Posted: Apr 08, 2014
One of the original U of R football players after the Rams moved to the CIS from the junior ranks in 1999, Hughes had five stellar seasons at the U of R and has parlayed that into a long career at the professional level. He also completed his Bachelor of Education from the U of R in 2007.
Hughes was a great all-purpose running back for the Rams, being named a Canada West all-star in 2002 and 2003 and earning the Don Loney Trophy as the 2000 Atlantic Bowl MVP after an incredible performance in the team's 40-36 victory over Saint Mary's which sent the Rams to the Vanier Cup. Hughes remains the University of Regina's all-time leader in rushing yards (2934), touchdown runs (17), and all-purpose yards (5667). He won a Canada West championship with the Rams in his second year at the U of R.
“Neal might be the most complete player our team has ever had,” Rams head coach Frank McCrystal said. “He was a playmaker who made a difference every time he touched the ball. Neal was an exemplary student-athlete, leader, teammate, and citizen who made immeasurable impacts on our organization.”
After finishing with the Rams in 2003, Hughes started a lengthy career with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. Utilized as a fullback and on special teams, Hughes won Grey Cups with the Roughriders in both 2007 and 2013. He's currently preparing for his 11th CFL season.
Hughes is the 16th inductee to the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame's athlete category and the second from the Rams, joining former teammate Jason Clermont.
University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame Inductees – Athletes Category
Chris Biegler, 1995 (men's basketball)
Jackie Moore, 1997 (women's basketball)
Rod Houk, 2000 (men's hockey)
Deanne Shmyr, 2000 (women's basketball)
Kerri Buchberger, 2001 (women's volleyball)
Jim Burnett, 2003 (men's wrestling)
Kevin Gilroy, 2004 (men's basketball)
Bob McDougall, 2005 (men's wrestling)
Jason Clermont, 2007 (Rams football)
Dean Schmeichel, 2007 (men's wrestling)
Corrin Wersta, 2008 (women's basketball)
Cymone Bouchard, 2009 (women's basketball)
Andrea (Gottselig) Ward, 2011 (women's basketball)
Brandy West-McMaster, 2011 (women's hockey)
Shawn Peters, 2012 (men's track & field)
Neal Hughes, 2014 (Rams football)
Cougars & Rams Athletics
About Canada West Universities Athletic Association
Canada West is consistently the most decorated of the four conferences in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, winning 96 CIS national titles over the last 10 seasons. Comprised of 17 schools from the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, Canada West produces numerous major award winners and Academic All-Canadian student-athletes each year, with many going on to athletic success around the globe in pro leagues or events such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Universiade Games. canadawest.org / canadawest.tv / @cwuaa on Twitter
A proud member of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).