All posts by Meghann Tanner

Wildcats at the CFL Combines

7 Former Wildcats will be showing their skills at this years CFL combines

 Isaiah Hoeppner: Isaiah came to the Wildcats from Harry Ainlay High School and spent 5 seasons with us, with 2014 being his final.  Isaiah has been a tremendous leader and ambassador for our program. He works as a Firefighter/ EMT for the City of Leduc for the last two years.  Following the 2014 football season, Isaiah, who had been on Team Canada's Bobsled development team for two years, got to participate in his first World Cup series event where he came away with a gold medal.  Isaiah is a 6’3” 240lb DE who is relentless off the ball.  He was a 2013 PFC  All-Star and was also a Captain and leader on the Wildcats leadership council.

Isaiah Hoeppner: Isaiah came to the Wildcats from Harry Ainlay High School and spent 5 seasons with us, with 2014 being his final.  Isaiah has been a tremendous leader and ambassador for our program. He works as a Firefighter/ EMT for the City of Leduc for the last two years.  Following the 2014 football season, Isaiah, joined Team Canada’s Bobsled development team and got to participate in his first North American Cup circuit event where he came away with a gold medal.  Isaiah is a 6’3” 240lb DE who is relentless off the ball.  He was a 2013 PFC  All-Star and was also a Captain and leader on the Wildcats leadership council.

Tim Agbaje:  Tim was a 5 year WIldcat out of Archbishop O’leary High School. After the 2012 season Tim went to the University of Saskatchewan and started the last two seasons with the Huskies.  His time with the WIldcats saw Tim take tremendous strides both on and off the field.  His love for the game and passion came through everyday. He was a big part of some very good DL units and was teammates with both Isaiah and Rory Connop.

Rory Connop: Rory played 3 seasons with the WIldcats, was a PFC 2008 rookie DL, and a PFC conference all star before heading down to Boise State where he redshirted for the 2011 season.  Rory came back to Canada and finished the 2014 season with the Western Mustangs. Rory was a two sport athlete while playing for the Wildcats, he was also a member of the Spruce Groves Saints of the AJHL and in 2009 played in both the CJFL National Championships and Royal Bank Cup. Rory attended St. FX high school in Edmonton.

Scott Ledieu: Scott, who played High School in Athabasca, was a 3 year Wildcat having come to us after his first two years with the U of A Golden Bears.  He quickly established himself as a leader on our OL, and eventually our team.  He was a tremendous teammate and although he was loveable and approachable off the field, played the game with tremendous passion and intensity.  After three years with the Wildcats he returned to the U of A and finished off his eligibility with the Bears, where he continued to be a leader on and off the field.

Scott Ledieu: Scott, who played High School in Athabasca, was a 3 year Wildcat having come to us after his first two years with the U of A Golden Bears.  He quickly established himself as a leader on our OL, and eventually our team.  He was a tremendous teammate and although he was loveable and approachable off the field, played the game with tremendous passion and intensity.  After three years with the Wildcats he returned to the U of A and finished off his eligibility with the Bears, where he continued to be a leader on and off the field.

Andrew Johnson: Andrew was an outstanding QB out of McNally High School who lead them back to the provincial finals after a long absence.  He played 2 seasons with the Wildcats, starting off as a QB and eventually making the switch to receiver in his second year. A tremendous athlete with a work ethic like no other, Andrew went to New Mexico Military Institute after the Wildcats.  From there he played the 2014 season at Fort Lewis again showcasing his athleticism and competitiveness.

Andrew Johnson: Andrew was an outstanding QB out of McNally High School who lead them back to the provincial finals after a long absence.  He played 2 seasons with the Wildcats, starting off as a QB and eventually making the switch to receiver in his second year. A tremendous athlete with a work ethic like no other, Andrew went to New Mexico Military Institute after the Wildcats.  From there he played the 2014 season at Fort Lewis again showcasing his athleticism and competitiveness.

 Chris Dobko: Chris came to the Wildcats from SACHS High School in St.Albert. Chris  played one season with the Cats, started every game as receiver and punt returner before heading to the U of C where he became their all time leader in pass receptions.

Chris Dobko: Chris came to the Wildcats from SACHS High School in St.Albert. Chris  played one season with the Cats, started every game as receiver and punt returner before heading to the U of C where he became their all time leader in pass receptions.

Mohamed Abdallah: Mo was a teammate of Andrew with the McNally Tigers.  He went to the U of T immediately after high school and joined the Wildcats for the 2012 season. He was a determined receiver who provided leadership to a young group of receivers.  Following his time with the Wildcat,s Mo moved on to play with the St.Mary’s Huskies.

Andrew, Rory, and Mo will be going to the National Combine in Toronto while Isaiah, Tim, Scott and Chris will be at the regional combine in Edmonton.  The combines precede the CFL Draft and is an opportunity for all the teams to evaluate the best of our Nations eligible players.  All of these men had a tremendous impact on the Wildcat teams they were a part of, and all are grateful for the time spent with the Wildcats and point to it as a huge part of their lives both on and off the field.


 

 

 

In The Community

Thanks to the Leduc Minor Football Association for having us out to help coach at their Peewee camp on February 13! Justin Swedish, Cari Cari, Luther Hakunavanhu, Evin Kochisarli, Jesse Miller, Kieran Bell, and Cam Maschmeyer all spent a couple of hours working on passing, catching, and agility drills with 7-12 year olds!

 

Wildcats In The Community

On Saturday, 16 Wildcats had the opportunity to volunteer at the Edmonton Food Bank sorting food and preparing hampers in the warehouse.

The Edmonton Food Bank works with more than 210 other organizations to serve over 13,000 people per month. These hampers are given to families who are otherwise unable to pay for meals. Approximently 40 percent of their clients are under the age of 18. In addition to the basic hamper program, the Edmonton Food Bank provides food for lunch and snack programs to 35 high risk schools in our city. The Food Bank relies heavily on volunteers to be able to run these programs.

Thank you to the Food Bank for inviting us out and to Jesse Miller, Landyn Vick, Ryan Doram, Brown Courtorielle, Matt Fisher, Brandon Quach, Quincy Sanchez, Marcus Goods, Tony Lawrence, Albanie Laderoute, David Gibbs, Jamie Phelps, Kemal Kochisarli, Kieran Bell, Evin Kochisarli, and Jon Harke for donating your time!

 

2014 Award Winners

Congratulations to our 2014 Award Winners!

 Most Valuable Player #82 – Brad Quartel

Greg Tyszka, Ryan Branting, and John Wojcicki accepting the award on Brad's behalf

Greg Tyszka, Ryan Branting, and John Wojcicki accepting the award on Brad’s behalf

Rookie of the Year #1 – Tristan Schultenkamper

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Lineman of the Year #45 – Brett Morrow

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Jay Meraw Wildcat Attitude #42 – Keaton Hoddinott
Awarded to the player who demonstrates true commitment to the Wildcats

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Peter Smith Memorial Award #55 – Luke Roberts
Awarded to the player who contributes the most with the least recognition

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Special Teams Player of the Year #2 – Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren

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Back of the Year #27 – Luc Catellier

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Open House

We will be hosting an Open House on Tuesday, December 9 at 7pm. This is an opportunity for prospective players and parents to come and meet the coaches and get information about becoming a Wildcat!

Wildcats Competing for the Ultimate Prize

Jeff Hecht and Neil King are each preparing for a chance to put their names in the history books in the most Canadian of Canadian events. On Sunday when Calgary and Hamilton play for the 102nd Grey Cup they will put aside friendship in hopes of being the first Wildcat since Taylor Inglis and his 2005 Edmonton Eskimos to win. Both men have been in this situation before, Jeff as a member of the Calgary Stampeders in 2012, and Neil with the Tiger Cats in 2013. On Sunday one of these former teammates will finally get to hoist this Countries ultimate football prize.

 

Jeff and Neil both took time to reflect on their experiences and relationship leading up to the weekend:

EW: Jeff you were an established veteran in the Wildcats Secondary in 2006 when Neil joined the team for his first year. What were your initial impressions of Neil?

At the time Neil came in I had already established a very hostile relationship with his brother Ryan so I wasn’t sure what to expect. He quickly presented himself as an eager learner and a hard worker. These are qualities that have continued through his climb to the professional ranks. I saw a lot of similar football qualities in Neil that I see in myself and it’s extremely easy to play with and help coach a kid like that.”

EW: Neil what was your first impression of Jeff?

“My first impressions of Jeff were that he was a vocal player who understood the game and played hard.”

EW: You both have been to a Grey Cup previously, What do you take from that experience?

JH “The main thing I take from my Grey Cup experience is the feeling of losing. Neil and I shared a similar experience with the Wildcats in 2006 but this one was definitely worse. In the CFL not only do you not know if you will ever get another shot at a championship but you never know how long your career will end up being. You need to capitalize on the opportunities that come your way. That’s what I expect myself and the Stampeders to do this time around.”

NK:  “From my experience of being in a grey cup last year I try to just enjoy the moment. Opportunities like this are very hard to come by so you have to stay focused and be in the moment”.

EW: What’s the biggest skill set needed to be a contributor on special teams?

JH “There is a term I like to use when describing what a CFL special teamer needs to be, and that is a “Dog”. You have to be a “Dog” in the sense of listening and learning what you are told and executing those learnings on command. You also need to be a “Dog” on the field. You need to work. You need to grind. You need to fight.  You need to get dirty. You need to do whatever is asked of you and whatever it takes to get the job done.  That starts day one of training camp your rookie season and can never end until your career is finished. If you lose the “Dog” you can assure that your career as a CFL teamer will cease swiftly and shortly after that.”

NK: “To play specials I think one of the most important skill sets you can have is a high motor and giving great effort.”

EW: If the opportunity presents itself who wins the head to head match up?

JH: “Unfortunately Neil and I haven’t had many opportunities to match up. One game his rookie season in Calgary I believe was it. I’m pretty sure I took him down 2-1 on those match ups. It really is a great match up.  We are very similar players. Similar attributes. Both very very smart football players with an Edmonton based blue collar work ethic that is rarely out matched. We both pride ourselves on being the hardest workers both on and off the field and bring a lot of physicality to the table when the whistle sounds. For this game specifically, I can’t imagine a scenario where I don’t come out on top of a heads up match up with Neil. I will just be too much DOG for him to handle on Sunday.”

NK: Jeff has taught me a lot throughout our years playing together but if the opportunity comes between the two of us I’m going to win this one”