For Regina Thunder quarterback Jayden Zelionka, last weekend was one he won’t soon forget.
On Sunday, Zelionka led the Thunder to a 44-19 victory over the Saskatoon Hilltops in the Prairie Football Conference final at Leibel Field. The day before, he watched his uncle, former Saskatchewan Roughriders centre Dan Clark, receive one of the highest honours in Riders history with his induction into the Plaza of Honour at Mosaic Stadium.
Clark has been a role model for Zelionka throughout his football journey, and he felt the recognition was well deserved.
“It means everything. He's been my idol. He got me into football. He's the reason why I wear number seven,” Zelionka said. “He is the guy in our family. To me, he's just Uncle Dan, but to everyone else, he's Dan Clark, the Rider legend.”
Clark was known for his toughness on the field and his contributions to the community during his time with the Roughriders. For Zelionka, however, his uncle's biggest impact has come from behind the scenes. After every game, regardless of the result, Clark checks in with his nephew to help him learn from the experience.
“He's nothing but support. After every game, win or lose, he'll always text me and ask me what three positives and three negatives are,” Zelionka said. “He has helped me develop my mental game more than anybody else. Physically, he's an offensive lineman, so he isn't throwing the ball, but mentally, he has been the biggest supporter and the biggest inspiration.”
Clark also has a couple of accomplishments that keep coming up in family conversations. The former Roughriders offensive lineman caught two touchdown passes in the CFL, something he hasn't let his nephew forget.
When asked where those footballs were, Zelionka had the answer.
“They're in his house right now, and he still holds it over me every single time I'm over,” Zelionka said. “Every time I come over, he's like, ‘Have you caught a CFL touchdown yet?’ I'm like, ‘No, no, I have not.’”
For now, Zelionka has his own football goals to chase. Fresh off the Thunder's PFC championship victory, he and his teammates are heading to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., for Saturday's Jostens Cup national semifinal.
With a conference title secured and inspiration from a family football legend, Zelionka will look to keep the good vibes going as Regina continues its quest for a national championship.
And that’s Between the Lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina, specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.
