Bisons coaches “one of the best,” team adds 2 CFC100s

Manitoba welcomes two local commits to their 2019 class.

When the 2019 season rolls around, CFC100 running back Austin Balan from Sisler High School and CFC100 quarterback Samuel Hezekiah from River East Collegiate will be bringing some top-end talent to their new team, the University of Manitoba Bisons.

CFC100 Austin Balan

There is nothing quite like playing for your hometown team, and Austin Balan from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is going to relish in every moment of it.

“I chose Manitoba because I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I have a lot of friends and people I’ve played with before on that roster (and) I get to stay home,” he said. “I’m very used to the defence they run because my defensive coordinator at Sisler played for the Bisons, so we run very similar schemes as they do.”

Having learned part of the team’s scheme by proxy, Balan will soon be surrounded by the Bisons’ defensive mindset. “Manitoba’s coaching staff has to be one of the best in Canada for sure,” he said. “They’re some of the smartest coaches I’ve ever been coached by. I’m always learning a lot when they’re around and they’re super nice people.”

Balan has been hitting the gridiron for eight years now. He started his career with the North Winnipeg Nomads before joining the Sisler Spartans (WHSFL). In 2016 he was crowned the WHSFL rookie of the year and the Spartans’ defensive player of the year. The following year he made the all-star list at the 7v7 Top Gun tournament in Chicago. He was also named to CFC’s Manitoba all-star team as a defensive back. The 5’10, 190lbs athlete is interested in kinesiology.

CFC100 Samuel Hezekiah

Samuel Hezekiah currently plays with the River East Collegiate Kodiaks (WHSFL). Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, he is 6’0, 190lbs and has played at a variety of positions from slotback to halfback to strong safety. At the age of 11, Hezekiah began his career with the East Side Eagles (MMFA). He won a provincial championship as a running back in his premiere season.

Sean Oleksewycz, the Kodiaks’ head coach, told Manitoba Football Feed that Hezekiah works “extremely hard in the weight room and he’s extremely dedicated. He’s put his time in and I’m extremely proud of him.”