Invitation to the East West Bowl
A few months back, AJ Chase was heading to bed to make sure he was well rested for a 6 am workout. The third-year Gryphon Football wide receiver wanted to check his email first, to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. Chase saw something in the subject line of a message that caught his attention – “East-West Bowl Invitation.” The Montreal native immediately called his Mom and girlfriend to share the news that he had been anticipating.
“It was difficult to sleep after that,” says Chase, recalling the joy from that night that seems like a lifetime ago now.
The young receiver, third-year linebacker Jared Beeksma, and fourth-year standout D-lineman Alain Cimankinda were set to be the proud Gryphon representatives for the annual U SPORTS game designed to showcase talented prospects eligible for the Canadian Football League Draft the following season.
But like many things this year, the 2020 U SPORTS season included, the game was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chase eventually heard the disappointing news from his offensive coordinator Coach Mark Surya. Beeksma, who like his teammate was eagerly awaiting the invite and then subsequently ecstatic upon receiving it, remembers seeing it on Twitter.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t surprised given the prevalence of coronavirus coverage that dominated media by late February.
“Growing up, I watched university ball on the Score,” says Beeksma. “You see all these guys invited to the East-West who go on to play professional football and it makes the CFL very familiar. You see these names that you used to idolize and they’re playing in the CFL.
“East-West was big step towards that. That was a dream of mine. I got invited and the dream was accomplished. Just as quickly, it was taken away from me.
“It sucked for a day or two. You take it on the chin. Then you regroup, change your mindset and set your sights on a new accomplishment.”
The game is certainly a goal for university players across the country. Organized with the help of the Canadian University Football Coaches association, it’s a full week of evaluation and practices before the 90 participants get the chance to show what they can do in the game.
Chase, Beeksma, and Cimankinda had put in the work to get there. And they were primed for good performances. Chase was busy perfecting his sprinting stance and working on technique so he was as efficient as possible. He had picked teammate Kian Schaffer-Baker’s brain about the event, given that the star wide receiver killed it in the 2019 East-West Bowl.
“I asked Kian a few questions about the experience and how he prepared for it mentally and physically,” says Chase. “He gave me a few tips to implement, which included focusing on the technical side of things for the Combine, and to think of the experience as enjoyable to help take away some of the stress.”
The disappointment of the game and the season being cancelled aside, they are lessons Chase will still be able to use whenever he gets the chance to play football again. And he can add them to the many he has learned in his first three years as a Gryphon. The Management Economics and Finance major says being involved in the program has enabled him to develop as a student-athlete exactly as he has hoped, with his grades, football IQ, and skills all increasing each season.
“It’s allowed me to be more of a team player and understand how the offensive game is supposed to be played,” says Chase. “I have been able to vastly expand my network and I have met so many amazing people during my time at the University who have contributed in one way or another to my development and have made me a better person.
“I’m much different than when I came in as a rookie. I’m much more patient, outgoing, and I feel more prepared for the next step of my future. I feel I have been taught valuable lessons and I understand what it takes to succeed in any aspect of life. I have some incredible mentors ranging from coaches, family, trainers, friends, Advancement, and academics who have guided me throughout my path at the University. I will always be grateful for that.”
Beeksma has had time to reflect on his first three years at the U of G in these recent months, as well. The CFL remains a goal and if he gets there, it will be because of the experience he gained at every step of his football career.
“I 100 per cent want to play in the CFL,” says Beeksma, who feels he has grown as both an athlete and a man wearing the red, black, and gold. “When I was a kid, every milestone as a football player was humbling. And each step, whether it was making a team or winning a championship, made me realize what was attainable. Then I set my goals higher.
“The East-West invite let me know that I could have a legitimate shot at the CFL.”
The layoff from football doesn’t mean the game is out of their thoughts. They have had the opportunity to reminisce and remember special times. Beeksma looks back on the three-week stretch of 2018 beginning with Guelph beating Waterloo on the road 47-44 in a double overtime thriller in the season finale. The Gryphons would knock off the Warriors again the following week to win the OUA quarter-final 45-34. Then it was off to Ottawa and another memorable day when Guelph came back to defeat the Gee-Gees and book a spot in the Yates Cup.
That Ottawa game produced the singular moment that both Beeksma and Chase say stand out above all others. Quarterback Theo Landers heaved a ball downfield where Weyburn, Saskatchewan legend Thomas Bresciani snatched it out of the air for a 59-yard touchdown with 48 seconds left on the clock. Guelph overturned an 11-point deficit to come back and bounce the Gee-Gees from the playoffs 27-22, earning a Yates Cup berth in the process.
“That was absolutely electric,” says Beeksma.
“I think that’s my favourite moment on the field,” adds Chase.
A showcase game and the season they so eagerly anticipated may have been taken from them. But these young Gryphons know there will be more special memories to come.
Written By: David DiCenzo