Master’s Student Matt Nichols Shines on CFL Gridiron

Matt Nichols. Photo courtesy Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
October 31, 2018

Gonzaga News Service 

SPOKANE, Wash. — Although Gonzaga University played its final season of football in 1941, Matt Nichols, a student in Gonzaga’s master of arts in sport and athletic administration program in the School of Education, is doing the Zags proud on the gridiron – leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the Canadian Football League Grey Cup Playoffs.

Matt Nichols leads the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to victory Oct. 26 over the Calgary Stampeders. Photo courtesy Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Matt Nichols leads the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to victory Oct. 26 over the Calgary Stampeders. Photo courtesy Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Nichols, the Blue Bombers' Most Outstanding Player in 2016 and 2017, was named the CFL Top Performer for Week 20 on Tuesday for his work in the team’s Oct. 26 win against Calgary when he completed 24 of 33 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. He leads the Blue Bombers into their final regular season match-up Saturday, Nov. 3 vs. Edmonton.

The team has finished third in the West and will travel to either Regina or Calgary for the West Semifinal Nov. 11.

A four-year starter for the Eastern Washington University Eagles, Nichols broke 14 school records and six Big Sky Conference marks.