It's been an exciting time for St. Paul Regional High School's Owen Breast, as the local football player has been given an opportunity to continue to play the sport he loves, following his high school graduation later this year.
In November of 2018, the St. Paul Lions made an impressive push during the Tier IV high school provincials, losing to Canmore in the finals, and taking second place. While the eventual loss wasn't what the team had hoped for, Breast stood out on the field, and after provincials a scout from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, approached the young player.
But, Breast's story really started long before that. He began playing with the St. Paul football program in Grade 6, as a Bengal, but says he has always loved the game.
"I've been playing in my backyard since I was four or five," says Breast. While Breast can't pinpoint any one reason why he enjoys the game so much, he acknowledges that being asked to play for a post-secondary school "was always a dream."
While attending Acadia University, Breast will be studying for his bachelor of sociology.
"Owen is a great athlete that can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. We believe he will add great value on special teams right away and develop into a positional player once established here at Acadia," says Acadia coach Jeff Cummins. He adds, "Owen is a very tough kid who plays the game the right way with respect and integrity and we look forward to having him at Acadia as a student-athlete."
The decision to pack up and move across the country is obviously something that Breast discussed with his family. Being that far away from his family, friends, and everything he's always known is going to be a big change for the young athlete.
But, everyone agreed it was an opportunity that he simply couldn't pass up.
When looking back on his time playing football in St. Paul, Breast says he will always remember this year's playoff run. He adds that he certainly has the local coaches, great teammates, and friends to thank for his success.
"The community always supported me."
Coach Mark Tichkowsky has been coaching Breast from a bantam player and into his high school years, and says it's been great to watch him progress and develop as a player.
When asked to describe Breast, the words "dedicated, committed, and team leader," come to mind, says Tichkowsky.
The coach also points to the November playoff run as being a reason Breast is being given the opportunity now at hand.
While Breast has always been a great athlete, "he stood out in that last game of the year," says Tichkowsky. He credits Breast's hard work in the gym in the off season as being a reason why he was able to take it to the next level.
Tichkowsky says he's hopeful Breast's success will motivate other football players in the club to push themselves even harder.
