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John Paul II grad Washkowsky signs with Huskers of CJFL

Jul 4, 2017 | 5:00 PM

While some North Battleford natives have gone on to play football in the Canadian Junior Football League, such as Jesse McNabb and Taylon Elderkin of the Saskatoon Hilltops, it’s a relatively rare feat that doesn’t happen all that often.

What’s even more rare, however, is to move out to British Columbia to do so.

That’s exactly what John Paul II graduate Alex Washwosky just did.

On Monday, the Valley Huskers of the CJFL, who play in Chilliwack and are a member of the British Columbia Football Conference, announced the signing of the North Battleford native.

“This 6’ 2”, 300-pound lineman is just as comfortable playing on the offensive as on the defensive line, which makes him a most valuable addition to the Huskers roster,” the team said in a statement. “The coaches…all say that [Washkowsky] has the right attitude and skill set to play a significant role in the building of this new exciting team.”

Washkowsky split the top offensive lineman award at the Crusaders end of season banquet this past fall.

The Huskers have gone through some growing pains recently, having gone winless in their past two seasons. Their last win was on Sept. 27, 2014.

But this year they have a new coach, a ton of new recruits, and a new logo as well.

“Alex has a winning attitude on and off the field that is infectious,” Huskers general manager Moe Agagnier added in the statement. “He’s really looking forward to representing the Valley in the B.C. Junior Football League.”

New head coach Bob Reist joins the club after serving as an assistant at the University of Manitoba since 2011. He was a Vanier Cup champion as a player with the Bisons in 2007.

“I think we brought in a really good, athletic group. I don’t think it’s any surprise, we’re going to be a very young team this year,” Reist said in an interview with Ryan Watters. “A lot of these kids are untested at the junior level and we’re very excited to put them to the test July 29.”

The regular season opens July 29 but main camp just got underway this week.

This Huskers will play 10 games between July 29 and Oct. 7. They play their home games at Exhibition Stadium, a 2,000-seat, covered stadium in Chilliwack, B.C.

 

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @NathanKanter11