By Tim Switzer,
Regina Leader-Post
University of Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal was smiling like a proud papa Wednesday afternoon.
McCrystal, who says his job requires him to be a surrogate parent, had just watched three of his players — including the first overall pick, Chris Bauman — selected in the CFL Canadian Draft.
“It’s a great thing not only for our football program, but for the university,” McCrystal said. “It’s recognition that not only are we providing athletic programs that are strong and healthy, but academic programs that allow these guys to have that support and get them to compete at a level of football that allows them to compete professionally.”
Bauman, a wide receiver, and slotback Chris Getzlaf (33rd overall) went to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Offensive tackle Ryan Ackerman was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the 28th pick.
All three were important cogs in the Rams offence that was ranked third in Canadian Interuniversity Sport last season with an average of 452.5 yards per game — 333.8 of those through the air.
After signing a contract with the Ti-Cats, Bauman is assured of staying with the CFL club. Getzlaf and Ackerman will have to impress their respective teams during training camp to earn a roster spot.
Either way, three players going in one draft leaves things looking up for the Rams.
“It’s certainly something you would use (in recruiting),” said McCrystal. “Right now the fact that we have (quarterback) Teale (Orban) and the fact we had two first-team All-Canadian receivers, it is attracting attention from these young guys coming from other programs.”
Other than those selected, there will likely be a few more members of the Rams offence smiling. Among them is Orban, who was at the centre of the powerful offence in 2006.
“The cool thing about offence in football is everybody has to work together for everybody to do well,” said Orban. “The reason Bauman did so well is because of Getzlaf and vice versa. And the reason they got the ball is because Ackerman is blocking.”
Orban is already seeing the impact the drafted players will have on the program.
“For the last couple years … we haven’t had a real big draft,” said Orban. “It’s really big to get three guys going in the draft — one first overall. It keeps people looking and makes people more aware of the Rams program. You already see a more positive outlook from players coming in to camp with the fact those guys were so highly recruited.”
The Rams haven’t had a player drafted since offensive lineman Kyler Jukes was selected by the Calgary Stampeders in 2005.
From the outside, the Rams may look like they are in trouble with the loss of Bauman and Getzlaf, but most involved with the team don’t see big problems on the horizon.
Receivers such as Jordan Sisco, Chad Goldie, Jared Ralko, Alan Kyle and rookie Jason Price could all be looked upon to fill the void left by Getzlaf and Bauman.
“Obviously you can’t completely replace those guys once they leave, but at the same time, we’ve got guys in there that are going to be able to step up and do similar things,” said Orban. “Who knows? In three years, we might be talking about the exact same thing with two or three other receivers we have.”
