After a rookie season to remember, Husky’s Wallach prepares for the Vanier Cup
“From the first snap, the first minute, he showed up. Nothing is too big for him.”
Article content
Jack Wallach isn’t one of many big stage-stomping pals.
advertising 2
Article content
The 18-year-old University of Saskatchewan-Husky freshman from Strathmore, Alberta will start his team on the right offensive tackle when they face Laval Rouge and others in Saturday’s Vanier Cup. that.
Article content
Wallach, Canada’s Western Rookie of the Year, was asked on Thursday to talk about his previous championship experiences. He couldn’t come up with much.
“I played at a provincial championship in Alberta and lost. It was Pee-wee’s year,” he said. “Team he won a bronze medal in the U-16 era when he played for Alberta. It is the first time.
Huskies head coach Scott Frawley, meanwhile, said Wallach “played like a seasoned veteran.”
advertising 3
Article content
Historically, few players get their first job on the Huskies offensive line straight out of high school. But the 6-foot-5-inch, 275-pound tackle caused problems first in spring camp and then in training camp.
“From the first snap, the first minute, he showed up,” Frawley said Thursday. “Nothing is too big for him.”
No one knew what role Wallach would be in when Frawley recruited him. The kid received tentacles from schools across the country, but his heart was in western Canada.
He settled on the Husky and threw his body like a confident veteran.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to play,” he says. “Being able to contribute to the team in some way is a plus.
“I’m happy to help in any way. Coming into the season I thought I was going to do my best to help the scout team. Push the older guys to make them better. And now I is here and can reach out directly.”
Advertising 4
Article content
Wallach joins the Huskies’ offensive line, which lost three Conference All-Stars from last season’s Vanier Cup finalists tackles Noah Zar and Nicolas Sumak, and center Conor Bergloff.
But Frawley, a Canadian Football Hall of Famer who spent 15 years in the CFL as an offensive lineman, knew what he had at Wallach.
“I told him from the beginning, I’m not going to guarantee you a starting spot, but you’re going to make an early impact on our football team,” recalls Frawley. “I remember talking to him and his dad after spring camp.
“He’s too good. When a young person comes into your program, one of the things you see is how good they are. It’s… ‘Wow; will have a hard time with
Advertising 5
Article content
“Like a lot of our younger players. Looking at our reception squad, with (sophomore) Daniel Wiebe and Rhett Vavra. Looking at (second-year linebacker) Lane Novak. Look at (second-year linebacker) Seth Handeby.
“They’re so good. How do you keep them off the field? They’re so good, you gotta play them.”
Wallach will therefore be in Saturday’s final Canadian college football game of the season, which begins at noon Saskatoon time.
“More than anything, I’m just excited,” said Wallach. “Obviously I’m a little apprehensive, but I’m excited. Not many 18-year-olds get this kind of opportunity. I’m taking advantage of it and immersing myself in the moment.”
“There’s more of an eye on you[in the Vanier Cup]. Everything is magnified. You have to be very careful how you play. It’s also a lot of fun.”
kemitchell@postmedia.com
-
Back in the Vanier Cup: Huskies outlast StFX during Utek Bowl clash
-
Huskies, Rouge et Or renew long and dramatic rivalry in Vanier Cup
News always seems to fly fast to us. From the latest on COVID-19, to politics and crime, and everything in between, it can be hard to keep up.With that in mind, Saskatoon Star Phoenix is afternoon headline A newsletter is delivered daily to your inbox to help you stay up to date with the most important news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
After a rookie season to remember, Husky’s Wallach prepares for the Vanier Cup
Source link After a rookie season to remember, Husky’s Wallach prepares for the Vanier Cup