Longtime Huronia Stallions football player Matt Laurin has risen through the ranks to become an important part of the team’s success.
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The 20-year-old has played for the junior varsity team since 2005 and this is his first year as a starter for the Stallions, who play in the Ontario Varsity Football League.
Hitting the field with the club wasn’t easy at first, Laurin said.
“When I first started, I was really intimidated,” he said, prior to a recent practice at the Barrie Sports Complex in Midhurst. “But I just got more comfortable and focused with the sport in general.”
Team spokesperson Jason Romisher said Laurin has made his presence known on the squad.
“He used to play on the offensive line and moved to defense midway through the last season and began to contribute immediately,” Romisher said. “This year he is playing dominant football and is taking the steps to play university football in 2011.”
Laurin has worked extremely hard to get to this point, Romisher added. “Despite adversity, he has always believed in himself and kept working to improve,” he said.
Laurin says a small change on his part has made a big difference to his game.
“Just my work ethic. I’m taking it a lot more seriously,” Laurin said.
“I’m spending more time in the gym during the offseason. I’m watching my diet and keeping a positive attitude,” he added.
That has helped him in his game. “I love playing
with the Stallions. I like the physicalness of the practices and the camaraderie of the players,” he said.
He plans on making the most of his final year of playing with the Stallions, but is also mindful of his career.
“I would play for any university that would have me that offers my program. Right now I’m focused on getting my degree in social work,” he said.
Laurin has become a good player and an asset to the club, Romisher said, adding that youngsters can learn a thing or two from his determination.
“He is a lesson to youth that if you do not excel at a young age, keep working at your dream and it may become a reality,” Romisher said.
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