The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and the players participating in the big event.
You don’t have to be the biggest guy on the field to make a difference and Robert Proudlove, a member of Team East Minor, knows that quite well.
When Proudlove got wind of the Ontario Prospect Challenge, there was little doubt in his mind that this opportunity would prove to be valuable. He said he chose to play in the OPC because he wanted to challenge himself, get better at football and meet new people.
Forever a student, Proudlove is taking all that he can during his time in the OPC. “The highlight so far is learning from new coaches on how to block better,” he said.
The young player plays for the Myers Riders in the National Capital Amateur Football League. While he may be a diminutive 4’8, 85lbs, that does not stop him from playing his positions to the best of his abilities. He currently is a slot back and a wide receiver.
“I get to catch [passes for] touchdowns and block for my teammates,” Proudlove said.
When asked about his football inspiration, Proudlove chose someone that isn’t a professional. He said he draws inspiration from his father Walter, who is the founder and Chair of the Board of Why Can’t We Feed Everyone, a non-for-profit group based in Ottawa, Ontario.
The OPC will be taking place at Tim Hortons’ Field, the home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This is not the first time Proudlove has played on a CFL field. He said he is excited by the opportunity to play on another CFL gridiron.
While there may be pressure that comes along with playing in a CFL stadium, Proudlove is ready for whatever happens. “I think I’m going to handle the pressure very well because I work well under pressure,” he said.
The young player will be graduating in 2022. Proudlove is not considering any school at the moment as university is still six years away. His goal, however, is to make the NFL and to improve every day.
The OPC, then, will provide Proudlove with a chance to improve his football skillset. He said he wants to win and have lots of fun while doing so. “I would like to get three touchdowns, three pancakes and one Odell-Beckham-Jr,” he said.
(A “pancake” is when an offensive player leaves a defensive player flat on his back. An “Odell-Beckham-Jr.” refers to a making a spectacular, one-handed catch.)
When asked about the team’s goals, Proudlove put it very simply. He said, “Win, win, win!”
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