The 2024 Hardy Cup champion University of Regina Rams gathered Thursday evening to celebrate their season and honour individual accomplishments.
The Rams held their annual awards night, and the big winner was defensive back Jackson Sombach, who was named the team’s MVP. He was also recognized by earning the Gord Currie award for exemplifying leadership, fellowship, perseverance, and dedication to the team.
In 2024, Sombach was named a second-team All-Canadian and a Canada West all-star for the second time in his career after registering 38 tackles, nine passes defended, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in 11 games. The Regina native has signed with Calgary and heads to Stampeders training camp in May.
Other individual Rams award winners:
Cameron Mah -- Defensive Player of the Year. The fifth-year linebacker from Vancouver led the Rams in tackles with 34.0 and had two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions in the Canada West regular season.
Isaac Wegner -- Special Teams Player of the Year and leading scorer. Playing in his fourth year of eligibility, the science student from Strathmore, Alberta, handled both the punting and kicking duties. He averaged 41.8 yards per punt while hitting 9-of-18 field goals.
Renzel Arinaza -- Rookie of the Year. The receiver from Maple Ridge, B.C. was a true freshman, joining the team straight from his high school, Terry Fox Secondary. The five-foot-seven pass catcher was second on the team and ninth in the conference in receptions with 29 and third in receiving yards at 287.
Noah Pelletier -- Bob Ryan Memorial award for volunteerism and community service. In addition to his terrific work with youth throughout the province, Pelletier performed on the field when thrust into the starting quarterback role after a Week 1 season-ending injury to Owen Sieben. Pelletier completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 1,671 yards with four touchdowns while leading the Rams to their second Hardy Cup title in school history.
Brandon Wong -- The Michael Schmidt Memorial award: presented to the player who demonstrates a positive lifestyle and leadership skills combined with academic and athletic achievement. Wong, a second-year defensive back, suited up for seven games, was second on the team in total tackles with 21 and registered one sack and an interception.
The Regina Rams begin their off-season workouts in the new year. The team hopes to play in the 2025 Vanier Cup, which Regina will host in November.
