Murray Wood: Who's hot and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot and who's not. This week's list includes...
Frank McCrystal spent 30 years as the head coach of the Regina Rams — now his next journey will be into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
McCrystal stepped into the top job as head coach of the Regina Rams in 1984 when they competed in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). During his tenure there, the team won the Canadian Bowl on seven occasions.
He won the Gord Currie award as CJFL Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1998.
Under McCrystal’s leadership, 19 players have been drafted to the Canadian Football League from the University of Regina. (University of Regina/submitted)
He also helped transition the team to the collegiate level as it joined the University of Regina as the team’s football program for the 1999 season. Just a year later, McCrystal and the Rams won the program’s first Hardy Cup and appeared in the Vanier Cup that season.
In 2007, he was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (now known as U Sports) Coach of the Year.
In 2021, McCrystal was elected to the Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Football runs in the family. Frank has two children. His daughter Hailey served as a trainer for the Regina Rams for several seasons. His son Charlie was a five-year started with the football club and served as an assistant coach with the team. (University of Regina/submitted)
Also heading into the hall of fame this year will be offensive linemen Bryan Chiu and Jovan Olafioye, wide receiver Jeremaine Copeland, defensive back Scott Flagel and linebacker Darryl Hall will be elected in the Player Category. Referee Glen Johnson joins McCrystal in the builder category.
Heading into the media wing will be a pair of Winnipeg reporters — Paul Friesen and Judy Owen.
All of them will be inducted at a ceremony on Sept. 19.
Chiu was drafted by Montreal in the second round (18th overall) of the 1996 CFL Draft and went on to play his entire 13-year career with the Alouettes. He was named the 2002 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and was a seven-time CFL all-star. He won the Grey Cup in 2002 and 2009.
Copeland’s career lasted 11 seasons (2001-2011) with time spent between Montreal, Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Alouettes. He registered five 1,000+ receiving yard seasons, including a stretch from 2003-09 where he averaged 1,173 yards per year. He is one of 18 players to reach the 10,000-yard mark (10,115). He had 75 career touchdown passes as well. He hoisted the Grey Cup in 2002 and 2008.
In 2015, Copeland was the Saskatchewan Roughriders receivers coach.
Flagel played 163 games over a 10-year career (1982-1991) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa. He recorded 60 defensive takeaways (40 interceptions and 20 fumble recoveries) to sit 12th all-time.
He was recognized as the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 1987. He won the Grey Cup in 1984 with Winnipeg.
Hall was one of the pioneers of the SAM linebacker position we know today in the CFL, as he had the ability to drop back in coverage as well as handle rush defence and blitzing quarterbacks. In eight seasons with Calgary (1990-92, 1996-2000), he played 143 games. He won the Grey Cup in 1992 and 1998.
Johnson spent 24 years as a CFL on-field official, working 416 games and 11 Grey Cups. He was named the Head Referee of the Grey Cup in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012.
In 2013, he transitioned to a role at the league office as vice-president of officiating. Three years later, he was elevated to senior vice-president of football.
Olafioye had a nine-year career with B.C. Lions and Montreal, playing a full 18-game schedule on eight occasions. He totalled 156 games and earned six league all-stars. He captured the most outstanding lineman award in 2012. Olafioye raised the Grey Cup in 2011 as a member of the Lions.
