RB Hassan ready to rebound with UBC

UBC brings in a BC commit to their Class of 2017.

Take nothing for granted. That’s something Moe Hassan, a running back from Centennial Secondary School, learned before signing with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

Last May, Hassan’s career hung in the balance when he tore his ACL and meniscus. “Even though I decided to play with the injury, I never got to display my ability and all the work I put in to get there never got to show,” he said.

“I was coming into my senior year at 216lbs and in very good shape and to have it all stripped away and unable to walk, workout or even practice, it has been a very long and painful year,” the 6’1, 201lbs athlete added.

In his junior year, he said he had schools like Harvard, Columbia, Washington State and many over NCAA Division 1 schools looking at him. But, after his injury, they lost all interest in him. “I’ve worked for this year my whole football career and it was disappointing not to be able to perform at the level I wanted too” Hassan said.

When it seemed as if nothing could go right, there was still a glimmer of hope. Enter the Thunderbirds. “The universities coaching staff was one of my big factors going into UBC. Head Coach Blake Nill knows how to win and I admire Paul Orazietti as the running back coach,” he said.

Courtesy of Moe Hassan.

In his 11-year career, he has played for the Centennial Centaurs (BC Secondly Schools Football Association). Originally from Coquitlam, BC, he also played with Coquitlam minor football. In grade nine and ten, he was offensive played of the year and was the best grade 11.

Although it was a long and disheartening journey, he will be emerging from the ashes a better player and person. “I learned a lot throughout the process though,” he said. “About how quick the game of football can be stripped away from you, how to be a good teammate and how to lead as a individual.”

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