Former Riders president called to the Hall

He was an integral part of building the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ new stadium — and now he’ll enter the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a builder.

Jim Hopson, who served as the Roughriders’ first-ever president and chief executive officer from 2004 until his retirement in 2015, will be inducted in a ceremony in August.

During Hopson’s tenure, the Roughriders saw significant growth off the field. On the field, the team appeared in four Grey Cups, winning CFL titles in 2007 and 2013.

Hopson also served on the team’s board of directors for several years as the alumni rep. He played four seasons on the Roughriders’ offensive line from 1973 through 1976.

The Hall will induct six other people in this year’s ceremony, including former B.C. Lions receiver Mervyn Fernandez, former Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish, ex-Toronto Argonauts receiver Terry Greer, receiver David Williams — who played for five teams during his career — and former Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver-defensive back Ernie Pitts (posthumously) in the Player category.

In the Builder category, Hopson joins long-time University of British Columbia Thunderbirds coach Frank Smith, who also had a stint on the Roughriders’ coaching staff.