NCAA:Β Ontario pivotΒ commits toΒ NCAA DivisionΒ 3 school
Persistence has paid off for an NCAA Division 3 school.
Quarterback Brett Stein has accepted an offer to play for NCAAβs Puget Sound Loggers this season.Β The 5β6, 160 pound native of Toronto, Ontario was not only impressed by the courting but the academic and historical tradition the Tacoma, Washington school boasts. Furthermore, the Loggers have offered him tremendous opportunity to grow and develop as a football player.
βBefore I committed they called me on a regular basis to ensure that when I made my decision, I was picking Puget Sound,β explained Stein.Β βThey have given me the opportunity to play early and play all over the field but at the same time still keep my position as quarterback.β
βAcademically, the school is a perfect fit for me and the campus is outstanding. Their program is committed to working hard and training relentlessly until there is nothing left. I love that attitude and I will be in the gym and on the field everyday trying to improve.β
While the Loggers will play in a competitive division, the Ontario quarterback is looking forward to joining the team.
βWe are in a very tough conference in the Pacific Northwest but intend to win every game we play and compete with the best,β commented Stein. Β βNot only am I being put in the best place to succeed academically, but I believe that Puget Sound this is the best place to show my talent and compete for a starting role.β
Ultimately, this whole recruitment process netted Stein with the highlight of gridiron career.
βMy most memorable experience is getting that first phone call from Puget Sound when their recruiting coordinator told me to “look no further, Puget Sound is the school for you,β said the Ontario quarterback.
Previous to his commitment to the Loggers, Stein enjoyed a successful high school career with Forest Hill Falcons of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA).Β This past season, the three time Falcons MVP led the team to the Regional Championship. Moreover, Stein is the Falcons all-time leading passer in yards, completions, attempts and touchdowns.
During his time with the junior varsity Metro Toronto Wildcats of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), Stein was the recipient of the 2012 David McKenna Award, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership, character, dedication and skill. In the OVFL Prospects game, he had five completions in six attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown. The Ontario pivot was selected to the 2013 GTA Current Stars team.
Stein experienced his first taste of football at the age of 10 with the North York Grizzlies.
βAnother memorable football experience was my first play ever of tackle football,β said Stein, who started as a quarterback but also ended up playing at the cornerback, receiver and punt return specialist positions.Β βPlaying for the North York Grizzlies, I took my first snap and turned the wrong way for the handoff.β
βWith all the confusion I turned up field and ran for a 70 yard touchdown.β
Not only has the Ontario native excelled on the gridiron but he has played basketball, baseball and hockey and golf. Off the field, Stein is an exemplary student as he has been able to maintain a 92 percent average in his courses.
In football and in life, Stein has been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of his family.
βMy parents are the most influential people in my life as they support all my decisions and understand that football takes precedence over many things in my life,β commented the Ontario quarterback.
Stein has emulated his play on the field to two NFL quarterbacks β past and present.Β Both Doug Flutie and Russell Wilson have demonstrated to him what it takes to be successful on the field in spite of adversity.
βDespite all the arguments made about their style of play and their height, they both have proved that the small quarterback can compete and succeed at the highest level,β explained Stein.
While the foreseeable future involves playing for the Loggers, Stein knows that anything is possible and has some ultimate goals he would like to achieve involving the game.
βI plan to attend Puget Sound and play good football for now and anything is unknown,β said Stein.Β βIf I can surprise myself and everyone else, than who knows what could happen in terms of possibly transferring or anything like that.β
βI want to play football for as long as I can and if that mean going overseas then so be it. I also want to get into coaching as soon as I am done and my dream would be to coach at the highest level.
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