AFL: Demetrius Ferguson’s determination and talent leads Holland College Hurricanes to success (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Holland College Hurricanes star defensive back/receiver and recent St. Francis Xavier commit, Demetrius Ferguson. Demetrius started playing football in 2008.

Demetrius Ferguson

Positions:
Free Safety, Wide Receiver, Special Teams (Kick Return, Punt Return)

Height/Weight:
5’11, 190 lbs

Teams:
Holland College Hurricanes (AFL)
Greenwich High School Cardinals (high school: Greenwich, Connecticut, USA)

Commitment:
Commitment to St. Francis Xavier University

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Demetrius lived in the United States for four years. While living in the States, the football standout played for the Greenwich High School Cardinals. During his time with the team, Demetrius won two state championship titles.

For the past two seasons, Demetrius has suited up for the Holland College Hurricanes of the Atlantic Football League (AFL). It has been a great experience in Prince Edward Island (PEI) for him.

“I built up and improved on my skills, built long term relationship with my fellow teammates and coaches, and we also won our first ever championship,” explains Demetrius of his time with the Hurricanes. “I also enjoyed our fans and the great community and the support they give us, because they attend every game that we host.”

“Holland College is a good place to be and I enjoyed my past two years here.”

Since day one of arriving at the PEI college, Demetrius felt right at home. Furthermore, he experienced a very unique and special moment that will forever be etched in PEI football history books.

“He will forever be the answer to a trivia question here,” comments Hurricanes head coach Mark MacDougall. “Holland College started their program in 2010 and there had not been any post-secondary football played here since UPEI dropped out in 1980.”

“There was a lot of anticipation for the first season and the Hurricanes played Moncton at home in their first league game ever. Demetrius took the opening kickoff of the first game all the way back for a touchdown and it took only eight seconds for the team to score its first touchdown.”

The Hurricanes football star returned the ball for 105 yards on the first play of the game.

This past season, Demetrius was a true warrior on the field. He played the entire season with a broken left wrist. While sporting a cast, the Hurricanes standout never lost a step on the field. He amassed impressive statistics: 10 touchdowns (seven of those were on kick returns, one on an interception and two on punt returns), and a team leading six interceptions.

For his achievements on the field during the 2011 campaign, Demetrius was awarded the Hilton Trophy as the Hurricanes most valuable player.

In 2011, the Hurricanes football star led the team to their first ever AFL championship title. The team defeated the University of New Brunswick Red Bombers 28-0 in the game to hoist the Moosehead Cup. It also marked the first time any PEI football team won a regional championship since 1960.

While Demetrius will be forever linked to the first touchdown scored in the Hurricanes history, it won’t be the only claim to fame for him.

“Returning kicks for touchdowns would be something Demetrius did often,” explains MacDougall. “In what will probably be his final game he returned a punt for a touchdown to help lead his team to the championship.”

“Those two touchdowns bracket a great two year stay in PEI.”

As he is now finished his career with the Hurricanes, the standout will continue to play football while furthering his education at St. Francis Xavier University. Academics was a factor in his decision.

“St. FX has a great business program, one of the best I would say,” says Demetrius. “I’m studying marketing now at Holland College and would like to continue that at ST. FX.”

“I will continue my education in business marketing and excel in the classroom and on the football field.”

When Demetrius first visited the Antigonish campus, he immediately knew the campus was right for him.

“My spirit just took to X when I first visit the campus, so I just went with my gut feeling, also with some help with friends, and family,” adds the Hurricanes star who also says that the boys from 24 Greening, Antigonish NS were a factor in his decision. “When I finish or when I graduate, I would join the many others who also has a X RING and that would be something I would love to have.”

Finally, the football progam sold Demetrius on his decision to commit to the school.

“St. FX football has a great football program and I would love to be a part of that tradition,” comments the standout. “Coach Waterman and I have had a good relationship for the past two years.”

There are a couple of individuals that have made a significant impact on the standout’s life on and off the field. First of all, Demetrius says his mother has been such a strong influence in his life that it’s resulted in him in becoming the player and person he is today.

“My mom died when I was very young at the age of 12,” comments Demetrius. “I didn’t really know what was going on at that time in my life; all I knew was that I was out of a mom and lost her to cancer.”

“In football and in life, I do everything because of my mom; I do it for her. When I scored my first touchdown I gave thanks to her and that touchdown was for her.”

In the past year, the Hurricanes MVP says the void’s been filled of not having someone to look up to as a mother figure for the last 10 years.

“Her name is Nora MacEwen, an instructor at Holland College who is a mother to all her students,” says the Hurricanes student-athlete. “She just brings joy to everyone and just gives me the motivation I need on and off the field.”

From the game of football, Demetrius has learned about the unique concept of teamwork.

“When you’re a part of a football team sometimes with up to 60 other players, understanding your role and that of your teammates is critical,” explains Demetrius. “Trusting them to do their job is also of utmost importance.”

“Even guys on the second and third string play a definitive role that helps the overall group and the emotional ups and downs that a team will experience help to build trust over time.”

MacDougall says Demetrius is a rare, yet special gridiron talent.

“Demetrius Ferguson is one of the most gifted football players I have ever been around,” says the Hurricanes head coach. “He has tremendous speed; he is a versatile player who can excel on offense, defense and special teams.”

As MacDougall explains, Demetrius’ versatility as a player was a welcome asset to the Hurricanes.

“He played some defense in his first year but moved there full time in his second year,” comments MacDougall. “He played safety and returned all kicks.”

“Late in the year he played some offense in a wildcat formation and with his speed, he was able to take away the deep threat through the middle of the field. He was a real leader on defense and worked hard to get better every day.”

One of the Demetrius’ strengths is the determination he displays in football, especially this past season as he played through his injury.

“He played wide receiver in his first season and was planning to return there,” explains the Hurricanes head coach. “During spring workouts he fractured abone in his wrist requiring a cast he would have to wear until late in the season.”

“He didn’t hesitate for a second; he just said I’ll have to change positions so I better get to work. He was back in the weight room the next day.”

Overall, not only is Demetrius the total package, but his character and personality is infectious. Consequently, he’s had a profound effect on the team and community.

“As good of a football player as Demetrius is, and he is a great player, he is an even better person,” says MacDougall. “He made us better in every way and he will make everyone around him better both in football and outside the game.”

“I am proud to have been part of the same team as Demetrius and I am glad to know him as a person.”

For his part, Demetrius lives by a commandment which has been and will continue to be the key to his success.

“Thou shall not look ahead, thou shall focus on this week’s game only and thou shall only take it one game at a time,” says Demetrius. “I compared that to life to not look ahead take life one day at a time because I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but for myself, I just live for today, and hope that there is a tomorrow.”

“Everything I do in life, I give the man upstairs thanks, because he’s my lord and saviour.”