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Jaxon Vandenberghe: The Calgarian defensive back preparing to tackle the western college league
(Courtesy: Jaxon Vandenberghe)

Jaxon Vandenberghe: The Calgarian defensive back preparing to tackle the western college league

CALGARY, Alberta — The eyes of the University of Alberta’s (UOA) football coaching staff are always looking for the strongest high school programs in the province and western Canada. Their quest for talent to join the Golden Bears never ceases. Thus, it is no coincidence that one of the Calgary Saint Francis High School top products, defensive back Jaxon Vandenberghe, has drawn the attention of the UOA head coach Chris Morris.

“We watched some videos from the Saint Francis football team (the Browns) playing against other teams,” Morris explained to BVM Sports. “On them, Jaxon showed a lot of ability. He has a good frame and does positive things when he is out on the field. We think is a really good fit for us, considering he is a very academic kid as well.”

Vandenberghe, who played the Summer Series 2021 for Football Alberta U18 Team South, also took part in one of the Golden Bears’ training camps last year and made a good impression on the coaching staff. He is a 6-foot-1, 150-pound player who can perform either as a cornerback, free safety or strong safety.

“He is a good, smart and instinctive athlete, he could be a very high-level guy,” the UOA head coach and former CFL Edmonton Eskimos’ captain said. “The thing that we should remember is that every person that joins the university football program is a good player. He will have to work very hard and earn a spot on the roster. He has lots of potential to do so.”

Vandenberghe’s coach at Saint Francis, Tyler Park, is sure that he will make a good contribution to the Alberta Golden Bears.

“He will only get better and is going to grow physically,” Park said. “He should be able to compete. He was our top defensive back this year for sure.”

Last season, the Saint Francis Browns contested in the final of the Brian Fryer Division Championship (Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association) and were defeated by the Harry Ainlay Titans.

“Now he is going up for the next level at the University of Alberta,” Park said. “He is going to work on his speed and overall strength, like any other kid that is going to play in college.”

Park praised that Vandenberghe does not lose his focus, is a good student and is someone who always wants to get better.

The Calgarian athlete, who plans to study engineering, is excited about his chance to play football in college.

“I am extremely happy with my commitment to the University of Alberta,” Vandenberghe commented to BVM Sports. “I love their academic focus over the priority of football. The belief that the majority of the team can get a degree and they can win a U Sports championship is extremely inspiring and makes me feel special to be part of such a great program.”

On the possibility that Vandenberghe could turn pro someday, Morris and Park agreed that it may be too early to predict it.

“We always talk that this is a process,” Morris said. “The first step is to become a good student, then to become a good university player. Then, the next step is to become an outstanding university player. After that, you can look at maybe becoming a professional player.”

Park pointed out that Vandenberghe is focused on finishing Grade 12 and trying to get into the best shape so he can earn a spot with the Golden Bears. He is currently working in the weight room to become stronger.

Before beginning classes in September, the defensive back will join the Golden Bears’ spring camp in April and then take part in their training camp on Aug. 13.

“We try not to rush kids on the field,” Morris said in regard to Vandenberghe’s first year in college. “Getting their academic careers on track is the number one priority of our program. In the second year, he will be looking to play.”

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