Watch above: Saskatchewan Huskies football team bolsters its ranks with three former Hilltops. Jack Haskins meets the trio who are happy to further their football careers.
SASKATOON – Last November, former Saskatoon Hilltops Justin Filteau, Wayndel Lewis, and Ben Hodson marched to the top of the junior football mountain, helping Saskatoon win its 17th Canadian Bowl. But on Thursday, at the Dog’s Breakfast, the former ‘Toppers were just hoping not to trip over their own shoes.
“My hands were sweating, I was nervous.” says Lewis, describing his emotions before taking to the stage in front of approximately 2,000 people.
“It was amazing, to be here, in this organization.”
All three former Hilltops are determined to make an impact with the Saskatchewan Huskies this season. Lewis, a running back, left defenders drowning in his wake last season with the blue and gold. The power back rushed for 1,063 yards, averaging 8.18 yards per carry.
READ MORE: Huskies spring camp kicks off after successful Dogs’ Breakfast
Not surprisingly, Lewis was named the CJFL’s most outstanding offensive player, which makes it hard to believe that just two short years ago, he didn’t think he had a future in football.
“Honestly I thought maybe I would do Hilltops and that would be it. I never saw this opportunity coming my way, and I am very honoured and privileged to have it.”
Much like Lewis, offensive lineman Ben Hodson also wasn’t sure if he would have the opportunity to further his football career past the junior ranks.
But Hodson made his final season with the blue and gold count, earning the title of a CJFL All-Canadian.
Hodson says that he received several offers for his services after the Hilltops Canadian Bowl victory, but the University of Saskatchewan was the clear cut number one option.
“I just lucked out. I got this call from (the Huskies) and it was a no-brainer for me to come here.”
The story of how Justin Filteau overcame the odds to crack the Huskies roster is an inspiring one. The five-foot nine middle linebacker has been told countless times in his football career that he is “too small.”
But time and time again, Filteau has proved his naysayers wrong.
In his five years with the Saskatoon Hilltops, Filteau earned four national championship rings, and was named a PFC all-star twice. That’s no small feat.
Filteau hopes that his success will inspire other undersized football players to chase their dreams.
“Don’t let anything limit you,” said Filteau. “Every time I get told that I’m small I just put that in the back of my mind, and start smacking heads when I get out there.”
READ MORE: Huskies, Hilltops set for spring camp in Saskatoon
For the time being, the only heads Filteau will be smacking around will belong to his teammates. Huskies spring camp will wrap up this weekend, with Saskatchewan’s first non-conference game slated for August 21.
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