Class 2013: Mark Mackie keeps powering towards gridiron goals (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2013 star defensive end from the Saunders Sabres, Mark Mackie. Mark began his football career in grade nine with the Sabres.

Mark Mackie

Positions:
Defensive End, Fullback, Defensive Tackle

Height/Weight:
6’0, 250 lbs

Teams:
Saunders Sabres (high school)
London Falcons/London Jr. Mustangs (junior varsity/varsity: OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Open

Class:
2013

Even though he started playing for his high school team, the Saunders Sabres in grade nine, Mark realized the next season that football was his “calling”. As a result, the Sabres defensive end tried out for the London Falcons of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

While he has been a member of the Falcons team for the past two seasons, Mark says his game has improved over that time.

“Although most of these teams have not been overly successful, (ugly stat: lost the first playoff game in 4/6 of those seasons) I feel as though I have become a much better player after each season,” comments the defensive star who was the recipient of the team’s award for courage and commitment in 2011. “With a bit of luck and continued hard work, the success will come.”

Mark realized his potential while playing for the Sabres and was rewarded for his leadership and play on the field. In 2009 and 2010, the standout was the recipient of the Heart Award from the team. Not only was Mark captain this past season, but was also team MVP.

Currently, the Sabres defensive standout is busily training during the offseason and will be playing for the Golden Horseshoe all-star team at McMaster University on May 6th.

The highlight of Mark’s football career took place during a game against the John Paul II Jaguars and gives the reason why it was a special moment.

“They were trying to run an inside screen,” explains Mark, who will suit up for the OVFL’s London Jr. Mustangs in the spring. “But I beat the offensive tackle to the inside, and jumped in front of the running back, intercepted the ball and ran it in for a touchdown.”

Having achieved so many feats, the Sabres standout credits his high school football coaches for aiding him into becoming the player and person he is today.

“They have always been pushing me to play better and motivated me to work hard in school, on the field and in all aspects in life,” adds Mark, who plans to kinesiology in university.

On the sidelines, Mark says his parents have been supportive and are his biggest cheerleaders.

“They always have my back and encourage me to aspire me to be the best I can be,” comments the Sabres defensive end.

Being able to attain all of his football and life goals are due to the one thing he has learned from the game itself.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from football is that being successful in anything you do is based on how hard you work,” says Mark. “You get what you put in.”

Video of Mark’s Football Highlights:

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