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 inclu...
Saskatchewan is rich in football history, and some artifacts were on display in Regina ahead of the 60th Vanier Cup.
The Canadian university football championship features the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Montreal Carabins. It’s the first time the championship game has been held in Regina, and kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 1:15 p.m. on Saturday.
The original Hardy Cup, the Vanier Cup, photos of the 1914 University of Saskatchewan Huskies team and a helmet from the early 2000s were some of the items on display at the pep rally before the big game.
The helmet from the 2000s is a notable part of the Huskies’ history, since the team went to three Vanier Cups in a row during this time, according to Gourlie. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)
Read more:
- ‘It’s electric’: Regina welcomes 60th Vanier Cup with pep rally
- University of Saskatchewan Huskies eyeing first Vanier Cup title since 1998
Matthew Gourlie, communications coordinator with the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, said people enjoyed seeing the pieces of football history in person.
“This is the 60th Vanier Cup, but football history at the college level in Canada goes as far back as pro does,” he said, noting that the U of S started playing football back in 1912.
“It’s really cool to see the interest there and help share some of that history with people as we’re getting ready for a new chapter of history with the first Vanier Cup here in Regina.”
Pieces of history
The original Hardy Cup was actually the Hardy Rugby Trophy, since rugby-football was still being played at the time in 1922. The cup was replaced in 1997.
“It’s seen a little bit better days with 100 years of wear,” Gourlie said.
The original Hardy Cup is over 100 years old. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)
One of the old photos features the 1914 Huskies team, who didn’t have any other college teams to compete with at the time.
“They played the Regina Rugby Club for the provincial championship, which is now the Saskatchewan Roughriders,” he said. “The Riders won that and went on to win the west.”
The photo is from the stadium, which was virtually just a few bleachers and a field.
It was located where the Value Village and Heritage Mall sit on Broad Street, in Regina.
“It’s cool and shows the evolution of the sport,” Gourlie said.
The USask Huskies are looking to win their first Vanier Cup since 1998. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)
New chapter of history
This is the first time the Vanier Cup has been hosted in Regina.
Gourlie will be at the game and hopes to see a packed Mosaic Stadium.
“We pride ourselves on being a football province, and there’s always a great atmosphere,” he said.
“There’s certainly a huge buzz with a Grey Cup (earlier) this week. I think the stars are lining up for a really good crowd on Saturday, and I hope that’s the case.”
The Huskies have won the Vanier Cup three times, in 1990, 1996, and 1998. All three championship teams have been inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
“If the Huskies prevail, there’s a chance sometime down the line, maybe they will also be in the shrines,” he said.
Read more:
