50TH VANIER CUP INTERVIEW SERIES: David Earl, Saskatchewan (1990)

50^TH VANIER CUP INTERVIEW SERIES: 1990

A conversation with...

David Earl, quarterback, University of Saskatchewan Huskies

In Vanier Cup XXVI, at Toronto’s SkyDome, the Saskatchewan Huskies edged the Saint Mary’s Huskies 24-21 to capture the first national title in program history. With the win, the Green Huskies erased some of the memories from the previous year, when they lost 35-10 to Western Ontario in the team’s first Vanier Cup appearance. Saskatchewan quarterback David Earl, one of many returning players from the 1989 squad, was named MVP of the 1990 final after he threw for 244 yards and a touchdown and scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a nine-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

What is your major memory of the entire Vanier Cup week and the overall experience?

Vanier Cup week in 1990 was a business trip for us – we felt we had unfinished business from the year before. We were beaten badly by Western in the 1989 Vanier. Not that we didn’t enjoy Vanier week in 1990 – we took part in all the events and had fun, but we were a much more focused team than we were the previous year. We kept our eye on the prize.

(Note: The Huskies lost 35-10 to Western Ontario in their first Vanier Cup appearance in 1989)

What is your one major lasting memory of the actual game?

The feeling immediately afterwards that we had just won the first Vanier Cup in our school’s history.

What did it mean to become the first Vanier Cup champions in Huskies history?

Being the first certainly made it special. It’s hard to believe it was nearly 25 years ago – the program has changed so much since then. It certainly felt like we established a culture of excellence – we started a pretty extraordinary run for Huskie Football through the 90s and early 2000s. Hopefully the current group can re-establish the team as a force in CIS football and begin another great run for Huskie Football!

What do you remember as the key play of the game?

Easy. Don Bristow’s sack that led to Rob Dutton’s recovery of Chris Flynn’s fumble in the final moments of the game. Unreal. We were able to down the ball and run out the clock to end the game. 

(Note: Trailing 24-21, Saint Mary’s had the ball at the Saskatchewan 37-yard line in the final minute of regulation. Flynn, who had received his record third consecutive Hec Crighton Trophy two days before the game, rolled to his right looking for a receiver and was caught from behind by Bristow, who forced him to fumble the ball)

What were you thinking when the ball was fumbled and it was recovered by your teammate?

I can’t remember what I was thinking but I remember what I was feeling: relief.

What was your personal greatest play or moment?

That’s a tough one. To be honest, I didn’t feel like I had played that well – I threw a couple of interceptions on drives that should’ve resulted in points for us, and also ran out of bounds twice while time was ticking down in the fourth quarter. Probably the touchdown pass to Dan Farthing in the second quarter or my scramble for a touchdown in the fourth. Those were decent plays.

(Note: Earl’s 13-yard TD pass to Farthing made it 14-0 Saskatchewan 2:28 into the second quarter, while his nine-yard TD run made it 24-14 after 2:53 of play in the fourth)

Did anything unusual / out of the ordinary happen during the game or during Vanier week?

Not that I remember. We were very calm, relaxed and focused, having been there the year before. In ’89, we were in awe of the whole experience, particularly of playing at the newly-opened SkyDome. Guys joked that the stadium was as large as their hometown. Funny, mostly because it was true. However, in 1990, we did everything we could to keep our preparation as normal as possible – we treated it like it was just another game.

Did the coaches do anything different from normal routine in the preparation for the game?

As I just mentioned, just the opposite. Our coaches did everything they could to stick to our normal routine as much as possible.

How did you or the team react to the stadium and the crowd?

Thankfully, we didn’t have to worry about the weather since the game was in the SkyDome. Our only obstacle was trying to ignore the Jumbotron. It’s a little bigger than the scoreboard at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.

What are your memories of the post-game celebrations on the field and/or in the dressing room?

Euphoric. There was a sense of great satisfaction. It was incredible sitting in the dressing room afterwards, celebrating with our teammates and coaches, just enjoying the moment.

What are your memories of the trip back home?

It was a great trip. Winning is way better than losing. (said with a big smile)

What was the reaction on campus when the team returned?

Our fans are the best. We received tremendous support all season long from friends, family, the University and the community. Our attendance skyrocketed through the late 80s and early 90s. Huskie Football became an event not to be missed in Saskatoon. It still is to this day.

At the time, how did winning the Vanier Cup change your everyday life?

I really can’t say that it changed my day-to-day life. However, what we went through as a team on our quest to win the Vanier, and being a part of the Huskie Football family, certainly changed my life.

I learned things about myself that have stuck with me since I was a part of Huskie Football. I made friends that I continue to cherish and will have for a lifetime. I continue to coach high school football in Saskatoon, hoping to provide the young people whom I work with a positive experience similar to the one that I was blessed with. Playing Huskie Football taught me that it’s not about winning championships; it is about the experience that a team goes through in their attempt to win a championship.

How often to you reminisce about your Vanier Cup win?

Not very often, to be honest. Sometimes, my players ask. Or when the Huskies do well and go on a run and the topic of the Vanier comes up, our 1990 team is often mentioned.

What did you study at the U of S and what career path did you follow after graduation?

I earned a Bachelor of Education in 1992 and a Master’s of Education in 1994. I currently teach Mathematics at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon.

How did winning the Vanier Cup shape what you do in your career?

Playing football taught me about commitment, discipline, work ethic and the importance of teamwork. Winning the Vanier taught me that when a group of individuals commit themselves to a common purpose, great things can happen.