BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Even if the Sudbury Northerners football club was based on the
moon, Andre Brock would find a way to get there and play for
the team.
Fortunately for Brock, he doesn't have to become an astronaut
to compete for the game he loves.
But he does have to travel three hours, one way, from New
Liskeard to play in the Ontario Varsity Football League
(OVFL).
He makes the trip three times per week, twice for practice and
once for games.
Football consumes his life. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Brock
leaves high school at 3 pm and jumps into a car, driven by one
of his parents. (They take turns driving their son.)
Brock gets to Sudbury and practices with the team until 8:30
pm. Then he gets back in the car and heads back to New
Liskeard, typically pulling into the sleeping town at
midnight.
Mom and dad make the dream happen.
"I owe a lot to my parents," said the 17-year-old. "And not
just for the Northerners' experience because they've been
behind me my whole life in everything I've done. They've been
doing this for a long time…they drove my older brother (Adam)
to play for this team. They drove us to play in the Joe
MacDonald Youth Football League too. Their will to drive us
amazes me."
Running on the field and battling bitter foes is the
jackpot.
"Just getting the chance to play competitive football, makes
everything my parents and I do worth while," said the wide
receiver. "I love being on the field and playing the game. I'm
willing to do whatever it takes to keep this feeling. Even if
Sudbury was farther away, I would still make it…that's how bad
I want it."
Needless to say the coaching staff welcomes Brock's
commitment.
"He and his family make that commute every week…it says a lot
about this kid's heart, desire and character," said head coach
Frank Rocca. "He works his butt off because he and his family
invest a lot of time into our program. He never misses a
practice. As a coach, I have nothing but respect for that."
Brock brings a big dose of enthusiasm.
"He's a tremendous athlete and has a great attitude," said
Rocca. "He's a guy we can count on. He's earned our trust. He's
no quitter either. If something doesn't go his way, he just
works harder."
Brock's commitment to the Northerners is unquestioned.
"He'll be there…100 percent for sure," said team president Mike
Davey, without hesitation, when asked if Brock would be at a
recent practice and available for media questions.
The six-hour round trip three times a week doesn't faze Brock
in the least way.
"I'm used to it now…after doing it for so many years," said the
Grade 11 student. "When my brother did this, I came along for
the rides. Sudbury has become a second home to us. I would have
never got this opportunity in New Liskeard. I've learned a lot
thanks to Sudbury football…it's been a great experience."
Brock has no doubts he's doing what he wants to do.
"It means everything to me to play on this team and in this
league," said the six-foot receiver. "I compare it to hockey
players who get the chance to play in the OHL. This is the
highest level I can play at right now…it's great for me."
Brock is looking to make a mark in the league, slowly but
surely since it's his first season.
"I'm trying to strengthen my game to the point where I can take
on a bigger role next season and then an even bigger role the
following year," said Brock. "I'm learning…trying to take in as
much as possible this season."
