The midget Cowichan Bulldogs’ season ended last fall, but three members of the team — Finn Shea, Jayden Strzok and Gregor MacKenzie — are looking ahead to fall 2022, when they will be suiting up together for the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
“All three had significant interest from university and college programs across Canada, as well as several schools in the U.S., but in the end, the level of education, the rising power of the football program, and the commitment given by the U of A coaching staff was enough to win each of the players over,” said PJ Shea, who coached the midget Bulldogs last fall.
The three players might be headed to the same university, but coach Shea said they each made the decision separately, based on their own circumstances and goals. Shea will study science with the goal of going into medicine, Strzok will also study science, and MacKenzie is going into sociology.
“The fact that they’ll be continuing their football careers together is a huge bonus,” coach Shea said.
The three players have been standouts on a talented and successful Bulldogs team, winning four Island championships together and participating in three provincial championships. They have all been selected to Team BC at the U16 and U18 levels and earned several awards at the local, provincial and national levels.
Shea, MacKenzie and Strzok have added their names to a growing list of Cowichan Bulldogs players who have advanced to the next level of the sport from an organization that has established itself as one of the premiere community football programs in the province.
“These three individuals represent everything that we at Cowichan Football strive for for our athletes,” coach Shea said. “Positive and responsible leaders within the community, committed students, who ultimately become mature, accountable young adults. It has been a privilege to watch the commitment these athletes have made to making themselves better, both on the football field and off, Everything they have earned has come as a result of the hard work they have put in.”