Frank McCrystal has been called to the hall, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. The long-time coach of the Regina Rams will be among five legends and two builders that will make up the Class of 2025.
McCrystal originally joined the Rams in 1972 as a player. In his time on the field with the Rams, McCrystal, a 165-pound linebacker, would be named a captain and helped Regina win three Canadian junior football championships.
Following his playing days, McCrystal became an assistant coach with the Rams in 1979. In his four years as defensive co-ordinator, he would win another pair of CJFL titles.
In 1984, McCrystal was promoted to head coach. He would then lead the team to another seven Canadian Bowl occasions.
McCrystal stayed with the program when it joined USports and the University of Regina in 1999.
McCrystal remained the head coach of the Rams until his retirement following the 2014 season.
For his commitment and dedication to guiding young players, he was presented with the Gord Currie award as CJFL Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1998, and with the Frank Tindall Trophy in 2007 as Canadian Interuniversity Sport Coach of the Year.
McCrystal was elected to the Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
The Canadian Football Hall of Fame will hold its formal induction ceremony on September 19.
Joining McCrystal will be offensive linemen Bryan Chiu and Jovan Olafioye, wide receiver Jeremaine Copeland, defensive back Scott Flagel, and linebacker Darryl Hall, who will be elected in the Player Category. Meanwhile, long-time official Glen Johnson joins McCrystal, entering as a Builder.
