Alberta welcomes one local commit and one southern Alberta commit to their team.
Defensive back Wes Bookland from the Edmonton Huskies (CJFL) and receiver Zachary Campbell from Medicine Hat High School already feel like one of the team after signing with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
Wes Bookland
Courtesy of Wes Bookland.
When Wes Bookland walks into the Golden Bears’ locker room, he will already know a few faces. “Everything sort of just fell into place perfectly. Two of my coaches from the Huskies moved up to coach with the UofA, including the special teams coach,” he said. “Being a kick/punt returner, that appealed to me a lot and knowing some of the players on the team and having played next to them, I already have good chemistry with them.”
Bookland, who is from Spruce Groove, Alberta, added that another positive is that the school is close to home. “I was able to get work on the field and with the players right away in the dome for the rest of the offseason,” he said. “I can’t wait to get around all the coaching staff on the field.”
During his recruitment, Bookland said the staff went out of their way. He was also impressed with Wade DuPont, the defensive back coach, and his 20 years of experience. “Immediately when I sat down to watch film with him, while I was still in the recruiting phrase, I immediately knew that he knew what he was talking about and thought he’d be a great mentor for the next couple years,” he said.
Standing at 5’9, 175lbs, Bookland has played with both the Parkland Panthers (MEHSL) and the Edmonton Huskies. He is interested in either psychology or kinesiology.
Zachary Campbell
Courtesy of Zach Campbell.
No matter the weather, it is always football season in Edmonton. “I’ll be able to train and play football all year round due to the bubble over the field,” Zachary Campbell said of his commitment. “I also signed at UofA because it felt like home. The coaching staff and players welcomed me instead of treating me like an outsider.”
He added that, “The coaching staff is incredible. Head Coach Morris doesn’t just care about winning football games. He cares about his players’ futures and education. All of the coaches care about their guys and really want to see them succeed. They also look out for their guys.”
Aside from football, Campbell, who is 6’2, 196lbs, said he will get second-to-none education.
Campbell spent his high school days with the Medicine Hat Mohawks (RFC). He also played at the atom and peewee levels in his six-year career. He is a two-time conference all-star. He also won three RFC championships and two South Zone championships.
For Campbell, he has been hungry for university football for quite some time. “I’ve been preparing for this moment all my life,” he said. “Now I’m ready to make the most of it.”
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