Class 2012: Conner Mackay goes the extra mile to achieve gridiron feats

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star linebacker from Grand River Renegades, Conner Mackay. Conner started his football career in grade nine with the Bluevale Knights.

Conner Mackay

Positions:
Linebacker (middle, outside), Defensive End, Longsnapper, Special Teams

Height/Weight:
6’2, 225 lbs

Teams:
Grand River Renegades (high school)
Twin City Predators (varsity: OFC)
Cambridge Lions (junior varsity)
Bluevale Knights (high school)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Guelph, McMaster, Waterloo, York

Class:
2012

Conner has shown over the course of his career his talents on the field. Among the teams he’s played for include the Bluevale Knights, Cambridge Lions, Twin City Predators of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) and his most recent high school, Grand River Renegades.

While playing with the Predators last season, the defensive standout enjoyed an OFC championship title the team won. However, Conner achieved his greatest successes on the field with the Renegades this past season as he was team defensive player of the year and was selected to the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) first all-star team. Most recently, he was successful in his tryout with the Golden Horseshoe all-star team and will play in the game on May 6th at McMaster University.

Those exciting last two seasons of football have provided Conner with special moments that are the highlights of his career.

“Winning the OFC championship has to be one of the most memorable moments in my football career, but this past season my high school team and I made our way from B division up into division playoffs and made it all the way to the semi-finals with a 24 man roster, which I found to be pretty spectacular and memorable,” says the Renegades standout.

Being part of two championship bred teams like the Predators and Renegades has helped shaped Conner into the player he is today.

“I have two teams that have done wonders when it comes to my development as a football player and overall athlete: these teams are the Predators and their coaching staff, and the Grand River Renegades and their coaching staff,” explains Conner. “Both consist of ex-CIS football players, and all I can do is thank each and every one of them for their help and the experience they gave me through their teachings.”

Away from the gridiron, the graduating defensive star is grateful of the family support net he has, in particular his mother.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without my mom as she has supported me in absolutely anything I wanted to pursue,” says the Renegades standout. “My mom has influenced me to believe that nothing is in fact impossible, she will continually drive that into my head to keep me believing in that forever.”

“Without her expecting my best out of me I really wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Furthermore, Conner’s grandmother and father have had an influence on his life.

“Then of course there is my grandmother who has been there driving to practices and games when my mom is busy working or busy supporting my sister and I,” comments Conner. “My dad also has been a significant influence as of lately in my life and football.”

“He has not always been around but when he has been, I have seen a great deal of support and could not appreciate that enough as well.”

As for future plans for the graduating defensive end, while he would like to pursue studies in political science and business, his overall aspirations are to enter the field of law.

“I’m a very driven person on and off the field,” adds Conner. “I set goals and strive with everything I have to achieve them.”

Overall, the gameof football has taught the Renegades standout something crucial regardingsuccess.

“A big thing that football has taught me is that success doesn’t come cheap,” says Conner. “Hard work always will prevail.”

“That one who wishes to go the extra mile must work hard and that nothing will be given for free.”

Furthermore, there are a couple of special things he takes away from the game that can’t be gained elsewhere.

“As well football has taught me to cherish these memories for it doesn’t last long,” explains Conner. “These will be some of the best times of our lives and along with that comes the team; the friends that I will never forget, those who taught me so much.”

“A team that works together wins together.”

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