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With their golden pompoms in tow, the University of Regina dance team is ready for the Vanier Cup.
The 60th edition of 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.
Read more:
- What you need to know about the Vanier Cup at Mosaic Stadium
- University of Saskatchewan Huskies eyeing first Vanier Cup title since 1998
- U of S Huskies quarterback diagnosed with lymphoma
While the U of R Rams won’t be hitting the field for the game, the dance team is excited to hype up the crowd.
“This is such an exciting event to be happening, and Regina is such a great city with such amazing fans,” said Kysenia Gulak, a member of the dance team.
“I hope everyone’s just up, excited and cheering!”
The pep rally at the U of R kicked off Friday morning with a community breakfast.
Many special guests were in attendance, including Mayor Chad Bachynski, Lieutenant-Governor Bernadette McIntyre, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of R, Jeff Keshen, and more.
Fans had the opportunity to take selfies with the Vanier Cup and look at other artifacts brought in from the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
The Vanier Cup trophy was one of many artifacts at the U of R for the pep rally ahead of Saturday’s game. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)
The dance team handed out pompoms and welcomed guests with Vanier Cup-themed cheers.
The dancers said the U of R campus has been “electric” ahead of Saturday’s game, with football fans from Saskatoon and Montreal showing up to be a part of the excitement.
“It’s been so fun, just talking to everyone and getting them amped up for the first-ever Vanier Cup in Regina,” Gulak said.
As for game day, the team has a big job to do: hype up the crowd.
“We greet all the fans coming into the stadium, hyping and cheering them on as they walk in,” Lauren Van Damme said.
“Then we head onto the field and we do some sideline (performances), shaking our poms, and then we perform halftime!”
Dance team member Payton McPherson shared a sneak peek into the performance.
“They can expect a classic song that I think all the moms would like, and then a newer song that all of the college students would like,” she said. “I think it’s kind of a nice mix for all the fans. It’s going to be exciting.”
USask running back plays last university game at home
The game in Regina is especially significant for one player, who suits up for the Huskies, but was born and raised in the Queen City.
Fifth-year running back Ryker Frank joined the Evan Bray Show ahead of the big game.
Listen to the full interview here:
The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
EVAN BRAY: How does it feel to have the Vanier Cup here in Saskatchewan?
RYKER FRANK: It’s truly a special thing. Even just the culture we have here around football in Saskatchewan, we love the sport here. To have the Vanier Cup here, we’re going to have a lot of support out there. We’re going to have fun with it.
How has this season been for you?
FRANK: I started the year a little slower than in years in the past. But there’s a blessing in disguise everywhere. Less touches mean less injuries, less soreness. So it got us to this point. I can’t really complain.
Running back Ryker Frank said the Vanier Cup is just like any other game; the team just wants to go 1-0. (Electric Umbrella/Huskie Athletics)
What’s this whole experience been like, being a Regina kid but now in your fifth year at the University of Saskatchewan?
FRANK: It’s a lot of fun. It’s never a dull moment playing against the Rams. They’re a well-coached team, and just going back to that cultural football in Saskatchewan. There are two teams right there playing with the chip on their shoulders, so it makes for some good times.
I know a lot of guys on that Regina team, so it’s always fun playing here. I’ve scored a lot of touchdowns in Mosaic Stadium, so hopefully on Saturday night I can score a few.
Let’s talk about your teammate Anton Amundrud, who had to step away for medical reasons. How does that factor into this championship for you, for the guys on the team and in your hearts when you’re on the field?
FRANK: It sucks taking the field without him. But the sun still comes up, so these are the circumstances we find ourselves in. I think in terms of this upcoming game, it just makes it that much more emotional. It makes us want it that much more, because now we’re fighting for him. We’re putting our hearts on the line and we’re playing for number 11.
