors services rep for Ducks Unlimited since February of 1993.
Poley has always had a passion for wildlife, conservation and the volunteerism spirit that DU represents, so the opportunity to work for the organization was something he jumped at.
"It was a natural transition for me," he says. "We look after wetlands and we are founded by a hunting organization and that’s right up my alley. It was wonderful to fly in from one thing that you love to do to another that is just as enjoyable."
Big number 57 recognizes the good fortunes he has had bestowed upon him over the years, from a career in pro sports to a new career in the public sector. He is also grateful to all of the people who have supported him over the years, former teammates, friends and especially family.
"My wife Elaine and I celebrated 25 years together this month," he says. "The entire family has always supported me."
Poley has four children, three daughters and one son. The group was on-hand last Sunday when he was recognized as the honourary alumni of the game at the Labour Day Classic.
For Polecat, who isn’t quite sure how he got the nickname besides maybe his bushy `stache, winning the Grey Cup and being around the guys is what he remembers most about his playing days.
"They were like family. I think that’s what guys miss," he says. "You don’t miss the game and all of the other B.S., you just miss the guys. You’re around each other six months of the year every day and it becomes like family. When all of a sudden family is severed, it’s pretty tough."
