BY SCOTT
HADDOW
When Kyle Kirkwood's football season is over with the
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, he's going under the knife.
But it's all good for Kirkwood, who was born and raised in
Sudbury and played high school football for St. Charles.
He has persevered through several shoulder separations and
muscle tears to play the 2006 season. He had to and wanted to.
Ottawa romped through the OUA regular season, going 7-1 and
earned the Number 3 ranking in Canada.
In the playoffs, Ottawa smoked Queen's University last week
23-10 to advance to the Yates Cup, symbolic of OUA supremacy.
They will play the defending national champion Wilfrid Laurier
on Saturday at 1 pm in Ottawa. Game time at Frank Clair Stadium
is 1 pm. All the action will be broadcast live on the Score
channel.
 
Now, Kirkwood is on the cusp of playing the biggest game of
his life so far, and he's ready to pancake the competition.
"This is what I've been working towards ever since I started
playing university football," said the 21-year old. "You never
get too many chances to make it to a championship game. This
year, it has come together for us and it will be a special day
and game. I'm looking forward to it."
Kirkwood has blocked out the throbbing agony in his shoulder
constantly, but it cost him last week's game versus Queen's.
Kirkwood will play on Saturday no matter what. He's already
sleeping with his gear on, ready to unleash his fury on the
Laurier squad.
"It was disappointing to miss that game," said the 290-pound
player. "I have a couple of muscle tears in my shoulder and I
will need surgery when the season is over. I can play through
it and I will help the team. There's just no way I am going to
miss this next game. It's definitely worth it. If my shoulder
comes out again and I'm not able to play again this season or
next year, at least I will know I went out giving it my all for
the team. That's the attitude I have and will always have."
Kirkwood is a main cog in the Ottawa offensive line.
"He's our best boundary tackle," said head coach Denis
Piche. "He's very important to us. His feet are his best
strength. He's very agile for a man who's six-foot-five and
290-pounds. It's not often you see a man that big move around
so quickly. It's a huge asset. His knowledge of the game has
been a tremendous tool...he's like another coach out there and
he's a big help to our younger guys."
Kirkwood takes it upon himself to galvanize the club.
"Even though I am not a captain, I consider myself to be a
leader on the team," said the grid iron warrior. "I'm a fourth
year player and I try to lead by example. I'm not a vocal
guy...I will not get in people's faces if they're making
mistakes. I go out and do my thing and hope others feed off
it."
Kirkwood has attracted some interest from pro teams, but
it's taken a backseat to the Gee-Gees drive for a title.
"I'm aware of it," said Kirkwood. "It would be a dream to play pro. I am focused on winning now. I will take it one step at a time, play out the rest of the season and see what happens."
Piche sees plenty of talent in Kirkwood.
"He has the potential to go pro," said the bench boss. "He
understands the game well and he's big and strong enough. A lot
has to go right for him though."
Even with a busted shoulder, Kirkwood would have no problem
hoisting the Yates Cup high above his head if Ottawa wins. It
will be a battle and the Gee-Gees must execute with perfection
to taste sweet victory as opposed to bitter defeat.
"We have to keep playing the way we have played all year," said Kirkwood. "Our defence has been incredible...ranked Number-1 in Canada. Our offence has been just as good...ranked Number-1 in the OUA. This is something to savour for sure. We had our struggles over the years and built towards this goal...now it's there for the taking."
Another local player is also on the Ottawa roster, offensive
tackle Kevin Oldfield, who last played for the Confederation
Chargers. He's in his first year.
