The Ballenas Whalers football team had five players earn the opportunity to compete for a spot on Team BC.
Whalers top players linebackers Bennett Switzer, wide receiver/defensive back Noah Silzer and running back/linebacker Riley Wilson are in the running to be included in the U18 Team BC squad while quarterback/defensive back Tyler Robinson and linebacker Matthew Crowie are hoping to be included in the U17 Team BC contingent.
They received this opportunity when they were invited to the Team BC Callback Camp, that was held at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley and hosted by the BC Provincial Football Association, which uses the event to identify several teams annually to represent British Columbia in various competitions and championships.
The Whalers players attended the event for the experience and also compete for a spot in Team BC, which will take part at the Canada Cup in July.
Silzer said they all savoured the opportunity and are now eager to find out if they will make the team or not. He feels they played well when they took on Team Alberta, who they beat soundly, 32-6.
"Riley scored a touchdown and Bennett had some massive hits," said Silzer. "I had a few receptions. It was a great time."
The team will be finalized soon and if any of the Whalers get selected to Team BC they will attend practices during the next few months along with the best high school football players in the province.
"It's looking good for all three of us," said Silzer.
To be invited to the camp with the best high school players in the province, Silzer said he feels humbled and proud.
"It's definitely a confidence boost, knowing you're meant to be there and meant to compete with those players," he said. "Those are the best of the best, so going against those players, you know you're meant to be there."
This summer, teams from across the country will converge on the training camp in Antigonish, N.S. for 10 days to compete in the Canada Cup.
The Whalers also took advantage of the opportunity to be seen by university scouts and coaches with the hopes of attending a university program on a scholarship.
Silzer said he had talked to some of the UBC Thunderbirds coaches.
"UBC is my dream," said Silzer. "I love to play around Vancouver. So, getting a chance to play for UBC is up there."
