50TH VANIER CUP INTERVIEW SERIES: Brian Devlin, Wilfrid Laurier University (2005)

50^TH VANIER CUP INTERVIEW SERIES: 2005

A conversation with...

Brian Devlin, kicker, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

In Vanier Cup XLI, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks captured the second national title in program history thanks to a dramatic 24-23 win over the Saskatchewan Huskies. The contest was played on December 3^rd at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, the latest the CIS football final has ever been scheduled. The Golden Hawks scored nine points in the final three minutes of regulation to steal the victory, including a game-winning, a 32-yeard field goal by fifth-year senior Brian Devlin with 19 seconds left on the clock.     

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

The whole experience was amazing. The entire team and coaches were focused on the goal the entire week. Guys were flying around the field during practices and there was an exciting atmosphere every day. We promised Coach “Jeff” that we would be in the Vanier Cup in 2005 after our loss to Laval in the 2004 Uteck Bowl, and to follow through on that promise was incredible.

(Note: Laurier had not made it back to the Vanier Cup since its 25-18 triumph over Mount Allison in 1991. The Golden Hawks and head coach Gary Jeffries were one win away in 2004 but fell 30-11 to Laval in the Uteck Bowl in Quebec City)  

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

Obviously, watching the ball sail through the uprights on the game-winning field goal is the one major memory, but we made a number of big plays leading up to that field goal. Our defence stopping Saskatchewan to get the ball back was huge, and who can forget Dante Luciani’s catch on third-and-16 to set up the opportunity for the field goal.

(Note: Laurier cut the deficit to 23-21 with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard TD pass from game MVP Ryan Pear to Bryon Hickey but a potential game-tying, two-point convert failed, leaving the Golden Hawks down by two. On the ensuing Saskatchewan drive, the Hawks forced a two-and-out and the Huskies shaved only 22 seconds off the clock. Facing third-and-16 at midfield with 1:45 left, Pyear and Luciani connected for a 17-yard play to keep Laurier’s hopes alive) 

Your game-winning kick is one of the most memorable moments in Golden Hawks history. Walk us through the lead up to the play and what was going through your mind at the time.

As soon as we got the ball back, the thought entered my mind that it may come down to a field goal. After Dante’s catch, I went to my practice net and warmed up my leg continuously. I kept a watchful eye on the big screen to see how the offence was doing until a field goal opportunity presented itself.

Brian Devlin, kicker, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks / Photo credit Mike Whitehouse

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

My whole career at Laurier, our coaches prepared for every game the same. Every opponent was taken seriously and we were well prepared for every team we played.

How did you and the team react to playing what was essentially a home game for Laurier at Ivor Wynne Stadium?

Obviously, you want to have a large crowd cheering you on. The buzz around the school leading up was awesome because everyone you spoke with on campus was going to the game. We were expecting a large Laurier crowd to be there and when we ran out onto the field and actually saw all our fans, I was bursting with pride. I had to take a few deep breaths and wipe some tears away because it was overwhelming.

Going into the matchup, the Huskies were heavy favourites. Did the team use that as motivation to prove that it belonged in the game?

We were shocked when we heard the media’s predictions about the game. We took it as a slap in the face and laughed it off. Obviously, the people who made those predictions didn’t watch us play much that year because we beat some great teams to get to the Vanier Cup. I loved watching Coach Brian Towriss’ halftime interview on TV because he admitted that they underestimated our team speed and it caught them off-guard. Both teams were 11-0 and for one media outlet to predict a 46-7 scoreline for U of S was completely laughable. It was an easy motivator for our team.

(Note: The Golden Hawks’ playoff road to the Vanier Cup in 2005 included a 43-21 OUA semifinal win over McMaster, a 29-11 Yates Cup victory against Western and a 31-10 win at Acadia in the Uteck Bowl)

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

I remember the crowd rushing the field and then I did many media interviews. The interviews had to be cut short after a while because my teeth were clattering together when I spoke, so I had to get off the field and into a warm shower! The dressing room was incredible. Many people had tears in their eyes and everyone was hugging each other.

What are your memories of the trip back home?

The bus ride back home was awesome! I sat at the front with my special teams coach and a few other fifth-year guys like Joel Wright, Andrew Agro, Bryon Hickey and Mike Maurice and we were passing around some celebratory cheer and talking about the game. The team’s rendition of “Country Roads” during the bus ride was especially emotional.

What was the reaction on campus when the team returned?

We returned to our athletic complex gymnasium to around 2,000 people with a stage and cameras everywhere. Later that night, finally being able to celebrate with my family, teammates and schoolmates is something I will never forget. Local pubs were playing our game over and over again for days afterwards. Our win was definitely celebrated as a community.

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

I run into to people to this day and they will tell me they remember where they were watching that game and that kick.

How often do you reminisce about your Vanier Cup win?

I go back to Laurier for pre-season and homecoming and get to relive some of the moments I had as a Golden Hawk. I love watching the current squad under Coach Mike Faulds and hope that they someday get to experience what we experienced in 2005. Go Hawks!