After four seasons catching passes and returning kicks for the Carlton Crusaders, Zane Litzenberger is ready for the next level.
On Feb. 19, the 6’1, 185 pound wide receiver committed to play football for the University of Regina Rams in the fall. Litzenberger said he’s eager to join a Rams squad that finished second last year in Canada West with a 6-2 record, and came within a single point of upsetting the first place University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the Hardy Cup.
“I’m very excited to go to a good program and see how I can develop there and start my new journey,” Litzenberger said during a phone interview on Monday.
“It’s very exciting to go to the U of R.”
Litzenberger said it was difficult to pick a university program, but the atmosphere at the University of Regina set the program apart.
“Choosing where you’re going to go for five to six years of your life is a big decision to make, plus having to choose against other schools was also difficult as well,” he said.
“I just felt appreciated there (at the U of R). The coaches were great when I went down there. I felt connected with the players when I went down there. It just felt good.”
Rams head coach Mark McConkey said they’re happy to have Litzenberger, who helped the Crusaders win back-to-back NSFL championships, plus a 5A provincial title in 2024.
“He’s a multi-sport athlete with a ton of athleticism,” McConkey said. “We’re excited to see him grow and develop in our program.”
Litzenberger caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Colm Phillips in a 41-12 Carlton win over St. Mary in the 2025 NSFL title game. He also had three catches for 70 yards in Carlton’s 31-24 provincial semi-final loss to Moose Jaw Central a week later, despite fighting off an injury.
Litzenberger credited Crusader coach Lindsay Strachan, and a few close friends, for his development as a player.
“I started playing football (when) my friends (told) me I should come out to the Carlton spring camp and then I kind of fit in there,” he remembered. “Then Coach Strachan has always been there for me—got me better every year. He’s a big piece of how I got to where I am today.”
Litzenberger will take part in the Rams’ spring camp, which starts in late April before graduating in the spring. He hopes to get in the U of R line-up his first season, but said it might take an extra year.
“Obviously, I’d love to play in my first year, but sometimes it doesn’t always go that way and you’ve got to take a red shirt that first year,” he said.
The Rams have not released their 2026 schedule.
–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald
@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca
