DINSMORE - One of the Saskatchewan Roughriders visited a local school last week to do some reading and highlight the importance of managing one's mental wellness.
Jorgen Hus, who wears #46 as a longsnapper for the Riders, appeared at Dinsmore Composite School on Thursday morning, January 11 to read a couple of books to younger students as part of the Rider Foundation's 'Rider Reading' program before answering some questions from them about his career and a few tidbits about his personal life off the field.
In talking to DCS's older students in the gymnasium, Hus spoke on the 'Win With Wellness' program, highlighting some key points about how to manage your mental health and sharing a number of personal experiences. Jorgen's presentation to the kids concentrated on the areas of managing stress and having supportive and healthy relationships, as well as becoming a game changer for mental wellness.
Hus pinpointed the recent Grey Cup win by the Montreal Alouettes this past fall as a prime example of how one can take negative energies and criticisms and work with others to persevere and block it out en route to a big championship victory. Notably, Hus's point referenced former Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo, who as the newest QB for the Alouettes is enjoying his team's storybook ending to the season, but Fajardo was the subject of many criticisms while on the Saskatchewan roster.
Finding a way out of that pool of harsh criticisms and winning big is an example of mental perseverance.
"That's how you win in sports, and that's how you win at life," said Jorgen.
Hus told students that he'd rather play with someone who was mentally strong than physically strong or imposing, noting that it isn't always those with greater physical attributes who win ball games. He believes that normalizing conversations surrounding mental health and wellness will help others who may find themselves to be struggling in that area.
Looking out for others in addition to yourself helps everyone - especially teams - move forward and allows them to continue doing their best both on and off the field.
"Failing to plan is planning to fail," said Jorgen, sharing with students a restating of a quote by Benjamin Franklin.
Taking some more time to answer some questions from the kids, Hus took a moment and snapped a ball to a couple of students, drawing cheers from those in the Dinsmore gym.
Football fanatics will have to wait until this coming summer to see how well Hus continues to snap the ball with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
