It was a sensational first half of the season for all Bison Sports teams. We're re-living some of the top moments from 2024, starting with Bison football's memorable year.
 
There were many storylines for the Bisons football team entering the 2024 season, but the two that stole the headlines were the percentage of seniors who returned from the prior year, as well as "the last ride" for head coach Brian Dobie.
 
Twenty five percent of Manitoba's roster were in their fourth or fifth year of eligibility in 2024. Those that had a choice opted to return, knowing how special the upcoming season could be.
 
That group included three CFL Draft picks, in receiver AK Gassama, defensive lineman Collin Kornelson and linebacker Nick Thomas, who returned for their fifth season as Bisons, along with four-year starters such as Stephen Adamopoulos, Jarrett Alcaraz and Nick Conway in the secondary. Each of these individuals spent at least seven years with the Herd, establishing legacies that will never be forgotten.
 
Manitoba's leadership core were already committed to returning prior to Dobie announcing his retirement (following the 2024 campaign) at the start of training camp. The 29-year head coach of the program gave a passionate speech to the roster on what the football team, and school has meant to him, reminding the group that "I love this team. People ask who's your favourite team? To me the best answer is the team that you're coaching right now. You guys represent every player I've ever coached (click here for more on Dobie's story)."
 
Dobie's speech was emotional for all involved. His message resonated with every member of the locker room, adding further motivation for a team that was already loaded with talent.
 
"We've been through a lot together, so much adversity. There's so many moments we've had together. We were already so motivated and so into the season, and then the coach Dobie news happened," said fourth-year starting quarterback Jackson Tachinski, named the Canada West Player of the Year following the regular season.
 
"That just brings a whole other level of motivation. We all have really strong belief in that locker room that we're going to do well."
 
A gritty and resilient Bisons squad went 7-1 in the regular season, finishing first in the standings. It was the first time the program had accomplished the latter in 17 years, while Tachinski's Player of the Year recognition was the first for Manitoba since 2002.
 
Additionally, left guard and three-year starter Giordano Vaccaro was named the JP Metras winner as the nation's top lineman. He became the first Bisons offensive lineman to earn the honour since 1974, the first year it was awarded, while the Herd rushed for a school record 2,016 yards total.
 
Manitoba had nine Canada West All-Stars overall, the most in 23 years, including Maya Turner. The trailblazing kicker's all-star selection marked the first for a female in U SPORTS. The squad also had four All-Canadians, including running back Breydon Stubbs, who broke a 29-year single season rushing touchdown record for the program, with 14.
 
As usual, wins didn't come easy in the wild west. Manitoba won three contests on the final play of the game, including two one-point victories over Alberta, 24-23 at homecoming, and 38-37 on the road.
 
The latter of those games included the largest comeback in school history, as Manitoba battled back from 26 points down on the road to win in overtime on a two-point convert from Tachinski to Gassama in the corner of the end zone in single coverage.  
 
Tachinski was incredible during the 15-minute comeback. The Vincent Massey grad went 13-for-15 in 15:46, throwing for 166 yards and a touchdown, completing passes to seven different receivers along the way. He added 89 of his career-high 146 rushing yards during that span, gaining more confidence with each drive (click here for more on Tachinski).
 
"The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to this year was our composure. I think in big moments, in tight games, we were able to stay calm and fight through anything," said Tachinski, who has seven wins in his career as starting quarterback in one-score games.
 
"We ended up in lot of one-score games and ended up being on top of the majority of them. We never panicked and we found ways to win, which was very positive to see.
 
With 31 players entering their fourth or fifth season in 2025, Manitoba is sure to be a contender once again next year, establishing a team culture that's hard to replicate.
 
"I think our team was a great unit this year that truly believed in each other, and that we were going to win," added Tachinski.
 
"There was an unwavering faith in that locker room and it was special to see everyone was bought in."