Manitoba adds two out-of-province commits to their team.
The Prairies better get ready for the BC boys, Nick Thomas, a linebacker from the Langley Stampeders (Vancouver Mainland Football League) and Michael West, a defensive end from Terry Fox high school, after the pair signed with the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Nick Thomas
Nick Thomas and Head Coach Dobie. Courtesy of Ryan Karhut.
If it wasnāt for community football, Nick Thomas may not have had a chance to play the sport. His high school, Clayton Heights, didnāt have a team of its own. So, he joined the Langley Stampeders. He only needed two years to get on recruitersā radar.
When the 5ā11, 210lbs middle linebacker joins the Bisons next season, he is determined to make an impact and bring a championship to the program. He offered up a glimpse into what fans can expect: āThey can definitely expect to see the speed and aggressiveness I can bring to the game.ā
Born and raised in Surrey, BC, Thomasās love for the sport stems deeper than his own individual role. āNot only do I love the game of football, but the fact that it can bring over 50 people together and youāre able to call each one of them family,ā he said. āThatās love. Itās really amazing.ā
Thomas is not the first member of his family to play high-level football. His father, Eddie Lee Thomas, played in the CFL for eight years.
Michael West
Michael West (#4) makes the catch. Courtesy of Ryan Karhut.
Unlike his counterpart, Michael West played high school ball with the Terry Fox Ravens (BCHSFA). Standing at 6ā4, 235lbs, the eight-year veteran is on a mission.
He said his goals with the Bisons are āto become a better play and in doing so, help the team win a championship and also come out with a degree.ā
Hailing from Coquitlam, BC, West is a dual defensive end and wide receiver. In 2014, he was the BCSSAA AAA player of the year. In 2016, he suited up for the Valley Huskers (CJFL) and was named to the CJFL all-star team.
Manitoba fans better get ready for this sparkplug. āFans (can expect) a new and exciting player that will make plays,ā West said.
When West took a second to think about what his favourite part about football is, he gave a clear list: ācompetition, from the starting positon, taking on the player across the ball from you and winning games.ā
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