Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 cornerback and recent Wilfrid Laurier commit, Richard Vu. Richard most recently played out his senior year with the Lorne Park Spartans.
Richard Vu
Positions:
Cornerback, Defensive Back
Height/Weight:
5'10, 180 lbs
Teams:
Lorne Park Spartans (high school)
Erindale Raiders (high school)
Mississauga Warriors (junior varsity/varsity: OVFL)
Commitment:
Committed to Wilfrid Laurier University
Class:
2012
In his time with the Raiders, Richard was a vital part of the success the team experienced. In his senior year on the Raiders, the cornerback not only captained the team to a perfect season, but also led in interceptions as he racked up five in total.
Richard experienced a special moment in his football career when he was a freshman at Erindale but started on the senior Raiders team as a cornerback.
"We were down 20-7 in the fourth quarter with six minutes left and we came back and won 21-20 in the final seconds of the game," explains the graduating player, who also played for the Lorne Park Spartans and the Mississauga Warriors of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). "It was the most exhilarating feeling at the time and I will never forget that team."
Moreover, Richard was Athlete of the Year in the 2009-2010 season while playing with the Raiders. Most recently, the Spartans star cornerback was named to the Golden Horseshoe team that will play in the all-star game on May 6th at McMaster University.
The next stage of Richard's football career will see him become a Golden Hawk. He has chosen to continue football and academics at Wilfrid Laurier University. From the moment he stepped onto the campus, the star cornerback felt comfortable and instantly felt like he was part of a family and team.
Academics were an additional reason Richard chose the school.
"Going to university, obviously there's life after football and earning a good degree is most important to me and my family," says the future Golden Hawks player, who will enroll in the business program and plans to complete a Masters of Administration at the school. "Academics at Laurier are emphasized by the coaches: they want you for four years or more not just one with the support systems they have in place and the great programs they offer."
"Ik now that football is a privilege and school comes first and I believe that Laurier will offer me the best opportunity to succeed in both."
When Richard toured the campus, he observed the football team during practices and talked to many current players. Consequently, he knew Wilfrid Laurier was the right choice for him.
"I knew in my heart and my head that this is where I needed to be," adds Richard. "After committing, all the coaches called me and were really happy, which made me feel really good and I knew Laurier was perfect."
"It was like they adopted me into their family right then and there."
While achieving this major football feat, it is not lost on Richard how vital of a role his coaches have played in his success. He credits Erindale Raiders coach Jim Roe, Lorne Park Spartans coach Scott Price and Mississauga Warriors coach Gord Gallimore for guiding him into becoming the complete player he is today.
Additionally, the Raiders cornerback is appreciative of the support his family has given him throughout his career.
"They support me in anything I do," comments Richard. "Also, my dad who has been my hero, has always told me you can do anything you want as long as you believe in yourself no matter what other people say, and give it your all."
"Along with god and these great coaches, my family and friends I have become the man and player I am today."
Away from football, Richard is hoping to fulfill a dream when it comes to his future career path. He would like to become a lawyer specializing in family law and compares it to playing football.
"Being a lawyer you have to do a lot of research to know your case and solve the problem at hand," says the graduating player. "I believe that it is a lot like football, and like a chess game which I enjoy."
Furthermore, giving back to the community and world is very high on Richard's radar and would love the opportunity to be able to be in a position to fulfill that goal.
"I would also love the chance to study abroad, or go on trips such my friends to Africa or places in need to help out the people there," explains Richard. "I've heard it’s an extremely humbling experience."
"Not many people realize and appreciate the opportunity we have here, going to university and even elementary to high school in general."
As he prepares for the next stage of his life at Wilfrid Laurier, the star cornerback will conquer in his quest to realize more dreams through the many things he has learned in football.
"As long as you work hard you can succeed at anything in life whether it be football or in the classroom," comments Richard, who's also learned about respect, discipline and work ethic from the game. "My motto is that I know there is someone working harder than me out there so I have to work THAT much harder."
"I believe that effort and hard work trump natural talent any time."
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
