Local pursuit precision (VIDEO)

British Columbia standouts recently commit to CWUAA team.

Five local high school standouts have recently signed with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds.

Josh Sangha, Blake Pickard, Amrit Sanopal, Jordan Kennedy and Harjot Ghuman will join the Thunderbirds for the 20143 CWUAA season.

JOSH SANGHA:

The 6’4, 175 pound wide receiver from Richmond, British Columbia credits Thunderbirds Head Coach Shawn Olson for changing his mind on where he wanted to pursue his future gridiron and academic goals.

“At the start of the whole process, UBC wasn’t really in my mind,” recalled Sangha.  “I had a real dream to head East as I was getting a lot of attention from the OUA and RSEQ.”

“I then began to be in contact with Coach Olson more regularly towards the end of my high school season and following my visit I fell in love with the campus and what the football program had to offer.”

Ultimately, there were many factors that tipped the scale in UBC’s favour.

“Some big factors that helped me make my decision was when I came in to lift with the team, I was very impressed with the energy and the excitement in the weight room and that was exactly what I was looking for,” explained the offensive standout.  “Academics was also something big for me while I was looking for a school to play for next year and in my own backyard was one of the top schools in North America, and on the football side of things they have put together one of the best recruiting classes in the country.”

“I was excited about the opportunity to become a Thunderbird. Finally, Coach Olson was very supportive throughout the whole process and I am excited to be a part of the great things he is putting together for UBC.”

Sangha joins the Thunderbirds after playing for the Vancouver College Fighting Irish of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).

“Josh really fits the prototype of a UBC receiver, long athletic and fast,” commented Thunderbirds Head Coach Shawn Olson.  “He follows in a long line of Vancouver College football players who have had success at UBC.”

“He is a hard worker who enjoys the work needed to excel at the college level.”

BLAKE PICKARD:

The 6’2, 255 pound offensive lineman from North Vancouver, British Columbia had several different reasons why the CWUAA team was the perfect fit for him.

“I like the unity of the team, and the coaching staff seems great,” expressed Pickard.   “UBC also has a very good engineering program, which is what I want to study, and I live locally which is useful.”

“Being part of the Thunderbirds is a great opportunity for me to get better and to do my best for the team.”

Recently, the lineman played for the Notre Dame Jugglers of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).  For his play this past season, Pickard was selected as a BCHSFA Western Conference All-Star.

Other teams he has suited up for include the Vancouver Trojans.  Additionally, Pickard participated in North Shore Football League.

“Blake is the BC wrestling silver medalist and has demonstrated unusual strength and agility for his position,” said Olson.  “With his combination of strength, athleticism and intelligent I envision him becoming a dominant force in the interior of our offensive line.”

AMRIT SANOPAL:

The 5’10, 170 pound defensive back from Burnaby, British Columbia comes to the Thunderbirds after playing for Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).

“Amrit is a very intelligent football player, he plays with energy and intensity and is passionate about the game of football,” added Olson.  “He will add another athletic cover player to our secondary.”

JORDAN KENNEDY:

The 5’11, 165 pound defensive back/wide receiver recently suited up for the Centennial Centaurs of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA). This past season, Kennedy was selected as a BCHSFA Western Conference All-Star.

“Jordan has breathtaking speed and is a developing athlete,” said Olson.  “He is smooth both as a receiver and a defensive back with soft hands and a feel for the game.”

“I am excited to see how he develops working out in our new Varsity Gym.”

HARJOT GHUMAN:

The 6’4, 300 pound offensive lineman from Abbotsford, British Columbia has previously played for the Rick Hansen Hurricanes of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).

“Harjot committed to us last year but ended up taking a year off,” explained Olson.  “He has returned to this year’s class, bigger and stronger and even more dedicated to maximizing his potential than ever before.”

“I was very impressed with him during last year’s spring camp, he showed very well as a 17 year old and now with another year of lifting under his belt, I expect him to be in the mix for playing time this year.”

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