Class 2012: Tanner Philip commits to Wilfrid Laurier (Video)

Today CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star defensive back and recent Sir Wilfrid Laurier commit, Tanner Philip. Tanner started his football career with the Nelson Lords in grade nine.

Tanner Philip

Positions:
Defensive Back, Running Back

Height/Weight:
5’8, 185 lbs

Teams:
Nelson Lords (high school)
Burlington Stampeders (bantam/junior varsity/varsity: OFC)
Team Ontario West

Commitment:
Commitment to Wilfrid Laurier University

Class:
2012

During his high school career with the Nelson Lords, Tanner experienced many special achievements and football moments. In 2008, he was junior football MVP and most improved player for his play on the field as he racked up 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.

This past November, Tanner played a key role in the success of the Lords as they were champions of the Golden Horseshoe Bowl. Not only was this the highlight of the standout’s career, but also a dream realized.

“This has been a dream of mine ever since I entered grade nine and seeing all the past greats that have won it for Nelson like Jesse Lumsden, Jon Behie, Zack Stacey,” explains Tanner. “I really view the Nelson program as an extended family for me and winning it with all of these guys was a dream comes true.”

Additionally, Tanner found success with the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). In 2011, he was team defensive MVP. The standout also played for Team Ontario West at the Canada Football Cup in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (2009) and Wolfville, Nova Scotia (2010).

All the talent shown on the field did not go unnoticed. Tanner was the recipient of the Kita Family Award in 2009 and the Mike Wallace Citizenship Award in 2011. Most recently, the Lords defensive back was selected to the Golden Horseshoe all-star team and will participate in the game on May 6th at McMaster University.

Next up for Tanner will be continuing the next chapter of his football career at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University. A major reason the graduating star committed to the school was the solid academic foundation.

“Academics was the biggest factor for what school I was going to choose and Laurier has an outstanding business program with an exceptional co-op program,” comments the future Golden Hawks star. “Also, the coaches really emphasized the importance of academics.”

“That was huge for me because at some places it really feels like football is your number one priority and school comes second but at Laurier the importance of education was consistent with whomever you talked to.”

The atmosphere and sense of family felt during his visit to the campus made Tanner feel as though the campus was a perfect fit for him.

“It really felt like a family when I was in and around practice, in the locker room, talking to players and coaches,” says the defensive standout. “It really felt like if you join the Laurier football family you were a person and not just a number.”

“Also when I was walking around the campus and touring the facilities it just felt like home. I am really excited about growing as person at Laurier in the coming years.”

Many people have been integral to Tanner’s success on and off the field. Two of his biggest football influences are Jerry Philip and Marc Messier, who’ve been mentors and role models.

However, there are others that the graduating player credits for encouragement and motivation.

“I have to thank God for blessing me with all these tremendous opportunities,” adds Tanner. “Family has played a huge role in supporting me as well.”

“Two of my best friends Cory Babiak and Sam Edwardes are riding their bicycles across Canada to raise money for cancer research this coming summer and I draw a lot of inspiration from them.”

Away from the gridiron, Tanner has big aspirations. Academically, he would like to do graduate studies in law. As a career goal, the graduating star hopes to become a corporate lawyer in the fair trade industry.

“I’m really hoping to get more companies on board with the fair trade movement so that people living in developing countries can attain a higher standard of living,” explains Tanner of his career goal.

Whether he achieves goals on the field or in life endeavours, Tanner knows that hard work is the key to any success.

“The biggest thing I have learned from football is that hard work will always put you in a position to succeed,” says Tanner. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the biggest, fastest, strongest or smartest person, hard work beats talent everyday of the week and if you keep working hard you will succeed.”

Video of Tanner’s Football Highlights:

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