Photo By Josh Schaefer/Huskie Athletics/GetMyPhoto.ca

By Wray Morrison

Connected and Confident

David Solie is ready for the Vanier Cup

Dec 3, 2021 | 8:23 AM

“Connected Football.” It’s a term used to describe how all three phases of a football team (offence, defence, special teams) needs to be in unison. It’s one of the keys to success for the 2021 University of Saskatchewan Huskies according to head coach Scott Flory. It’s an approach that has helped David Solie, even in his isolated position of being the team’s kicker. The fourth year Huskie, from Holy Cross, led the University of Saskatchewan to the best punting average in Canada West Football this season with a 43.4 yard average.

His contributions have been vital according to his teammates. “David has been flipping the field for us when the offense isn’t clicking” said Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus. “Big punts, flipping the field. It’s field position for the defense. It’s all connected.” Solie, being an experienced kicker, appreciates the bond on this 2021 team. “It’s not often when the kicker is eating with the starting running backs or the quarterback. I know they have my back.”

Solie missed both of his field goal attempts during the Huskies’ 14-10 win over the Montreal Carabins in last Saturday’s Uteck Bowl. The 4,000+ fans were loud and did everything they could to throw the visitors off their game. “You’re getting heckled, you’re getting hit with snowballs. I think it was just the moment for me. It was cold, the wind was swirling. I missed that first field goal, and I just think I lost my confidence.”

Huskies assistant coach Braden Suchan works with Solie, and backup kicker Vicenzo DeRoza. Suchan was a kicker with the Huskies from 2004 to 2007, and has made three Vanier Cup appearances. His experience in big moments may be most valuable as the Huskies enter Saturday’s Vanier Cup match up against the Western Mustangs. Solie was asked what’s most important about his relationship with Suchan. “Him just having my back, year in, year out. He knows just what to say at the right times.”

Thanks to Suchan and his teammates, Solie is in a great frame of mind going in to the championship game. “I’m feeling really good about this week. We’ve put in a lot of work. I know I can punt, and I know I can kick field goals. It’s just a matter of just having an all around great game. I’m confident.”

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Solie was named a First Team All-Canadian at the Vanier Cup awards banquet in Quebec City on Thursday night. Huskies offensive lineman Noah Zerr, running back Adam Machart, and defensive tackle Nathan Cherry were also named to the first team. Offensive lineman Connor Berglof from the University of Saskatchewan was named to the Second All-Canadian team.

The Huskies face the Western Mustangs at 12:00pm (Saskatchewan time) on Saturday at PEPS Stadium in Quebec City. The broadcast can be heard on the HuskieFAN app, and HuskieFAN.ca. starting at 11:45am with Wray Morrison and Rich Gabruch. Kick off is slated for 12:08.