Kwalikum Secondary’s Tanner Allan will soon head to his field of dreams.
The product of Oceanside Minor Lacrosse has committed to play for the Lourdes University Gray Wolves field lacrosse team in Ohio this coming school year.
The Grade 12 student is looking forward to flying out next month to Ohio to start preparing for school and training with the Gray Wolves for their National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics season.
Allan, who excels in both box and field lacrosse, said he was surprised to hear from Lourdes University coach, who saw his athlete profile that included a video of his lacrosse skills that he posted on the Next College Student Athlete, a website that serves to help athletes get recruited by colleges and universities.
“Out of nowhere I got a call and I was in class at the time,” said Allan. “The coach said I saw your video and I really want you to come out here for an overnight visit.”
Last November, Allan flew to Ohio to get acquainted with the coaches. He stayed in dorm with one of the players and was given a tour of the school.
“I went there and I was impressed,” said Allan. “I just love the team. I love the coaches and the school. I said to myself “I want to attend this school the next four years of my life.’”
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Allan didn’t get the opportunity to try out with the team as most of the players were away for Thanksgiving when he visited. But he was still able to make an impression on one of the Gray Wolves players.
“He plays close defence and I play attack so he goes, ‘I want to see what you got with your passing skills,’” said Allan. “I am sure he gave a good word to the coach because I got accepted pretty fast.”
Allan is planning to take a course on sports management as well as business classes at Lourdes. He is leaving in the middle of July to give him time to undergo the 14-day quarantine requirement. He said his first class starts on Aug. 3.
Last season, Allan played for the Oceanside Sharks Junior B team in the Pacific Northwest Junior B2 Lacrosse League. He was looking forward to his final year with the team but due to the COVID-19 situation, the league was cancelled.
During his midget years, Allan was recognized for his leadership, integrity and sportsmanship when he was awarded the Lukas Whibley Trophy.