The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams and players participating in the big event.
Erich Foerster is the author of an extraordinary story.
He was born with only one arm, but he has not let that stop him from playing the game he loves. His grit, heart and determination has landed him a spot on the Team Halton roster for the Ontario Prospect Challenge for a second straight year.
“I was coached in another all star game by Peter Wilson and after the game he asked me if I was interested in playing for him the next year and I found the program to be well run,” Foerster said of his first encounter with OPC.
In this year’s event, the Burlington Stampeders’ wideout is simply looking forward “to playing football.”
Throughout his career with the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) and the Nelson Lords of the Halton Secondary School Athletic Association (HSSAA) he has maintained a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
“The biggest attribute I bring is my attitude I toward adversity,” expressed Foerster. “I play wide receiver with one hand, and it was tough learning at first but once I learned the mechanics it came to me easier than most.”
The 5’11, 160-pounder loves playing the wide receiver position, and is full of gratitude for the opportunity to do so.
“I play it because I love the concept of wide receiver,” he said. “My favourite part is being given a chance to play it.”
Foerster looks up to a two-time Super Bowl champion receiver playing on arguably the best NFL of the century.
“I’ve always looked up to Julian Edelman because of the attributes he brings to the table,” commented Foerster. “He’s not the fastest or strongest but there’s something about how he uses his skills; it seems like no one can stop him.”
He says he is numb to the pressure of big games and bright lights, stating, “I don’t react to pressure; I just play football.”
In 2013, Foerster was awarded the Danny McManus Leadership Award, presented by Findlay Law, for his volunteer work with the War Amps CHAMPS (Child Amputee Program) and for his exemplary leadership and mentoring to others in the community on and off the field. Ironically, the award was presented in Hamilton, the site of this year’s OPC, and the city where McManus shone for eight seasons as a Ti-Cat.
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