"Wow... how great is this," said [Brian Dobie]. "This was not something people asked them to do. David and [Ruth Asper] just suddenly made a phone call, and this was done. They are very good friends and have always been strong supporters of the job we are doing here."

"Look at this era. It epitomizes the starving student. Student athletes have great demands on their time. Most can't hold down part-time jobs because their life is school and football," Dobie said. "So, when people like [David Asper] and Ruth step up to the plate and give back to these kids who represent our school, our city and our province, it alleviates some of those financial pressures."

"Let's hope they take care of business this weekend," said Asper, who attended U of M from 1977-81. Ruth, meanwhile, attended about the same time and was the football club's first female trainer.