Hunter Eagles’ experiences with the South Sask. Selects football team has been a positive one.
Eagles spent the past two seasons with the Selects, who are based out of Moose Jaw. Last year he was named the top defensive player for the under-12 team; this year he was selected as the team’s most valuable player. The award was handed out at a banquet on April 8.
He was told that he was the talk of the under-12 team this season, which is why he was named the top player.
“I did pretty well in practice, and I tried very hard,” said Eagles.
Hunter dressed kick returner and middle linebacker for the 12-and-under team, which travelled to Miramar, Florida, in late February for the Canada vs. USA Football All-Star Tournament. He also plays running back, but he didn’t get to play at that position while in Florida.
Hunter was selected for the team after attending tryouts in November. Since he was their best defensive player in 2016, he was looking forward to being on the squad again this season.
He was selected for this year’s team, and then travelled to Moose Jaw on weekends for practices.
“The coaching is really, really good,” said Hunter. “For our training camps, they get NFL and CFL players (to instruct us), and coaches from college teams in the States.”
The team struggled in Florida, dropping both of their games to powerful opponents from the U.S. But Hunter expects the experience will be beneficial.
“It opens your eyes to see how good they are, and the quickness is definitely a huge change from there to here,” said Hunter.
Eagles is entering his second season with the Estevan Oilers bantam team. He has been playing football for the past three years, and has enjoyed the experience.
“I like how it’s a team sport, and you only have to worry about what you need to do,” said Eagles. “It’s super fun for me.”
He has also been able to make lots of friends through the local minor football organization and the South Sask. Selects.
Hunter said he has learned a lot as a player since joining the South Sask. Selects. He thought his play took a big step forward from his last year of peewee in 2015 to his first year as a bantam. And he is hopeful he can play the sport at a high level.
Three other local athletes competed in the Florida at the tournament. James Knibbs was a member of the 13-and-under squad. They went 0-2 during the tournament.
Lucas Rooks and Chayton Fornwald played on the 11-and-under team. They finished the tournament with a 1-1-1 record.
A total of six teams competed in Florida this year under the South Sask. Selects banner.
