Huskies leaning on Saskatchewan talent, leadership in Vanier Cup

The U of S Huskies are one victory away from the U Sports football title, with many homegrown prairie players chasing a championship dream. Jacob Carr reports.

On Thursday, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies took to the Mosaic Stadium turf for the first time this week.

It was their penultimate practice before the Vanier Cup takes place on Saturday afternoon.

Head Coach Scott Flory said that being back in the national championship after two tough back-to-back losses in 2021 and 2022 is a result of a cohesive locker room.

“I think our veteran leadership, the core of the team has been there. But what I think I saw this year is just the growth of our veteran leadership, and especially these two guys.”

‘These two guys’ referred to by Flory are fifth year linebacker Seth Hundeby from Saskatoon, and fifth year running back Ryker Frank from Regina.

The duo is among dozens of Saskatchewan-born players on the roster, from Assiniboia to Milestone to Moose Jaw.

Hundeby said he cannot wait to feel the atmosphere that the home crowd brings to the game on Saturday.

“I’m excited to see who comes out, like I have to shout out my family, they say they’re coming down for sure and they follow me everywhere and that’s quite a few people as well. So, I have to give a lot of support and love back to them because they’re amazing. ”

Frank grew up playing and starring for the LeBoldus Golden Suns in Regina before taking his talents north on Highway 11.

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He recognizes the magnitude of what winning a national championship in their home province would mean.

“It was a nice full circle moment for me getting to play my last Husky game here back in my hometown. This is just a special game for us, we’ve gone through a lot this year, it’s no secret. So, we know there’s a lot riding on this one.”

Hundeby echoed that sentiment.

“It would be really special, especially winning my last game as a Husky football player. I think that would mean the most and the amount of work that all of us guys have put in working towards this moment, it would be super duper special to share that with the fellas and it would be long-lasting memories for a lifetime.”