Nathan Anderson won an award for heart and soul for his high school football team in his graduating year.
His mom, Corner Brook native Shelley Wiseman, has seen that passion shine through on many occasions during the 18-year-olds exploits with Saskatchewan in the Six Man Football League that features the top high school football players in the country.
July 7 is a big day on the calendar for Anderson.
That’s when he will suit up for Team Canada, as one of 20 of the best high school football players in Canada, for the annual Can-Am Cup game against the United States.
“His heart and soul is in football and he’s so determined, and when he’s determined he’ll do it because he’s that kind of a kid,” the proud mom said Tuesday from Saskatchewan. “Of course, I’m proud and over the moon happy for him.”
Anderson watched livestreams of the past two Can-Am football games, but this time around he has front row seats and can’t wait to experience it all. He knows the game will be much faster and tougher than anything he has ever experienced based on what he saw unfold on television so he’s excited about the challenge with Canada on the losing end of 16 of the first 20 showdowns between the rival countries.
“It means a lot because it makes me one of the top players in Canada,” Anderson said. “It means a lot because I love Canada too and just to know I’m representing my country is awesome.”
Wearing the Maple Leaf is a big deal for Anderson. He’s happy to have his hard work pay and he’s excited about helping Canada put an end to a seven-game losing skid.
He found his comfort zone on the football field so he’s pretty content with how things have unfolded for him.
“I just have so much fun playing football and whenever I’m able to get out there and hit somebody it gives me excitement and makes me want to go harder,” he said.
A trip back to visit his grandparents — Dave and Kay Wiseman, and Harry and Shirley Balsom who still reside in Corner Brook — has become an annual journey for Nathan.
Being able to talk about how Canada stopped the Americans is a story he hopes to share with them after the final whistle.
