Three former Mustangs move on to the CJFL

Carrah Walter - Three Pincher Creek Mustangs football players had the biggest day of their young lives on June 1st. They officially signed with the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). When a player signs, he is essentially signing for his entire junior football career as the player then becomes the property of that team.

Lineman Jaeger Hann signed with the Vancouver Island Raiders in the British Columbia Football Conference, while Receiver Liam VanEe and Quarterback, Beau Walter signed in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference with the Calgary Colts.

Jaeger Hann reflects back that, “It has been a dream of mine to go play football at the next level and go as far as I can, when I first started football 8 years ago. I am super excited to have this amazing opportunity to go and play, learn and train with the Vancouver Island Raiders. One person who played a role in helping me get here was Coach Brian, his guidance, advice, and training has helped me achieve this dream of going onto the next level. I need to mention all my coaches who have believed in me starting with my very first coaches, Coach Tom, Coach Travis and Coach Stan; they installed the love of football into me starting at the PeeWee level. Coaches Dan, Wayne, Travis, Brian and Dennis helped guide me to where I needed to be during my bantam and senior years. Hopefully I can do the Pincher Creek Mustangs proud and go all the way to the pros.”

Liam VanEe

Liam VanEe expressed that he would like to thank his coaches Wayne Alexander and Brian Murray for always believing and encouraging him to try out for the Colts. Starting July 23rd, he will be playing receiver for the Calgary Colts and is looking forward to building up his skills in the CJFL and hopefully it will take him to the next level.

Beau Walter

Beau Walter said “Although, I always thought I would play the next level of Baseball, without Coach Wayne Alexander and Coach Brian Murray’s coaching and encouragement I wouldn’t be playing at the next level of football. I started playing Atom and PeeWee Football in Cardston, where I had a lot of respect for Cougar Coaches. Moving to Pincher Creek, I learned to love the game with the Mustangs coaching staff and teammates. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Colts and to work hard to earn my way to the starting line-up. Having Liam and my cousin, Wryan Rose, from the McCoy Colts, there with me makes the transition from High School 100 per cent easier.”

“Although one of the signs of success as a football coach is to see wins on the field, another is to see the development of individual player's football skills. I am extremely proud to see that three of our Mustang players have made the CJFL (Canadian Junior Football League) rosters this year. This marks the most Mustangs that have gone on to play at this level following their high school career. Good luck boys in your new uniforms in Nanaimo (Vancouver Island Raiders) and Calgary (Colts)!” Coach Wayne Alexander boasted.

Coach Brian Murray added that “These three young lads have tremendous talent and heart. They’re very coachable and great young men. It was an absolute pleasure to coach these boys and see them grow into the fine respectful young men they are. I look forward to seeing them play in their conferences. Mustangs football is more than football itself. It’s a brotherhood, a family so to speak, and these young men will have great stories to share with future Mustangs coming up through our program. I am extremely proud of them.”

VI Raiders will open their season on August 5th in Chilliwack at 2:00 pm where The Valley Huskers will welcome them.

The Calgary Colts Home Opener is set for August 19th at 7:00pm at McMahon Stadium in Calgary against the Edmonton Huskies.