Business
Wes Cates
Life in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Roughriders 2007-2011
Ancestry
Born on October 3, 1979 in Columbus Ohio.
Contributions
Sport, Business, Philanthropy, Media
Wes attended California University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2001 without missing a game in his 4 years. He had 5,647 total yards, a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference record, on 937 carries 63 rushing touchdowns and 386 total points, all school records.
He was an All-American for the last two years of his college career and he led the PSAC in rushing for 3 of his 4 seasons. Cates was also the PSAC West Offensive player of the year in 2001 and he led the PSAC in rushing for 3 seasons. He was a PSAC West first team All Star selection for 3 years and he was also nominated for the Harlon Hill Award for best player in division 2 in his sophomore and senior seasons. A 1999 and 2001 All American, Wes was drafted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in his first eligible year.
After signing a Contract in 2006 Wes debuted with the Calgary Stampeders. Just before the 2007 season began, Wes was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders; he immediately turned into a fan favourite and a hero to many with his speed and determination. He ran for 866 yards on 153 carries, caught 45 passes for 452 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.
During the 2007 playoffs he rushed for 128 yards on 25 attempts with a broken foot and he helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders win the Grey Cup Championship.
In 2008 Wes rushed for 1229 yards, amassed 451 receiving yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He earned a spot on the CFL All Star team for his accomplishments and ranked second in the most rushing yards. Prior to the 2009 CFL season Wes, underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Wes played in the final 16 regular season games as well as the West Final and Grey Cup. He ended 2009 with 195 rushes for 932 yards, 5 touchdowns and 33 receptions for 336 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. In 2010, Wes started in all 18 regular season games, both play-off games and the Grey Cup. He finished the regular season with 203 carries for 1,054-yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, 42 receptions for 335-yards and one touchdown, 27 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded four receptions for 48 yards, 10 carries for 83 yards and one touchdown in playoffs and the Grey Cup.
In February 2012, after 6 CFL seasons Wes retired. Over those seasons, he rushed for 4,942 yards and scored 83 touchdowns. He has made a home for himself in Saskatchewan and has been involved in sales in the resource industry where he provides services to oil and gas, mining and construction companies. Wes enjoys being involved with the community and giving back to the fans and the sport. Wes’s fiancé in Regina is Nicole.
2008 – Nominee Most Outstanding Player
2010 – West Division All-Star