A Lifetime of Football: From Minor Leagues to Championship Glory

         Born and raised in Cornwall, football has always been a part of my life. I started in minor league football as a kid, never imagining how much the game and the people in it would shape my journey. In the summer of 1994, I bumped into Freddy Bowman, a familiar face from those early football days. He told me he had played in a men’s flag football league the summer before and encouraged me to join. I didn’t even know the league existed at the time, but I stayed in touch and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I managed to get drafted onto Freddy’s team, Elco, and from that point on, I was hooked. The next season, I played with O’Neil Printing. By year three, Fred and I teamed up with Mike Iwachniuk and Ron Campeau to start our own squad. That experience led to more connections, and eventually, Steve Seguin approached us about merging our teams. We jumped at the opportunity recruiting players every season had been a challenge, and playing with Steve and the talented group he brought was a gamechanger.    We had some great seasons together. We never won it all, but we came close. In 2000, we lost a hard-fought final to Winners, one of the best teams at the time. Steve was an incredible all-around player and a true leader. Unfortunately, injuries forced him to step away from the game. His absence was felt both on and off the field.

         Around 2005, our team was fading due to injuries and a lack of players. Fortunately, I got the chance to join the Winners, a dominant team led by two exceptional quarterbacks, Brian O’Neill and Steve McGillis. That 2006 season was special we won the championship, and for me, it was my first. It was also the team’s fourth in a row, a record-setting run that ended with a celebration I’ll never forget. I played with Winners until 2013, enjoying many memorable seasons. We lost in the finals in 2008 but bounced back to win again in 2010, beating the Bandits in a dramatic finish sealed by a 42-yard field goal from Yvon Besner.
Through the years, I made friends across the league. Jonny Campeau, Derek Thomas, and Colin “Sackmaster” Samuel brought a new level of defensive intensity that raised the bar. In 2014, when Winners disbanded, Steve and I were fortunate to join Jonny’s team. The defense has been top-tier ever since. With Campeau’s team, we won a championship in 2015, the first in that team’s history. We made more finals appearances and took home titles again in 2019 and 2024. Win or lose, we always celebrate, but the wins definitely make the parties a little sweeter.    

         Now as one of the league’s older players, it’s been special to see young talent coming in, guys like Jarret St. John, Oden Robertson, Codie Brammall, Zach Rottier, Ethan Adrien, Cam Gearey, and Dan West are the future, and it’s a bright one.
As I get older, staying healthy is tougher, but I still love the game. There’s nothing like the feeling of catching a football. In that moment, you forget you’re sore, forget your age, and just keep moving. This league has given me incredible memories, great friendships, and a lifelong passion I’ll never let go.