Carson Sombach: A homegrown Ram with a heart for the game
For Regina Rams defensive back Carson Sombach, football has never been just a sport — it’s a family tradition, a lifelong classroom, and a way to stay connected to his roots in Saskatchewan.
“I come from a big football family,” Sombach said.
“My dad played, my uncle played, and all three of my brothers played too. We grew up watching games together, playing catch in the front yard, and even wearing little plastic helmets and jerseys my dad got us for Christmas.”
Those early backyard games were more than just fun. They planted the seeds of competition and teamwork that have carried Sombach through every stage of his football journey, from youth leagues and provincial teams to the university level with the Rams.
“There was always competition in our house,” he said with a laugh.
“Four brothers all close in age, we were always pushing each other.”
Choosing to suit up for the hometown Rams was never really a question.
“My dad played for the Rams, my uncle played for the Rams, and we grew up going to every home game,” he said.
“We’d even help on the sidelines as kids, running out to grab the tee after kickoffs. It’s been Rams since I was born.”
That deep family connection made his eventual debut with the team even more meaningful.
“Hearing my dad’s stories about how close the team was, and then getting there and realizing it’s still the same, that’s pretty special,” said Sombach.
“Everyone’s tight. We do everything together, bowling, playing cards, slow pitch in the summer. That’s what makes the Rams who we are.”
Sombach’s name is already etched in Rams lore thanks to one unforgettable play — a pick-six in the 2024 Hardy Cup final that sealed Regina’s first Canada West title in over a decade.
“At the time, I didn’t realize it could be the game-winning touchdown,” he said.
“It was still the third quarter, and I was just focused on getting back to work. But looking back, to bring a Hardy Cup home to Regina, that was surreal.”
The Rams’ defense intercepted five passes that day, including one by Sombach’s brother.
“That made it even more special,” he said.
“We’d all worked so hard for that moment. Celebrating with my family, my teammates, and the alumni on the field, it was amazing.”
Sombach’s play was later described by his school’s website as “one of the biggest plays in Rams history.” He still seems a bit humbled by that.
“That’s cool,” he said.
“There have been a lot of great players here, so it’s an honour to be mentioned like that.”
That championship win earned the Rams a berth in the Mitchell Bowl last year against perennial powerhouse Laval, a game that brought national attention and a packed house at Mosaic Stadium.
“When you think of Laval, you think of tradition,” Sombach said.
“They’ve got the most Vanier Cups of anyone, so getting to play them at home in front of our fans was awesome. We played them tough, it just slipped away on the last drive. But the atmosphere was unreal. Green and white everywhere.”
Although the Rams didn’t advance to the 2024 Vanier Cup, Sombach says the experience only deepened his appreciation for playing in Regina.
“The fans here love football. You see Rider flags everywhere, even in the off-season. To play in the same stadium, it’s something special.”
As the 2025 Vanier Cup returns to Regina’s Mosaic Stadium, Sombach says the city’s passion for football will make it a special setting for Canada’s university championship.
“Regina loves football,” he said.
“You see Rider flags everywhere, people wearing green and white even in the off-season, it’s just part of the culture here.”
Though the Rams won’t be on the field this year, Sombach expects the stands to be filled with the same energy that defines Saskatchewan football.
As for his future, Sombach is focused on staying in the game as long as possible.
“The goal is to play football for as long as I can,” he said.
“Whether that’s in the CFL or just here with the Rams, I’ll keep going as long as I’m able.”
Off the field, Sombach is pursuing a joint degree in kinesiology and education, with the potential goal of becoming a teacher.
“I want to teach more than anything,” he said.
“I love coaching, I love working with kids. My dad’s coached forever, and I’ve been helping out since I was in high school.”
He’s already building that next generation of players, coaching defensive backs with the South Saskatchewan Selects program, a youth team that travels to Florida for international tournaments.
“It’s cool seeing the kids learn,” he said.
“You teach them something, and a few weeks later you see it click. That’s the same feeling I want from teaching, seeing someone grow because of what you’ve passed on.”