Ab SchTo call Bears football a young team would be an understatement.
With the end of another season, the attention once again falls on graduating players. The Bears have very few, with only four players graduating, and a single fifth year player: linebacker Connor Ralph.
While both the UBC Thunderbirds and Manitoba Bisons also have a limited number of fifth year players, with the Thunderbirds having two, and the Bisons having three, only the Bears went forward this year with a solitary fifth year player.
Ralph reflected on his experience playing the final game of his CIS career.
“I knew it would be a tough game,” Ralph said.
“Once it got into the third and fourth quarter, I kind of knew it was over. It’s been a good ride for sure.”
Ralph was a rare veteran on a Bears roster that featured 60 first year players and 17 second year players, but his leadership wasn’t all talk. He also got it done on the field over his tenure at the U of A, leading Canada West in tackles in both 2013 and 2014, while also being named to the Canada West all star team in 2014 — the Bears’ lone defensive representative. This year, Ralph finished his season with 50.5 tackles, good for a tie for third in Canada West.
Head coach Chris Morris spoke very highly of his lone fifth year player.
“I want to thank Connor for everything he’s given the program,” Morris said.
“He’s been an outstanding player for us, and a good leader, and I wish him all the best.”
“It would’ve been nice to end (his career) with a playoff game, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get it done.”
The Bears have a number of players entering their final year of eligibility next year, including linebacker Brandon Foster, kicker Stephen Fabian, defensive back Stephen McCaffrey, and linebacker Tom Tsoumpas.
Ralph said his advice to the players stepping into those leadership roles was to take advantage of every opportunity they’re given.
“You could have your best year in your third compared to your fifth year, you just never know,” Ralph said.
“Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t all of a sudden mean you’re going to be a better player. Just take advantage of the opportunity that comes and try to get better every single day.”
Despite the Bears missing the playoffs this year, Ralph is optimistic for the years to come, and thinks the Bears will be in the playoffs sooner rather than later.
“I think they’re got some great young pieces, and I think they can get this thing turned around,” Ralph said.
“There’s a lot of young talent there, so I really think the program is going to be good in the next couple of years.”
The Bears haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, and they will now look to take the step into postseason football for the 2016 season. Ralph said he’ll be watching.
“I’ll definitely be a supporter of Golden Bears football, because they treated me good, so I’ll make sure to return the favour to them.”
