Kenten Effa fought to earn his trip to Ontario.
The 14-year-old athlete competed in several football camps earlier this year. He worked against hundreds of players from across the province, running through countless drills.
鈥淚t was a battle,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou had to work your butt off.鈥�
Effa, along with four fellow Yorktonites, secured a spot on Saskatchewan鈥檚 40-man team. The group competed in the Under-16 Eastern Challenge in Guelph from Jul. 7-15. Saskatchewan played against Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec for field supremacy.
Effa (lineback), Jaxon Boyda (defensive back), Reece McCormick (defensive line), Dallas Thiessen (offensive line), and Keane Szabo (lineback) were instrumental in team Saskatchewan鈥檚 success. The group snagged the silver medal after the week-long tournament.
鈥淲e were extremely proud of their committment,鈥� said Jason Boyda, football coach at Yorkton Regional High School. 鈥淭he boys did a really good job.鈥�
Saskatchewan faced Ontario on Jul. 8 in their first game. In a back-and-forth affair, Saskatchewan squeaked out on top with a 12-10 win, earning a by into the gold medal game. McCormick credited his team鈥檚 cohesiveness for their victory.
鈥淲e knew how each other played,鈥� he said.
Saskatchewan squared off against Quebec for the top prize on Jul. 14. Saskatchewan鈥檚 opponents held a consistent lead during the tough game.
鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have a strong fist half,鈥� Szabo said. 鈥淲e came out kind of flat.鈥�
鈥淭hey were well coached,鈥� Effa said.
Quebec ultimately triumphed with a 38-8 victory, sending Saskatchewan home with a silver medal. The Yorkton players are inspired to best their tournament performance.
鈥淸I want to] work harder and become greater,鈥� Jaxon Boyda said.
Beyond the gridiron, the Yorkton players enjoyed getting to know their fellow athletes from Saskatchewan and eastern Canada.
鈥淸I] met a whole bunch of players [and] new friends,鈥� McCormick said.
鈥淢y favourite part was seeing other players鈥� skills,鈥� Jaxon Boyda said.
As the regular football season draws closer, the Yorkton players are ready to put their tournament experiences to good use.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun sport,鈥� Effa said. 鈥淸You] play with 12 guys and you know they鈥檙e your brothers.鈥�
