The University of Western Ontario Mustangs won their eighth Vanier Cup in school history on Saturday. The Mustangs defeated the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 27-21 at Stade Telus in Quebec City, Quebec.
Mustangs quarterback Evan Hillock of Hamilton, Ontario won the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the Vanier Cup most valuable player. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, along with two rushes for eight yards. The most common target for Hillock was wide receiver Griffin Campbell of London, Ontario, who had six catches for 104 yards, and caught both of Hillock’s touchdown passes. Running back Trey Humes of Ajax, Ontario had the Mustangs’ other touchdown as he had 13 carries for 79 yards.
Meanwhile, the Bruce Coulter Award was presented to Daniel Valente Jr. of London, Ontario. On Saturday, Valente Jr., a defensive back, had a game high eight solo tackles, 8.5 total tackles, and one tackle for a loss. If the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy is awarded to an offensive player, the Bruce Coulter Award is presented to the best defensive player of the game. Also, If the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy is awarded to a defensive player, the Bruce Coulter Award is presented to the best offensive player of the game
The Mustangs previously won the Vanier Cup in 1971, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1989, 1994, and 2017. The school has been in the most Vanier Cups ever with 15 appearances. This was the third Vanier Cup as a head coach for Greg Marshall of Guelph, Ontario. He previously won in 1989 and 2017. When the Mustangs won in 1994, Marshall was the Mustangs offensive coordinator, and Larry Haylor of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan was the head coach.