Arriving At Mount Allison

In September of 2003 my life changed forever it was the first time I arrived at Mount Allison University officially as a student athlete. I remember it just like yesterday it was a hot clear sunny afternoon my grandparents drove me from Halifax, NS to the small town of Sackville, NB just a 10 minute drive from the provincial border far enough to be away close enough to visit home.

Along with many new rookies and experienced veterans we all arrived on campus a few days before the rest of the students because training camp was starting and we had to prepare for the season ahead. Earlier in July that summer I suffered a season ending injury tearing my left Achilles in the bronze medal game vs. Team Ontario while playing for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian 19-Under National Football Championships in Ottawa, ON. Arriving on campus in a walking boot knowing I wouldn’t’ be able to play my first year was difficult as a scholarship athlete recipient I wanted to prove myself worthy.

The Recruitment

When being recruited to Mount Alison the Head Coach at the time was Scott Fawcett, during a home visit he brought a legendary player with him named Derrick Furry a Linebacker who played the same position as me. He was tough as nails and could hit hard as a hammer a CFL draft pick I respected him a lot. The motto going into the 2003 season was “Find A Way”, coach was perfectly aware of the challenge Mount Allison faced when competing for talent with other bigger schools across Canada. With limited resources and recent success on the field the biggest highlight emphasized during his home recruitment visit was the academic excellence Mount Allison has always maintained. It was that high standard of accountability and academic excellence that swayed my decision to become a Mountie.

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