Herd’s Dobie top Canada West coach

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This article was published 08/11/2024 (392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba Bisons were the recipients of three major football awards Thursday.

Head coach Brian Dobie, who is retiring after 29 seasons on the job, was named Canada West coach of the year while quarterback Jackson Tachinski and offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro were named the conference’s player of the year and lineman of the year, respectively.

It was the sixth coach of the year honour and first since 2006 for Dobie, who led the Bisons to their best regular -season finish (7-1) in 17 years.

Tachinski, the unanimous selection as all-star quarterback, becomes the first Bison since 2002 and third overall to be named player of the year.

He was second in efficiency in Canada West at 150.6, while setting career highs in passing yards (1,662), passing touchdowns (11) and rushing yards (570).

Vaccaro, a 2023 All-Canadian and three-year starter who has played at left tackle and guard, was also named a unanimous Canada West all-star selection in 2024. He’s the first Bisons offensive lineman since Chris Bochen (in 2001 and 2002) to earn back-to-back Canada West All-Star selections.

Meanwhile, Calgary’s Nate Beauchemin was recognized as the conference’s outstanding defensive player, while UBC defensive lineman Deacon Sterna was named rookie of the year. ​