Rams commits enjoy chance to play at home

Rams welcome three local commits to their 2019 class.

Defensive backs Ethan Jaster from Archbishop MC O’Neill Catholic High School and Dillon Kiefer from Miller Comprehensive High School, along with running back Christian Katende from Winston Knoll Collegiate, understand that playing for their hometown team, the University of Regina Rams, is a rare opportunity.

Ethan Jaster

Ethan Jaster knows that there is an “academic” part to being a student-athlete. Interested in kinesiology, he said, “I was interested in the Rams because of the assistance they provide with schooling, the coaching staff and what I have heard and seen about the team.”

Jaster, who is 5’8, 170lbs, has been around some of the Rams coaches before. “The only coach I have had for an individual group is Coach Donelson,” he said. “For what I have seen and heard and even experienced with them is that they are very pro-active coaches. They are very dedicated when it comes to helping you develop as a player.”

Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, Jaster spent three years with the O’Neill Titans (RHSAA) and the South Sask Selects. He has won multiple team awards while with the Titans. Understanding that he is relatively new to the sport, Jaster said that, “my commitment to the Rams will help me develop as a person and a player.”

The UofR Rams welcome DB, Ethan Jaster, to the family. Ethan joins us from the O’Neill Titans and the Gold Medal U18 Team Sask. #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/VfGC1Ijmxh

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) December 21, 2018

Dillon Kiefer

Ever since he was young, Dillon Kiefer from Regina knew where he wanted his career to go. “It has always been a dream since I first started playing football to play for the Rams. It was the goal from the start, and I worked hard to be able to play here,” he said. “It’s always a good team and I know lots of people on the team whether they’ve coached me, or I’ve played with some of them on other teams.”

Kiefer added that he has been coached by some of the Rams coaches at various points in his career. “The coaching staff is great. They are very welcoming,” he said. “They are so intelligent and love the game as much as me.”

Standing at 6’3, 190lbs, Kiefer is interested in taking business.

Kiefer has accumulated many accolades in his career. He spent six years on the South Sask Selects and was a member of the Miller Marauders (RHSAA) in high school. In 2015, he was defensive player of the year on his Regina Minor Football team. He was also an RMF city champion. The following year he was team MVP on the South Sask U14 team, a 3A city champion and he won gold with the U16 South Sask Selects. The Marauders recognized his talents on the special teams in 2017. In 2018 he was a provincial champion with the Marauders.

The UofR Rams welcome DB, Dillon Kiefer, to the family. Dillon joins us from the Provincial Champion Miller Marauders, and the Gold Medal U18 Team Sask. #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/qf9yrIFLTM

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) December 21, 2018

Christian Katende

Sometimes you just know when something is right. “I was always taught that listening to your heart is the best way to go and my heart told me to stay home and make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Christian Katende said. “The Rams have such an amazing team chemistry from the players themselves being super nice and welcoming to the coaches making you feel at home right from the start.”

Speaking of coaches, Katende is already familiar with the Rams’ Dwayne Masson. “Dwayne was my running back coach at U18 Canada Cup this summer and I feel like we’ve already created a strong relationship that’s going to help me strive throughout my journey on this team,” he said.

Katende spent six years playing RMF football and three with the Winston Knoll Wolverines (RHSAA). Born in Calgary, Katende moved to Regina at the age of six. He is interested in kinesiology and health sciences.

The UofR Rams welcome outstanding RB, Christian Katende. Christian comes to us from the Winston Knoll Wolverines and the Gold Medal U18 Team Sask. #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/2vNlDJ2XdU

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) December 18, 2018