Saskatchewan Roughriders Launch Search for New Gainer the Gopher Mascot
As the Saskatchewan Roughriders prepare for the 50th season of their iconic mascot, Gainer the Gopher, the community-owned football franchise is actively seeking a new individual to don the famous costume. The search comes with the organization clarifying that they are not conducting a lottery for the position nor charging fees for participation, unlike some speculative rumors might suggest.
The Evolution of Gainer Through the Decades
The original Gainer costume was stitched together by a Los Angeles company before the 1977 season, with early wearers including broadcaster Don Hewitt and Dash Tours founder Dave Ash. According to Sandor Jerkovits, a former Gainer who shared duties in those early years, the role has transformed significantly over time.
"I don't know how that suit wears anymore, they changed it so much," Jerkovits recalled. "They took the tail off the gopher years ago because that used to cause us trouble when kids grabbed it."
Through the years, Gainer has undergone numerous modifications. His jersey still bears the number 13, but his tie and sponsor's collar have disappeared. The mascot's body, ears, and head have been modernized, and he now sports running shoes instead of his original footwear. His coloration has shifted to a lighter blonde, and when his eyes were perceived as too intense several years ago, public feedback led to modifications that created a friendlier appearance.
A Diminished Role on Game Day
Jerkovits expressed surprise at how Gainer's game-day activities have changed since the Roughriders moved to their new stadium in 2017. "We rehearsed routines with the Golden Girls, who were the cheerleaders at the time, but I've been watching Gainer since the team moved to the new stadium and I'm like, 'Are you kidding me?' He doesn't do anything anymore!"
Indeed, Gainer's on-field presence has been significantly reduced in recent years. He no longer appears at midfield during timeouts to lead crowd chants, doesn't engage in traditional antics like smashing tiger stuffed animals when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit, and has ceased the pregame ritual of having visiting players jump over him. His role has been largely confined to the sidelines, with limited fan interaction until touchdown celebrations or dance opportunities arise.
The Physical Demands of Being Gainer
According to Jerkovits, wearing the Gainer costume has always been physically demanding. The original suit was notably heavy, contributing to early wearers Hewitt and Ash eventually sharing duties with Jerkovits due to injuries and job responsibilities.
The Roughriders' current job posting describes the position as requiring someone who is "entertaining, professional and on-brand," but notably doesn't mention compensation, suggesting it remains a volunteer role. When contacted about the number of applicants, the organization declined to discuss hiring policies and procedures, referring instead to their public search announcement.
A Saskatchewan Tradition with Complex History
The search for a new Gainer comes with awareness of the complex relationship between Saskatchewan residents and gophers. In a province where small-game hunters have historically been paid bounties for gopher tails—with Weyburn offering 50 cents per tail as recently as 2022—the mascot represents a unique cultural paradox.
As the Roughriders prepare for Gainer's 50th season, the organization seeks someone willing to carry on this tradition while adapting to the mascot's evolving role within the game-day experience at Mosaic Stadium.
