Gainer the Gopher has been a fixture at Saskatchewan Roughrider games since 1977 when the first Gainer, Don Hewitt, stepped onto the field in a rather large Gopher suit. The name Gainer is actually an anagram of "Regina". Gainer wore a jersey with the number 1/2 until 2006 when he was given the number 13 to symbolize the 13th man. Where else but in Saskatchewan could a giant mute gopher become so loved and totally understood by his fans. He has been such a huge cheer leader for the Roughriders that the Calgary Stampeders even banned him from McMahon Stadium on November 5th, 2006. After a massive protest by rider fans, the ban was lifted. Gainer could come to the game in Calgary, but just couldn't go on the field. Well, it didn't matter too much, we still had a convincing win by beating the Stampeders 30-21. Go Gainer!!!
