• 2007 CIS Coach of the Year
• 2007 Canada West Coach of the Year
Frank McCrystal, the lone head coach in the history of the University of Regina’s football program, will coach in his 15th season at the CIS level in 2013. In 2000, just the program’s second year at the CIS level, McCrystal guided the Rams to a Hardy Cup championship, a victory in the Atlantic Bowl, and a Vanier Cup appearance.
In 2007, McCrystal was recognized as the CIS Coach of the Year after leading the Rams to a 6-2 Canada West record and a berth in the Hardy Cup final. McCrystal enters the 2013 season with a 55-56-1 record in Canada West conference games and a 7-11 postseason record.
In 1984, McCrystal assumed the reins of the Rams program and coached the team during its final 15 seasons at the junior level. The team won seven national championships under McCrystal, who was twice voted the Canadian Junior Football Coach of the Year.
Under McCrystal’s tutelage, a total of 19 players have been drafted directly to the Canadian Football League from the U of R, including first rounders Chris Bauman (first overall to Hamilton in 2007), Jason Clermont (fourth overall to British Columbia in 2001), and Brendon LaBatte (sixth overall to Winnipeg in 2008). Akiem Hicks, who starred for the Rams under McCrystal in 2010 and 2011, became just the second Canada West player to be drafted directly into the National Football League after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2012 draft.
Seven former University of Regina players ended the 2012 season on professional rosters, including a pair of NFL players in Hicks (New Orleans) and Jon Ryan (Seattle). Bauman (Calgary), LaBatte (Saskatchewan), Chris Getzlaf (Saskatchewan), Neal Hughes (Saskatchewan), and Jordan Sisco (Saskatchewan) all toil in the CFL.
27 players have garnered CIS All-Canadian status under McCrystal, including 19 first-team selections.
Frank and his wife Wendy have one daughter (Hailey) and one son (Charlie). Hailey served as a trainer for the Rams for several seasons, while Charlie was a five-year starter for the Rams at safety and is now an assistant coach with the team.
