Regina commits seek academic, athletic opportunities

Rams add three CJFLers and one high schooler to their team.

It is probably an understatement to say that offensive lineman Brayden Vandermeer from the Calgary Colts (CJFL) and wide receiver Sam Mike from the Saskatoon Hilltops (CJFL) have valued their time in the Canadian Junior Football League, and now the offensive pair will take their experience and knowledge with them to the Regina Rams.

Offensive lineman Matthew Robinson from the Okanagan Sun (CJFL) and Cody Ellingson from Swan River Regional Secondary School will also be joining the Rams.

Brayden Vandermeer

It was school, first and foremost, that attracted Brayden Vandermeer to the Rams. A soon-to-be Human Kinetics major, he said the biggest reason why he committed to Regina was because he got into the program he wanted.

“For the football side of it, I felt like the scheme that the offense is running is suited to my skills (and) that I think I can make it work,” he added. “When I was there on my recruiting trip walking around the locker room and the university, I was excited, kinda like when I first joined the Colts.”

Vandermeer said that he feels that Coach Mark McConkey runs a pro-style offense. He also appreciates that Head Coach Steve Bryce tells the truth in situations. As for one of his offensive line coaches, he said, “I met Sheldon Neald…who has an old school style of coaching that I have grown accustom to.”

Vandermeer has spent the last three years with the Calgary Colts. In high school, he played three years with the Bert Church Chargers (Rocky View Football League). In the spring, the product of Airdrie, Alberta, suited up with the Northern Raiders (Calgary Spring Football Association).

In his second year with the Raiders, he won a Division 2 championship. Four years later, he returned as a coach and helped coach the team to a Division 3 championship. In 2013 and 2014, he was a CSFA all-star. He is also a two-time RVFL all-star in 2012 and 2013 and a two-time rookie of the year in 2012 with the Chargers and 2015 with the Colts.

Due to his dedication and hard work on the field with the Colts, his coach, Snoop Blokker, rewarded him with the opportunity to practice with the Calgary Stampeders all last season. “I learned so much while I was there that I was able to use some of the techniques for my own game,” the 6’3, 285lbs lineman said. “There are not enough thanks in the world that I have for the Stampeders (for) allowing me to learn from the many amazing players and coaches they have.”

The UofR Rams welcomes Calgary Colts OL Brayden Vandermeer to the family. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/1rWwvLzxKe

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) January 21, 2018

Sam Mike

Already accustomed to prairie life, Sam Mike won’t need much time getting used to Regina, Saskatchewan. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Mike will be heading to the provincial capital to show what he can do. “I chose Regina because I thought it was the best fit for me,” he said. “It’s close to home and I have the opportunity to play with one of the best quarterbacks in the country, backed with a good defense.”

Mike comes from a winning program, the Saskatoon Hilltops, where he won four straight national champions during his time with the team. “(The Rams are) a team built to win now,” he said. “I like the coaching staff a lot. They emphasize on developing a well-rounded student-athlete. With Saskatchewan football, you know what you’re going to get.”

Mike, who is interested in Business, is 5’11, 190lbs and was a 2016 all-Canadian receiver.

The UofR Rams welcomes Saskatoon Hilltops WR Sam Mike to the family. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/iCFQx0GrRU

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) January 21, 2018

Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson played with the Okanagan Sun in the CJFL. He is from Kelowna, BC, and he stands at 6’4, 280lbs. In 2017, he was a BCFC all-star.

The UofR Rams welcomes Okanagan Sun OL Matthew Robinson to the family. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/6HcdFahpdd

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) January 13, 2018

Cody Ellingson

For most of his career, Cody Ellingson had a hockey stick in his hands. Now entering into university, Ellingson will be playing his second sport, football, alongside Chase, his older brother and Rams player. He told the Swan Valley Star and Times that he chose Regina because it is close to home, it has a top Kinesiology program and his brother plays there.

Ellingson played football with the Swan Valley Regional High School Tigers (RURAL Manitoba Football League) in his hometown of Swan Valley, Manitoba. He is 6’0, 205lbs and may potentially play as a linebacker with the Rams.

The UofR Rams welcome Swan River’s Cody Ellingson. Go Rams! #WeAreUofR pic.twitter.com/FKchM5cBVu

— Stephen Bryce (@StephenBryce55) December 20, 2017