OPC: Team West JV QB Beno on leadership mission to victory

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

Dedication is one thing that Zack Beno has continually demonstrated as a pivot on the gridiron.

“Playing quarterback has made me who I am today,” elaborated the 6’4, 220 pound Ontario standout.  “I am always striving to be a better player and teammate, and I will always be dedicated to that.”

Over the course of his gridiron career with St. Thomas More Knights of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA) Hamilton Ironmen of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC), Beno has been a passionate leader who doesn’t back down from a challenge.

“I play quarterback because I love having the pressure of everyone looking up to me for the answer,” said the quarterback.  “I like everything that comes with playing quarterback, the love and the hate you get if you make a mistake.”

“I believe it’s the hardest position to play in all sports and that is why I love to play it.”

On the field, Beno tries to emulate a trio of renowned quarterbacks – Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) and Heisman Award Winner Marcus Mariota (NCAA Division 1’s Oregon Ducks).

“I look up to these three the most because they are always calm, relaxed under pressure and no matter who hates on them, they still win games and make things happen,” explained the Ontario standout.  “Plus, the way they lead there teams is very similar to me.”

Once again, Beno will tap into his offensive leadership skills as he participates in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on May 2^nd as a quarterback on Team West’s Junior Varsity squad.

So far, the OPC process has been a rewarding, yet invaluable experience for the Ontario pivot.

“The OPC has been very good to me and I have learned a lot and the coaches are very knowledgeable and I have gotten better as a player,” added Beno.

As for the pressure of playing at TD Place in front of several recruiters, Beno welcomes and embraces the challenge that lies ahead.

“I handle pressure by accepting it and just treating it as a normal game, and trying not to stress about it,” said the Team West standout.

Moreover, Beno cannot wait to playing alongside the best collection of provincial players OPC has brought together.

“I am looking forward to meeting some of Ontario’s best players and competing with them,” commented the quarterback.

As the OPC is a stage where players get the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of recruiters, Beno is already active in the recruitment market.  Set to graduate in 2017, the Team West standout has already been in contact with four OUA teams – Western, Waterloo, Carleton and McMaster. However, he would like to realize his ultimate gridiron dream of playing south of the border.

However, Beno’s present focus is on accomplishing a couple of key objectives at OPC.

“My personal goals are to throw touchdowns and win the game,” offered the standout.  “My team goals are to get better as a team and lead the guys to a win.”

Beyond OPC, the Ontario quarterback will continue on in his quest to conquer more challenges and succeed in his position.

“The one thing I want to achieve as a quarterback wherever I play is make everyone around me better, and win football games,” commented Beno.

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