Two former Roughriders, Wes Cates and Scott Schultz, will appear at the Sports Banquet in Lafleche on March 6. The Lafleche and District Lions Club are holding this event to raise funds towards improving and upgrading the Wood River Memorial Hall. All the proceeds for the supper will go to the hall’s upkeep and enhancements.
“The sense of community is important to the residents of Lafleche and surrounding area – the hall is used by the community for functions and get togethers for many,” said Laura Bennett of EMJ Marketing. “The Lions Club is passionate about giving back to their community and is hopeful their fundraising efforts will help with the costs of the improvements,” she added.
Michael Ball will serve as the emcee for the evening. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 p.m. and supper will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Wood River Memorial Hall. The program will begin after supper. To purchase tickets, call Lincoln Harding at 306-472-7332. A table of eight costs $640.
Wes Cates attended California University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2001. He was an All-American for two years at college. A 1999 and 2001 All-American, Cates was drafted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in his first eligible year.
Cates signed with the Calgary Stampeders in 2006 then he was traded to the Roughriders in 2007 before the season started. Cates immediately became a favourite for Roughrider diehards for his pace and fortitude during the 2007 playoffs. Cates rushed for 128 yards on 25 attempts with a broken foot. Cates assisted the Saskatchewan Roughriders in winning the Grey Cup Championship in 2007.
His career with the Roughriders continued to thrive as he rushed for 1229 yards, amassed 451 receiving yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 2008. He eventually merited a spot on the CFL All-Star team for his accomplishments and ranked second in the most rushing yards. During his career with the Roughriders, Cates played six seasons until 2012.
Scott Schultz played college football for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the University of North Dakota. Schultz, a defensive tackle, played with the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002, before he was drafted by the Roughriders in 2002. He remained with the Roughriders until 2009. Schultz was a member of the CFL All-Star in 2005 and a CFL West All-Star in 2005.
