In another world, Richard Sindani might be back at school this week.

But the young receiver – who still had another year of U Sports eligibility – has instead earned a place at the professional level.

“I think most people thought Richard would be playing for the (U of C) Dinos [this year],” said head coach Dave Dickenson.

“The kid just kept working and he showed up at camp confident and has made an impression. He’s done well on special teams. And Bo (Levi Mitchell), in two very critical moments, went to a rookie – a Canadian rookie – that has only been here for one year. That was great.”

“It’s super cool,” Sindani added. “I definitely take the moment in and I enjoy it, but at the same time, there’s a world of different directions and avenues and I’m taking this one in stride right now.”

Sindani finished the Labour Day Classic with just a pair of catches for 43 yards, but the second grab was critical to the Stamp’s game-winning drive.

When star receiver Kamar Jorden left the field due to an injury, everyone in the receiver group was asked to step up and fill the large shoes that were left.

For Sindani, he was ready to take what he’d learned from his locker buddy and make some plays.

“When KJ went down, it’s like a gust of wind that just hits you in the face,” he said. “You kind of realize what the moment means and what it means to every single player on the team.

“It’s no secret that he’s been a menace in this league and he’s put on week in and week out and I think it means we all have to step up even more than we thought we ever had to.

“He’s helped my game, he’s showed me how to do it, and he’s been in the league for while so he’s a guy I listen to.

“It’s been pretty lucrative sitting right beside KJ.”

Despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to his increased role in the offence, it was a great chance for the rookie to show what he’s got.

And he’s trying to keep his cool through the whole process.

“I think I don’t let the moment get too big, I just do what I can,” Sindani said.

“You never know when your opportunity is going to come, so you’ve got to be prepared 24/7.

“Dave has trusted me in practice and he’s trusting me in the game. So I’m just trying to return the favour and do what I’m supposed to do.

“But I’m very happy. Whenever you get the win and you can get into the game and play and do your thing, it makes it just that much sweeter.”

As a young man growing up in Regina, Sindani has always been a fan of the Labour Day Classic.

Granted, his focus was generally more towards the local matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“I definitely watched the Sask game more than this rivalry,” Sindani admitted.

“But at the same time, I always peeped this game because the jerseys were always cool and there was always some bad blood between the two teams.

“It’s crazy to be a part of it now.”