Regina Rams coach Frank McCrystal retiring after '14 season
After 30 years as the head coach of the Regina Rams, Frank McCrystal has announced he'll retire following the 2014 football season. This year will be his 31st season as head coach.
McCrystal made the announcement on Tuesday night. His last day with the University of Regina will be Dec. 31, 2014.
The Saskatchewan coaching legend first took over the Rams program in 1984 while the team was still playing at the junior level. McCrystal and the Rams won seven national championships and he was twice named Canadian Junior Football coach of the year.
In 1999, McCrystal helped the Rams make the jump to college ball, joining the University of Regina.
After only one season in the CIAU — now the CIS — McCrystal led the Rams to a spot in the 2000 Vanier Cup. The Rams lost that game 42-39 to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.
McCrystal was also named CIS Coach of the Year in 2007.
Since moving to the University of Regina, McCrystal's players also earned the attention of NFL teams. McCrystal recruited and coached four NFL players, including Jon Ryan, Akiem Hicks, Stefan Charles, and Jorgen Hus.
The Rams also produced a number of CFL stars under McCrystal, including Saskatchewan Roughriders Chris Getzlaf, Brendon LaBatte and Neal Hughes.
