EXCELLENCE ON, OFF FIELD
Rams’ Schienbein gets top marks
Ryan Schienbein, an integral component of the University of Regina Rams’ aerial attack, is also familiar with passing in a different context.
Passing classes with flying colours is routine for the fourth-year slotback — a three-time Academic All-canadian whose average is routinely in the mid-80s.
“We’re student-athletes,” the former Balfour Collegiate star says, “so the ‘student’ part comes first.”
Schienbein is first in touchdown catches in Canada West, with four, after the first two weeks of the season.
On Monday, he was named the conference’s offensive player of the week after a 13-catch, 176-yard, three-td performance in Friday ’s 51-13 victory over the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton.
“It was quite cool,” Schienbein says of the award. “It’s something that I’ve been working towards the last couple of seasons and I think, as an offence, that it’s something we expect from ourselves, throughout everyone, on a weekly basis.”
Much was expected from Schienbein entering his third season as a starter.
In 2016, he was named a conference all-star after catching 54 passes for 790 yards and seven TDS, one of which was the first major to be scored by any football player at new Mosaic Stadium. He averaged 98.8 yards per game that season.
Last year, his numbers were slightly down (40 catches, 483 yards, three TDS), a major factor being the two games he missed due to injury.
But he has regained his all-star form while emerging as the primary target of star quarterback Noah Picton, the 2016 Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the top player in U Sports football.
“I was out a bit last year with an injury and I don’t think I got to full swing like I was a year prior,” Schienbein says. “It finally feels like I am comfortable again and I think me and Noah are getting back on the track, where we were a couple of years ago.”
Mitch Picton, Noah’s cousin, has graduated to the pro ranks — he is on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ practice roster — and Schienbein is filling a massive void by stepping up as the Rams’ leading receiver.
“Mitch is a great player and we definitely miss him, but I think we have a great receiving corps all around,” Schienbein says. “We’ve got Kyle Moortgat, Bennett Stusek, Daniel Scraper, Kris Calcutt and a lot of other talented guys backing up as well.
“I take it personally to be a leader, but I know we have weapons all over the field and Noah’s going to find them.”
Schienbein is delighted to be able to collaborate for one more season with Picton, who is in his final year of eligibility.
“He’s one of the best to have played U Sports so, as a receiver, you’ve got to love it,” he says. “He’s great at what he does and he makes everyone around him better.”
Schienbein hopes to do that himself in a vocational capacity.
A human kinetics major who is enrolled in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, he aspires to become a personal trainer and specialize in speed training — ideally while assisting Rams players as a means of “giving back.”
That spirit was recognized in 2015 when he was the male recipient of the Regina High Schools Athletic Association’s Lorne Aston Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes excellence athletically and academically as well as contributions to the school and the community.
Schienbein has carried that mindset into university.
“I’m trying to do my best,” he says. “Being a student-athlete, it’s always a test. You’re busy with school and keeping your average up and football’s a full-time job. I try to help out with the community as much as possible and just try to be a great member of society.”
All the while, he tries to establish a balance.
“I don’t think people really understand how much time football really takes up,” Schienbein notes.
“It’s about seven hours a day. Once you get into the rhythm of things and plan ahead with your schedule, you make time for it. If it’s important enough, sometimes that means sacrificing a weekend with some buddies to really focus on your academics.”
Schienbein and the Rams return to action Friday, 7 p.m., against the UBC Thunderbirds at Mosaic Stadium.
Both teams are 1-1.