Recently, 17 year old Central Collegiate grade 12 student Brodie Ansell likely took the biggest step - so far - in his life.
Ansell, who quarterbacked the Central Cyclones for the past two seasons, committed to play with the University of Calgary (U of C) Dinos program.
The U of C wasn’t Ansell’s only opportunity to play university football, as there were three other offers.
“It should be a great overall opportunity I chose U of C over UBC (University of British Columbia and York University and the University in America,” he said in an interview.
“It’s an unbelievable experience. I’ve worked so hard for it. It is cool to see the results but it is just the beginning of something. I can’t wait to get onto the field. I can’t wait to get ahold of this opportunity and make the most of it.”
The athletic scholarship covers 75 percent of Ansell’s tuition and fees while he is not playing but once he joins the team as a player the scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition and fees.
“Obviously housing isn’t paid for but it’s still pretty good,” Ansell said.
Ansell said he wasn’t surprised by four universities trying to recruit him. But it took effort on his part.
“My time was coming for schools to see me. They didn’t come very fast until the end of the season so I was patient and I started reaching out and sending out my film,” he said, adding “I got along great with some of the coaches. And some of the coaches knew who I was but they hadn’t started scouting.”
After the season ended, the effort paid off with meeting the coaches and showing them what he could do,” Ansell said.
About his signing with the U of C Ansell said “(my parents) love it.”
“They are just excited for me to make the most of my opportunity and were willing to see me go anywhere to pursue my dream. They are so supportive.”
While at the U of C, Ansell will be enrolled in Nursing.
Ansell doesn’t see moving to the U of C a problem, even though a large number of Moose Jaw students head off to the University of Saskatchewan.
“It should be a great opportunity making new friends. Starting a new life there is what I see…(playing) the U of S should be a fun competition as a few of my friends are going there.”
So far none of his Cyclones teammates who play defensive positions are signed up with other universities so being sacked by a friend is unlikely.
Although studying to be a nurse, Ansell wants to be more than a nurse but is looking for a dual career.
“My end goal is fire fighting. Nursing and fire fighting would be a perfect job duo for me.”
Ansell is hopeful to pair a nursing career with a fire fighting career if he can get the proper scheduling.
His plans are to become a full time fire fighter following football and nursing career. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his dad Rod Ansell who works as a fire fighter for the Moose Jaw Fire Department.
“My dad is a fire fighter so I kind of want to follow in his footsteps and yeah, it’s a great job.”
Ansell took all of the proper steps when it came to the local football player factory.
He lauded Central Cyclones head coach Colin Belsher.
“I wouldn’t be able to be here without him. His dedication to build a player is outstanding and there’s nothing like it,” he said.
He played in the Moose Jaw Minor Football League as the quarterback for the Vikings.
Ansell had nothing but good memories and accolades for Minor Football.
“Minor Football is a great experience. I learnt so much from it. You get to not only learn about future people you could play with in high school but the coaches really develop you into a person. Not only a person but a great football player,” he said.
Ansell spoke about his former coaches - including - Brock Montgomery and his dad Rod Ansell and the impact they had on his life.
He also was part of the Saskatchewan Selects program.
“I have nothing but positive stuff to say about it. It was a great program.”
At Central Collegiate, Ansell spent his grade ten year on the bench backing up his cousin Will Ansell.
At Grade 11 (Brodie) Ansell took over as the Cyclones quarterback for two seasons (grades 11 and 12).
“It was a fun experience learning from him and it was awesome.”
Ansell also played with the Marauders - a team made up of players from all Moose Jaw high school football programs.
