The Ontario Prospect Challenge is an elite three phase event that culminates in an all-star game in the spring of 2016. For more information CLICK HERE. The TRYOUT SERIES begins in October and goes until the middle of January 2016.
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Positions:
Defensive Back
Height/Weight:
6’1, 180 lbs
Teams:
Saunders Sabres (high school: TVRAA)
Commitment:
None
Official Visits:
None
Considerations:
Open
Class:
2017
Jacob Reitzel has a total of 10 years and 13 football seasons under his belt.
At the age of seven, he started with the London Minor Football Association (LMFA) and played with them until he was 14.
From then on, he coached an LMFA team, the STA Panthers, and began playing with the Forest City Thunderbirds in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC), where he continues to play after three years.
Moreover, during his high school career he played for both the junior and senior Saunders Sabres, and will be returning for a fifth year in hopes of being considered to play at the university level.
At this year’s Ontario Prospect Challenge, Jacob is aiming high.
“My goals for the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) are to play as much as possible, perform to the best of my abilities and to participate on a team of excellent athletes,” said Jacob.
“As well, I appreciate the opportunity to have scouts and coaches view my play and hope to be able to interact with them towards achieving the next level,” added the Sabre.
During the offseason the defensive back participates in camps, combines, games with friends and working out in the gym.
Jacob’s football role model is an old coach of his, Michael Chevers, who he believes did more than just coach a group of guys in football by challenging them to be men.
Chevers was his LMFA coach for three years, and his coach on the Thunderbirds for two.
“He was a ‘hard ass’ who worked you hard at practice and expected your best during the game,” explained the Sabre. “His methods worked.”
“I came to love the challenge he set every practice trying to go above and beyond the bar he set each time,” continued Jacob.
“The defence we put together under his leadership was one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure to participate on and it was an excellent year for the Thunderbirds.”
The defensive back loves to play football because to him it is more than just a game, it is an extension of life.
“You cannot simply join, start and be good at it,” commented Jacob. “You have to grow, work at it and work together with your team.”
“One player cannot carry the team to victory,” added the Sabre. “Also, who doesn’t love the sound of making that perfect hit?”
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