Gridiron Warrior

CFC INSIDER

CFC 100 & Warriors standout takes in four CIS official visits.

It’s been a time of reflection for CFC 100 and Henry Wise Wood Warriors quarterback Peter Zajdel.

Peter Zajdel

Positions:
Quarterback, Receiver

Height/Weight:
6’2, 185 lbs

Teams:
Henry Wise Wood Warriors (high school: ASAA)
Stampeders (bantam)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
Bishop’s, Ottawa, McMaster, Alberta

Consideration:
Bishop’s, Ottawa, McMaster, Alberta, Open

Class:
2015

Peter has played for both the bantam Stampeders as well as his high school team, Henry Wise Wood Warriors of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA).

“My most memorable football experience would have to be reflecting on the past three years with my teammates and have much we have grown up together,” recalls the Warriors pivot of his gridiron journey.  “Seeing the transition from grade 10 coming in, to where I am now is surreal.”

Throughout his career, Peter has received many honours including Stampeders Team MVP twice, bantam, Warriors MVP twice, Division 1 high-school All-Star selection at the quarterback position (grade 11) and Division 1 Stan Schwartz Award recipient.

Additionally, the pivot has been ranked on the CFC 100. He is thrilled of the recognition as it is a reflection on how hard he has worked.

“It was exciting to see at the beginning of the season that I was ranked in the CFC 100,” comments Peter.  “I think that my play throughout the season is proof that my ranking should improve.”

“I don’t know many other teams in high school football who pass 70 percent of the time with the success we had. We passed roughly 25 times a game completing 69 percent of my passes. I think I really worked on being able to read and anticipate defences very well this year. Through that I was able to deliver the ball where it needed to go instead of running and trying to make plays with my legs. Having Jordan Heather (Hec Creighton Winner) as my quarterback coach really taught me the importance of being able to know where you’re going with the ball and making those throws rather than running because those are the tools I will need for university. I believe that from the beginning of the season to the end, I improved immensely as a player.”

Each and every day, the CFC 100 standout trains hard in his quest to achieve further gridiron goals.

“Football is six days a week,” describes Peter.  “Film and practice every day, in the offseason, I’m in the weight room five days a week, throwing the ball three to four times a week, along with track and agility workouts.”

Moreover, several individuals have enabled the Warriors pivot to pursue his gridiron goals and life endeavours by providing encouragement and motivation.

“The most influential people in my life are both of my parents; they have supported me through everything I have been through and have always been there for me in or lose,” expresses Peter, who is an honours student.  “In football, I would have to say my Offensive Coordinator Johannes Van Leenen who has taught me so much not only on the football field but more importantly how to be successful in the real world.”

“My Head Coach Cody Ehrmann has been with me every step of the way. He has helped me grow into the person I am today, he has taught me so many lessons that I will never forget and has made a huge impact on my life. Coach Wilson always brought a smile to my face through his actions, showed me the kind of person I wish to be one day.”

As for the recruitment process, it has been an action packed time for the CFC 100 standout.  He has visited four schools – Alberta, Bishop’s, Ottawa and McMaster.  Furthermore, he is getting set to write his SAT’s in the hopes of playing south of the border.  Montana State and Eastern Washington are some of the schools he is keeping his eye on.

“The recruiting process has been great;  I was exposed to it a little in grade 11 and now in grade 12 it has just gotten that more exciting,” reflects Peter on the experience.  “It can be stressful at times and a little tough to soak in but I’ve learned to live in the moment and enjoy it while its here.”

“The most challenging part would definitely be finding the top universities that are a perfect fit academically and football wise.”

Overall, the game has given the Warriors pivot the recipe for continued success in all his endeavours on and off the field.

“Football has really taught me how to become a better leader, leading by example and earning your respect not demanding it,” says Peter.  “It has also taught me how to work with others and being able to progress with the team through that.”

“Football has really taught me that if you want to be successful in life, you need to be able to work with others and be able to gain their respect.”

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)