The Huskies are looking for a packed stadium when they host the Bison for the Hardy Cup this weekend. (Josh Schaefer/Get My Photo)

By Ben Tompkins

2021 Hardy Cup

Huskies alumni calling on fans to ‘pack the stands’ for Hardy Cup

Nov 17, 2021 | 7:06 PM

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team plays host to the University of Manitoba Bisons this Saturday, Nov. 19, in what will be the first Hardy Cup in Saskatoon since 2009.

The Huskies have beat the Bisons twice this year, once in an exhibition matchup and the other during the regular season. U of S won those games with a combined score of 72-26.

Fans would argue that history doesn’t really matter, however, because it all comes down to a single ‘do or die’ game, for all the glory – a Canada West Football title. And to win, it helps when you have a great crowd behind you, something the Huskies are hoping for and their alumni are encouraging.

Brian Towriss, former head coach and the only one to ever lead the Huskies to a Vanier Cup Championship, not once but three times, told HuskieFAN that a packed Griffiths Stadium can’t be beat.

“It’s always a lot more fun playing here. It is by far the best atmosphere in the league. You’re going to have a good, raucous crowd that’s there to have fun and it creates a really exciting atmosphere for the kids to play the conference final in. I’m sure everybody is excited and hopefully, everyone gets out and supports them on Saturday.”

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Towriss recounted some of his very own memories playing in Saskatoon, especially the playoffs, and said they were moments he will never forget.

“My greatest memories were those playoff games, at Griffiths Stadium, with that big crowd and the fans going crazy and making it tough on the opposition. There’s nothing better than being a Saskatchewan Huskie when you get to play at home in the playoffs. I’m sure they can’t wait till Saturday comes, it’s going to be great. It’s something they’ll remember all their life,” Towriss said.

Another alumnus who will be there to help rally the troops is former Huskie Rich Gabruch, who told HuskieFAN he wants these players to get the support they deserve against a good Manitoba team.

“I think it would be great if people jammed the stands. It’s an exciting time with the playoffs, with a lot of excitement for football all across Saskatchewan right now and I hope that carries over into Griffiths Stadium on Saturday.”

“It would be great to show that support to these players for the hard work that they’ve put on and the great job representing our team, school, university, city and province. They deserve it, so let’s go show them.”

Gabruch also mentioned how seriously the players take on the responsibility that goes along with what the U of S stands for and the support that it receives and how that feeling can be given right back.

“There are always people who support you, that you might not personally know when you play a sport. They come out and cheer on the team, because of the green and white. To be a part of that whole experience is a privilege and something the players don’t take lightly. A lot of gratitude is shown and they want to do their best to dignify that opportunity and show that they appreciate it.”

“There’s a reciprocal effect that comes with that. When a team wins – the whole city, school and province is a bit more buoyant, excited, happy and proud. It’s a win-win all around,” Gabruch said.

Mike Jenkins, associate athletics officer of development and marketing, said fan support from the students, but also the public at large becomes crucial when competing at this calibre of sport.

“The fan support is absolutely crucial. We actually had lots of students purchase tickets right after our semi-final win. The student-athletes feed off the energy and the roar of the crowd and we’re really looking forward to that. There’s so much pride and our student-athletes really cherish when the stadium is completely filled.”

The team will be searching for their 20th Hardy Cup title in the program when they kick off at 1 p.m. this Saturday. You can listen to the game live through the free HuskieFAN app.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8