The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and the players participating in the big event.
When Martin Mezak, a member of Halton Team Grade 7, got wind of the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC), he knew it was an opportunity he could not simply pass up.
“I jumped at the change to play in the OPC,” Mezak said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn from many great coaches and play with some really talented players.” He added that the highlight so far has been the chance to play with players from all over Ontario.
Mezak, who is 5’11 and 245lbs, currently plays as an offensive right guard, however he has also played on the defensive line. In his atom days, he suited up for the Halton Cowboys of the Ontario Minor Football League. When he reached the peewee level, he found himself on the Burlington Stampeders (Burlington Minor Football League). He is currently trying out for the bantam Stampeders spring team.
A good offensive line is a vital asset for any football team. Mezak said “I love making amazing blocks that lead to touchdowns for my team.”
Martin Mezak (#92) bowling through an opponent. Courtesy of Zdenko Mezak.
When asked about his football inspiration, the young football player gave a unique response. “If I had to choose one, it would be the Dallas Cowboy’s guard, Zack Martin,” he said, “because all you have to do is add ‘me’ and you have Mezack Martin!”
This year’s OPC will be played out of the home turf of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mezak said, “It feels great to play on a field where professional players play.”
He also adds, “I’m going to focus on playing football and winning the game.”
Mezak is set to graduate in 2022 and he has his sights set on playing the game well into university. “I think everybody’s dream in football is to play for a tier one university and anything after that is a bonus,” he said.
“Since I have dual citizenship, I would love to play for Ohio State,” he added. “Ohio is my mother’s home state and I have a lot of friends and family there.”
If not Ohio State, Mezak chose Alabama and Oregon because they both have incredible football programs. If he chose to stay north of the border, he said he would love to play for either McMaster, the University of Toronto, or the University of Ottawa.
Marin Mezak (#93) tackles his opponent. Courtesy of Zdenko Mezak.
When thinking a little closer to the present, Mezak said that, “I want to get better strength, endurance and speed on the field. Mostly I want to stay healthy and have fun playing football.”
During this year’s OPC, Mezak said his goals are to have fun, improve his skills, get noticed and win. And the team’s goal? To win.
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