High school lineman is movin’ on up

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This article was published 21/01/2019 (2696 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jay-Ar Driedger is a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at Dakota Collegiate who’s on a mission to play football for as long as he can, at as high a level as possible.

An offensive lineman, Jay-Ar took a big step in his journey when he recently signed a letter of intent to play university football with the University of Calgary Dinos.

“It has been an amazing experience,” he said of being courted by Calgary and its head coach, former CFL star Wayne Harris.

“They made me feel welcome right from the start. When I signed it really hit me that ‘Holy cow, I made it. I’m going to play university football.’

 “It was a real rewarding feeling.” 

Now that he knows where he’ll be next season, Jay-Ar is making sure he is taking care of his responsibilities in the classroom as well. 

“Things are going pretty well so far,” he says. “I have first semester exams coming up soon; I will make sure I am well prepared for them. I am enjoying English class this year. This year it has just kind of clicked with me and I have really enjoyed it so far.”

Jay-Ar has been playing football for 10 years. 

“My dad and I would drive by football fields and one day I told him I wanted to try it,” Jay-Ar says. “I really fell in love with playing the game and hanging out with the guys. The off-season training is an aspect I really enjoy. 

“I like the progression you make in the offseason getting bigger, faster, and stronger. The gains you make, the improvements, really motivate me to keep going and trying to get better.” 

Jay-Ar loves the brotherhood of players on the offensive line. 

“Unlike other positions on the field we on the O-line are side by side and really, really have to trust each other to play at a high level. It is a great bond when the boys have your back and they know you have theirs.” 

Jay-Ar’s dad Dale, mom Jodian and sister Annika live in south St. Vital.

 “My family is very close,” he says. “My mom and dad have always supported me; they have always been there for me.”

He also has plenty of kind words for Dakota coach Dave Vankoughnett, a former offensive lineman with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 

“He made a massive impact on me and made me the player I am today.” 

Coach Vankoughnett had this to say about his young protege:“He’s a good kid, a hard worker and a pleasure to coach. The university level is tough but he can do it if he keeps working hard.” 

Go get it Jay-Ar.

 
Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood is co-host of The Big Show, every weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m. on TSN 1290 radio. He writes about Winnipeg’s unsung sports heroes every other week in the Canstar Community News weeklies. If you know of an athlete whose story Troy should tell, contact him at: troy.westwood@bellmedia.ca

Troy Westwood
Westwood's Sports Heroes

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood writes about Winnipeg’s unsung sports heroes every other week in the Canstar Community News weeklies.

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