Class 2012: "X" marks the spot for Ian Archibald (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star cornerback and recent St. Francis Xavier commit, Ian Archibald. Ian began his football career in grade 10 with the Charles P Allen Cheetahs of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

Ian Archibald

Positions:
Cornerback, Free Safety

Height/Weight:
5’11, 175 lbs

Teams:
Charles P Allen Cheetahs (high school: NSSAFFL)
Metro Mustangs (varsity: NSVFL)
Team Nova Scotia under-18

Commitment:
Commitment to St. Francis Xavier University

Class:
2012

While hockey was Ian’s favourite sport, he turned over to football in his grade ten year when he started out with the Cheetahs.

“I didn’t have much interest in it but I decided to give it a try with strong encouragement from my father and also from my friend and teammate Louis Stephen,” explains Ian of how he got into the game. “I made the team as a cornerback and was starting in my second game.”

“I had always loved contact sports with hockey being my first sport growing up.”

However, the standout found his niche with football. In the 2010 season, the Cheetahs cornerback was selected to the NSSAFFL second all-star team in the defensive back position. This past season was an exceptional one for Ian as he was selected to the league’s Nova Division first all-star team in the defensive back position.

Moreover in July 2011, Ian got the opportunity of a lifetime as he was a member of Team Nova Scotia which travelled to Lethbridge, Alberta to participate in the Football Canada Cup.

“My most memorable football experience would have to be representing Nova Scotia in the Canada Cup this past summer,” comments the standout, who was a starting cornerback and free safety in the tournament. “I had never imagined playing football at such a high level of
competition and it was truly a dream come true.”

“Playing with and against such great players really motivated me and still motivates me to improve myself as a football player.”

Next season, Ian will play football at the university level as he’s recently committed to St. Francis Xavier University. Among the factors that influenced his decision were academics and the atmosphere around the football program.

“In terms of academics, I had heard a lot of great things about the Kinesiology program at St. FX along with the high academic standards of the university,” says the future X-Men player of his decision. “In terms of athletics, the main reason I chose St. FX is when I went up on my recruiting trip, as soon as I got there I felt like I was in the right place.”

“From the coaches down to the players I really felt like I was welcomed with open arms, it was just a great environment.”

Ian says he’s fortunate to have coaches who’ve played a significant role in transforming him into an impact player. Two coaches that have made him into the player he is today are his Cheetahs coaches Alain Lefebvre and Blair Ryan.

“Coach Lefebvre, being the defensive coordinator, introduced me to the defensive back position and taught me everything I know about the defensive side of football,” explains Ian, who also plays for the Metro Mustangs of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL). “Coach Ryan is currently the receivers coach at Charles P. Allen but in grade 10, he was my defensive backs coach and he taught me all the ins and outs of the position along with different tricks and techniques that must be learned in order to excel.”

Another key influence in football has been Alan Wetmore.

“He trained me for more than a year at The Ultimate Athlete Factory and dramatically increased my strength and physical ability while also teaching me the proper techniques for almost every exercise I can think of,” adds the Cheetahs defensive star.

However, Ian says his parents have been his major cheerleaders on the sidelines and away from the field.

“My mom, as a teacher, is constantly pushing me to excel in school as my father is doing the same in sports,” says Ian. “I am extremely thankful for them because I would not be where I am today without their love and guidance.”

Away from the gridiron, the Cheetahs graduating cornerback still plays hockey. Last season as a member of the school’s hockey team, he contributed to the team reaching second place at provincials.

As for future plans, once Ian completes his degree in human kinesiology (with a minor in biology) at St. Francis Xavier, he would like to pursue a career in sports medicine.

As he gets set to embark on the newest phase of his life in Antigonish, Ian will continue to work hard at achieving all his football and life goals.

“One thing that I have learned from football that I apply to my life is that nothing comes easy; you have to work for everything that you want to achieve,” explains Ian. “You have to have such a strong desire to accomplish the goals you have set that no matter what obstacles are in your way, you will overcome them and reach those goals.”

Video of Ian’s Football Highlights:

Photos 1 and 3 courtesy of Joe Chrvala of Cheetahs Football)
(website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jchrvala)
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)