KINGSTON | After six years with the Carabins, Bruno Lagacé was relieved to end his university career by winning the Vanier Cup.
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“After our defeat in the 2019 final and heartbreaking defeats in the 2021 Mitchell Cup and 2022 Dunsmore Cup, it is a relief to finally be able to have the Carabins’ name engraved on the cup in my lifetime,” the veteran defensive back expressed. It’s pretty incredible. I couldn’t have ended my college career better. Everyone dreams of winning the Vanier Cup in the last game.”
Beyond his progress as a football player and his sporting successes, Lagacé retains an element from his time with the Carabins that makes him particularly proud. “When I arrived at the Carabins in 2018 I was a bit of a prick. I was drooling and had a little too much confidence. When we beat Laval for the first time in 2019, I explained that I knew we would win and got a little teased afterwards. I discovered humility.”
Lagacé learned from this misstep. “The person who has joined the Carabins is completely different to the person who has just finished their university career and that is what I am most proud of,” he said. I grew and developed. The person I have become is the aspect that makes me most proud.”
Photo Didier Debusschere
Bargains at the banquet
Without going into all the details, Lagacé mentioned that the Vanier Cup had been won since Thursday. “UBC behaved at the banquet that we did not necessarily agree with,” he said. If you are from Quebec and speak French, you may be fooled. They beat us up a bit and that gave us extra motivation.”
The Blues defense was tenacious. “I am very happy with our game. We stopped them on third three times in our territory and that made a big difference.”
Lagacé was selected to the Canadian first all-star team for the first time in his career and wants to continue his career in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks, who own his rights. “If they offer me a contract, I will definitely go there,” he said. Last year, after an academic change, I didn’t go to training camp to concentrate on my studies. I will enjoy the moment, complete my bachelor’s degree and prepare for camp.”
As the Elks’ 7th round pick (56th overall) in the last draft, Lagacé’s fate will be decided quickly as teams began signing 2023 drafted players who returned to school.