BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The Lockerby Vikings high school football program has become a
favourite recruiting destination for Canadian university
teams.
Last season, the Vikings stormed their way to the city
championship. The team accomplished this by playing stingy
defence and utilizing an explosive offence.
Three big cogs in the Vikings machine were linebackers Jason
Cecchini and Kevin Garbuio and running back Neil Petrin.
The three players dominated the league - Cecchini was the
Sid Forster MVP and Defensive Player of the Year and Petrin was
Offensive Player of the Year. Garbuio was just a steady,
constant force all season, anchoring the Vikings defence.
The trio's outstanding season turned into a real blessing as
all three players were heavily recruited by universities across
Canada.
Cecchini finally decided upon attending McMaster University
in Hamilton. Garbuio is taking his act to Acadia University in
Nova Scotia. Petrin will join the University of Queen's.
Lockerby head coach Geoff Richer is sad to see his core
players leave the ship, but is also thrilled about the bright
promise of their future.
"I lost a good chunk of players and it will be a while until
I get three players like them again," said Richer. "It's rare
to have three players go on to university. I am proud of them
and wish them nothing but the best. They will do well...hey all
bring something special to the game."
Acadia is getting a hard core player in Garbuio.
"They're getting one of the most enthusiastic and emotional
players out there," said Richer. "His knowledge of the game is
outstanding. He understands how to read plays. His dedication
is second to none as well."
Garbuio will have his work cut out for him.
"It will be a challenge for him to start," said Richer. "His
smarts, heart and the way he plays at practice will be noticed
and endear him to his new coaches."
Garbuio himself knows he's in for the biggest test of his
young football career.
"I'm hoping to get on the special teams," said the
19-year-old. "To even dress in games would be very successful.
It will be difficult. It's something I have to accept. I'm not
a hot shot and I don't have an ego. Everyone who plays
university football was a star in their city, so you can't have
that mentality coming in. It doesn't help the team in any way."
Garbuio will keep himself in check.
"I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself," said the
linebacker. "It's a good pressure though. I want to succeed at
the next level. It would be a disappointment to not dress, but
it would just make me try harder for the following season."
Petrin and Cecchini have already left for their respective
schools and were unavailable for comment.
Richer points out both players will be solid contributors
down the road.
Cecchini has come into McMaster with much fan fare. On the
team's website, Cecchini has received a rave review from the
coaching staff.
"His strength, size and speed will be great assets as he
pushes our returning group at the linebacker spot. Following in
the footsteps of another Jason (Pottinger), Cecchini could
become another member of the CFL/MAC Linebacker U combination,"
said a quote on the website.
Cecchini was born to play football and lay waste to opponents,
thanks to his imposing six-foot-three, 235-pound frame.
"Jason is a great natural athlete," said Richer. "He was the
most athletic player in the high school league. He loves to
hit. He has the best chance of cracking the roster because of
his athleticism."
Petrin is always in perpetual motion.
"He's another great athlete - he did everything from soccer to football to cross-country running to track," said Richer.
"He was the toughest player I ever coached and he is unselfish."
