University of Saskatchewan Huskies running back Ryker Frank won a major Canadian West football individual award on Thursday.
While he fourth year running back is known for his prowess on the gridiron, including being named a Canada West all-star this season and leading his team back to the Hardy Cup on Saturday, his extensive list of contributions to Huskie Athletics extends beyond the field.
During his time in Saskatoon, he has demonstrated leadership and a passion for giving back to his community. Frank has served as a foster home provider with SOS Prairie Rescue for several years, caring for foster cats by handling feeding, medication, and hygiene.
In addition to his volunteer work with animals, Frank has dedicated his time to coaching and mentoring young athletes. For the past four years, he has been a coach at Huskie Football’s high school camps, guiding and mentoring aspiring athletes through rigorous practices, supporting their growth both on and off the field. He has also served as a coach for Saskatoon Minor Football’s U-16 Spring Academy, focusing on position-specific training for running backs and coordinating special teams.
Frank also volunteers with KidSport’s annual Amazing Race event, where he runs a football skills station, offering guidance and encouragement to participants in activities such as kicking, throwing, and catching. His enthusiasm and mentorship contribute to a positive experience for the youth involved.
He has also thrived academically during his time at Saskatchewan, earning Academic All-Canadian status every season while maintaining a 93.5 percent overall average in the College of Engineering during the last academic year.
Meanwhile, University of Manitoba quarterback Jackson Tachinski was named the 2024 Canada West Football Player of the Year, coming off a dynamic campaign where he led the Herd to a first place 7-1 record, their best regular season finish in 17 years. Bisons head coach Brian Dobie was named Coach of the Year in his 29th and final season, while Giordano Vaccaro was named Outstanding Lineman.
The University of Calgary's Nate Beauchemin was recognized as the conference's Outstanding Defensive Player, while University of British Columbia defensive lineman Deacon Sterna was named Rookie of the Year.
Huskies Senior Advisor Jerry Friesen was named the conference's Gino Fracas Award nominee for U Sports Assistant Coach of the Year. A member of the University of Saskatchewan Athletic Wall of Fame and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, Friesen has been an invaluable member of the Huskies coaching staff since his return to the program in 2017.
Friesen brings over 25 years of coaching experience in both U Sports and the Canadian Football League. Friesen first joined the Huskies’ coaching staff in 1986, staying for 10 seasons and winning the 1990 Vanier Cup. He then had multiple coaching stops with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Dinos, and Alberta Golden Bears, before returning to his alma mater in 2017.
As a player, Friesen spent five seasons with the Huskies before being drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in 1978. He played nine seasons in the CFL with the Alouettes and Roughriders. As a Huskie, the linebacker was a conference all-star for three straight seasons and an All-Canadian twice.
All recipients go on as Canada West's nominations for the U Sports national awards.
The Canadian West conference football season is set for a dramatic conclusion on Saturday as the University of Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Huskies meet in the 87th Hardy Cup. The game is set for 1 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The winner hosts the Mitchell Bowl on Saturday, November 16 with the the Canada West champion against the Quebec Conference champion.
Brendan McGuire and Derek Bidwell start the radio pre-game show at 12:45 p.m. with kick-off to follow at 1 p.m. You can listen to the game on the 620 CKRM 2 stream.
