Regina Thunder running back Ryland Leichert made history when he became the team's all-time leader in career rushing yards with 3,388.
That was a momentous achievement for Leichert.
"I didn't even know if I was going to play football after high school. I missed Grade 12 because of COVID," Leichert told SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. "Not really recruited from six-man football. The Thunder gave me an opportunity. I worked hard and luckily I had the great support staff and teammates around me -- it paid off eventually."
The 21-year-old from Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan reflected on the first football game he played in high school.
"I was in grade nine playing with the seniors. I ended up having a really great game, starting every single play pretty much," Leichert said. "That was the most sore I've ever been in my life. That's what football is about. I couldn't feel my legs until the next game. I fell in love with the game and that's what made me want to pursue football."
One of Leichert's most memorable moments came in 2022 when he ran for 390 yards on 52 attempts against the Winnipeg Rifles in a snowy Prairie Football Conference semi-final victory.
"It was a cold game; snow bowl -- I was freezing," Leichert recalled. "I remember after the first drive, our offensive coordinator came up to me: 'Hey, do you got that in you all game?' And I said: 'If that's what you guys need.'"
Leichert is in his fourth year with the Thunder. In his career with the team, he has averaged 6.2 yards per carry and totalled 22 rushing touchdowns. He credits his offensive linemen who have helped him this season.
"They're the heart and soul," Leichert said. "To watch how they prepare and how they dominate and not take a play off, that gives me the confidence in myself to say: 'Hey, I'm doing it for those guys.' As a running back, I need to make the most of it."
The stakes are high for Leichert and the 5-2 Regina Thunder because the winner between them and the 5-2 Calgary Colts this Sunday will be able to host the loser for a PFC semi-final match up on Sunday, October 13.
"It's going to be competitive," Leichert said. "It's our alumni game, so we're going to have a great showing of fans. There's going to be a lot of energy."
