To say his presence will be missed behind the bench may be an understatement after Brian Towriss announced he is stepping down as head coach of the Saskatchewan Huskies football team after 33 years.
“I want to thank all of those that have supported me throughout my career at the University of Saskatchewan and all of the fans in Huskie Nation,” Towriss said.
“I am proud to say that we won a lot of football games and we did it with honesty, respect and hard work.”
And win football games the Huskies did. Towriss hold the national record for most wins by a football coach at 196 and has coached the most games in university sport at 315.
Under Towriss’s guidance, the Huskier won three Vanier Cups, 11 Hardy titles and nine Vanier Cup appearances.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team regrouping for playoff push
Towriss said he has had a long and fulfilling career with the Huskies, which started in 1974 as a defensive lineman.
Originally from Moose Jaw, Sask., Towriss went on to play four seasons with the Huskies and was named a conference all-star in 1974.
He became an assistant coach in 1980 under Val Schneider before being named head coach in 1984.
Huskie Athletics director Basil Hughton said Towriss, affectionately known as BT, had an impact on all who crossed paths with him.
“He has impacted many young athletes, coaches and staff throughout his years of service as their mentor and friend,” Hughton said.
“BT has devoted countless hours to the University of Saskatchewan as an ambassador promoting our University to not only prospective athletes but to many other audiences across Canada.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan Huskies men’s volleyball team reflects on first half of season
Towriss did not say what his future plans are.
“I wish the program continued success and a return to national prominence,” he added.
The Huskies said the search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with an interim coach named in the new year.