Huskies, Rams passed over for U Sports football awards

Saskatchewan’s two university football teams were shut out when U Sports handed out its awards Thursday.

The Saskatchewan Huskies had three nominees and the Regina Rams had two, but none claimed the hardware.

Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus was up for the Hec Crighton Trophy as the outstanding player in Canadian university football. That award went to Laval Rouge et Or receiver Kevin Mital.

Saskatchewan offensive lineman Jack Warrack was nominated for the Peter Gorman Trophy, which goes to the country’s top rookie. McGill Redbirds quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald earned that honour.

Huskies running back Ryker Frank was up for the Russ Jackson Award, which honours the player who best combines athletics, academics and community service. That award went to Saint Mary’s Huskies quarterback Duncan Patterson.

Rams linebacker Ryder Varga was a finalist for the Presidents’ Trophy as the nation’s defensive player of the year. That honour went to linebacker Nicky Farinaccio of the Montreal Carabins.

The U of R’s Mark McConkey was Canada West’s nominee for the Frank Tindall Trophy as the U Sports coach of the year. Gary Waterman of the St. Francis Xavier X-Men was the winner.

The only Canada West nominee to win a national award was UBC Thunderbirds offensive tackle Theo Benedet, who took home the J.P. Metras Trophy as the country’s most outstanding down lineman.

The Rams placed three players — Varga and defensive linemen Anthony Bennett and Tanner Schmekel — on the first-team All-Canadian squad. Huskies receiver Daniel Perry also made that team.

The second team included Nyhus, Huskies defensive back Charlie Ringland, Saskatchewan kicker David Solie and Rams defensive back Jaxon Ford.

The Huskies are to face Laval in Saturday’s Vanier Cup in London, Ont. Kickoff is set for noon on CBC.