FB | Amundrud, Baker, Giustini named Players of the Week

CW Announces Players of the Week

Seven student-athletes recognized across four sports

Sept. 12, 2023 – Following a terrific weekend of action, the Canada West Universities Athletic Association is proud to announce its Players of the Week.

Football Offensive Player of the Week – QB Anton Amundrud (SSK)

It isn’t easy to step into the starting role of a program coming off two straight Hardy Cup wins, but Anton Amundrud is doing his best to prove that he belongs.

The new Huskie starter was simply dominant in a 40-6 rout of rival Regina last Friday night, throwing for four touchdowns and 391 yards in front of over 10,000 fans at Griffiths Stadium.

Amundrud came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, completing his first nine passes and connecting for all four of his touchdowns in the first half. Three of those TD connections were to third-year receiver Rhett Vavra.

It’s early, but Amundrud has already announced his arrival in Canada West as the Huskies focus on getting back to the Vanier Cup this season. Through two games he leads Canada West in passing (352 yards) and touchdowns (8). The Huskies now prepare for a home showdown with the Alberta Golden Bears next Friday in a battle of two undefeated teams.

Football Defensive Player of the Week – LB Ryan Baker (UBC)

UBC’s defence has been rock solid through two games so far this season, making life uncomfortable for opposing offences. Third-year North Vancouver product Ryan Baker has played a huge part in that success, delivering another strong game against Calgary on Saturday.

Baker recorded an interception as well as a fumble recovery in a big 45-15 win over the Dinos, while also adding two solo tackles and one assisted tackle.

After the Dinos tried to claw back into the game by striking for a TD just as the first half ended, Baker started the second half with an interception at the Calgary 37 to swing the game’s momentum back in UBC’s favor.

It was one of two turnovers the 2022 All-Canadian was involved in after he also picked up a Ben Sangmuah forced fumble.

UBC head coach Blake Nill was complimentary of Baker’s performance after the game, stating "Baker's success at free safety shows he's the best defensive player in the league if not the whole country."

"He was an all-Canadian middle line backer, we moved him back to free safety and all he does is make plays. I want him to be a leader on that team and he's responded very well."

The nationally ranked T-Birds are 2-0 and will battle winless Manitoba next Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium.

Football Special Teams Player of the Week – K Jonathan Giustini (ALB)

Kicker Jonathan Giustini knocked in three field goals while helping the Golden Bears to a critical 37-16 win over Manitoba last Friday.

Alberta, who has started their season 2-0 for the first time since 2015, has shown a balanced offensive attack through the season’s opening two games as they look to return to the CW playoffs.

Giustini, a fourth-year student-athlete from Calgary, has played his part. His three field goals on Friday all came in the third quarter and included drives from 25, 33 and 49 yards out. He was also 4/4 on extra points, improving to a perfect 7/7 on the season.

Alberta now prepares for a big test next Friday as they travel to face Saskatchewan in a battle of undefeated teams.