Golden Bears bring in 4 from Sherwood Park, AB

The University of Alberta adds two CFJLers and two high schoolers to their team.

Sherwood Park, Alberta has been kind to the University of Alberta Golden Bears, who have since picked up four of its products, outside linebacker Brandon Stewart from the Edmonton Huskies (CJFL), offensive lineman Jonathan Harke from the Edmonton Wildcats (CJFL) and Bev Facey Community High School’s defensive back Josiah Schakel and offensive lineman Brett Hague.

Brandon Stewart

Brandon Stewart decided it was time to come back home after a stint with the Saskatchewan Huskies (U Sports), where he played as a running back. He signed with the team after his high school career with the Sailsbury Sabres (Metro Edmonton High School Athletics). But, the 13-year veteran returned home to Sherwood Park, Alberta, which is outside Edmonton, to play four seasons with the Edmonton Huskies.

Although injuries sidelined him for almost two years, the current 6’0, 205lbs safety and outside linebacker will now be returning to the U Sports level. “I felt they (the Golden Bears) were a few pieces away from making an impact in the U Sport league,” Stewart said. “I believe that Head Coach Morris is an excellent coach.”

He added that, “I believe that the coaching staff is very knowledgeable. I heard nothing but good things about Coach Morris and the staff. In addition, all the features like the dome were very appealing.”

Stewart will be looking to continue working towards his Bachelor of Commerce degree in marketing. In 2012, he was a high school all-star and Sabres team MVP. This season, he won a Hustle Award with the Edmonton Huskies.

Jonathan Harke

Jonathan Harke has had a long CJFL career with the Edmonton Wildcats. It began in 2012 and spanned over five years. The 5’11, 255lbs lineman is a former Bev Facey Falcon (MEHSA). “UofA is close to home, a very good school,” he said. “I’ve always kind of wanted to be a (Golden) Bear since atom football.”

The 14-year veteran has had his fair share of coaches in his career. He had nothing but praise for his newest head coach. “Coach Morris is a great guy,” Harke said. “Very genuine kind of person. Something about him makes you just want to play for him.”

He added that, “(The team has a) great offensive line coach and I can’t wait to learn a lot from him. Haven’t really spoke to any other coaches, but they all have the same or bring the same values to the table.”

In the 2016 season, he was awarded the CJFL Past Commissioner’s award, which is given out annually to a player who shows dedication to giving back to the community. Harke spent most of his year volunteering at the Edmonton Food Bank, the John Howard Youth Society, the Special Olympics, the Hope Mission and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The two-time Wildcat outstanding lineman has also played with the atom Sherwood Park Eskimos (CDMFA), the peewee Sherwood park Raiders (CDMFA) and the bantam Sherwood Park Northstars (CDMFA). He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education.

“I’m just super excited to get the ball rolling and play in the U Sports league and go up against better, stronger players that I think I can hold my own against the best,” Harke, who also long snaps, said.

Congrats to former Falcon and Wildcat Jon Harke for signing with @UABearsFootball. Stud signing. @FaceyAthletics @bevfacey #TalonsUp pic.twitter.com/nYyKTPXA3N

— Facey Football (@FaceyFootball) December 21, 2016

Josiah Schakel

While Harke and Stewart have been removed from high school for a while, Josiah Schakel finished his final season with the Bev Facey Falcons this year. With UofA being so close to home, Schakel said he had always kept his hometown school in his thoughts during his recruitment process.

He added that, “It appealed to me because I have been to some of there camps and I really like the coaches. Their coaches always gave me different tips and pointers that helped me in my high school career.” While he plans on entering the arts first, Schakel wants to switch into business after.

The 6’0, 180lbs football player has been involved in the sport for eight years. He spent one season with the atom Sherwood Park Warriors (Capital District Minor Football Association). He spent two seasons with the Sherwood Park SabreCats (CDMFA) in peewee and two with the bantam Sherwood Park Rams (CDMFA). With the Rams, he was named the Most Valuable Defensive Back. In his three years with the Falcons, he was named Most Valuable Defensive Back again. He also won three city championships and two northern championships in grade 10 and 12.

Brett Hague

When Schakel takes the next step in his career, he will be joined by Falcons teammate, Brett Hague. In his bantam career, the 6’5 Hague played with the Sherwood Park Northstars (CDMFA). The Northstars awarded him the Most Outstanding Contribution without Recognition award. With the Falcons, he was named as the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman. In 2016, he was named to Team Alberta in the Football Canada Cup and was given all-star honours. He had always had the Golden Bears in his sights during his recruitment process.

 

 

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