Winning the Vanier Cup hasn't entirely set in for Cochrane football player Erik Nusl.

The slotback was part of the University of Calgary Dinos team that hoisted the Vanier Cup for the first time in 25 years. They dominated the Montreal Carabins, 27-13, in the Nov. 23 game.

Nusl was with the Dinos when they lost a squeaker to the Laval Rouge et Or in 2016 and having a chance to get it done this time around is fulfilling.

"All the hours put in practicing and watching film, and working out in the weight rooms was all worth it," says Nusl. "Everything came full circle for us this year."

"It's hard to put into words still," he says. "Even talking to the guys today everyone's kinda 'Wow, we did it!."

Nusl returned to classes yesterday. The team was whisked home in time to attend the Grey Cup game, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers also ended a long drought. A tribute was paid to the Dinos during the game.

What makes this national championship even sweeter for Nusl is the personal battle he was waged to return to a Dinos after struggling with a serious knee injury in the 2017 Canada West final.

Many thought he wouldn't recover, but the determined multisport athlete proved them all wrong.

After a couple of surgeries and a year of rehab, he returned to the lineup this season and dressed for all 13 games, including the national final.

He had 13 receptions this season with 223 receiving yards, grabbing an average of 13.94 yards of real estate with each possession.

"It was great to be back on the field with the guys. I'm very lucky to still be playing," he says.

Nusl has three years left of university football eligibility. He joined the Cochrane Lions in grade 5 and has been passionate about the sport ever since.

He went on to play his high school football with the Cochrane Cobras and was part of two provincial championship teams. He says a lot his friend's coaches were involved with the Lions and a couple of them continue to coach with the Cobras.

"They helped me a lot in my time there," he says. "I think they prepared me well for the next level."

Nusl is one of three Cochrane Cobras with the Dinos. Both Dylan Neis and Joe Bell red-shirted this season. So far, three more Cobras have signed with the Dinos for next season, including quarterback Xavier Vaillancourt, receiver Dawson Gladue, and linebacker Cayne Yacey.