Cold Lake Royals football banquet, Priestly named Nissan All-Canadian

Last Updated: December 14th, 2018By Michael MenziesTags: cold lake rams, Cold Lake Royals

The Cold Lake Royals put the finishing touches on their 2018 football season last Thursday at their banquet.

It was an opportunity to recognize the standouts from the season, and look back at the highlights.

The Royals finished 1-5 in Wheatland Football League play.

Three seniors will graduate this year: Hunter Nicholson, Dominic Ayers, Ayokunle Ajayi.

Cole Priestly named MVP

“It means a lot. I really look up to some of these guys. It means everything. I’m kind of mindblown about it…I don’t know what to say about it,” said Priestly after the banquet.

The Grade 11 student was honoured to win the award knowing who’s won it in the past.

“Last year we had a family. I think it’s pretty cool, because on the plaque it has two of my buddies up there, so now to have my name on that is pretty cool.”

Priestly had the honour of being named to the Nissan All-Canadian Titan all-star team in November. The panel which chose the team included CFL commissioner Randy Ambroise and CFL all-time receiving yards leader Geroy Simon.

“This is the first year they did the All-Canadian thing, and then I had to be nominated for that…we had to practice for a game 5 hour practice for everybody…We had team meetings, ate together, then we had a game – and it was cold.

“We played our game the day before the Grey Cup, and then we went to the festival, then walked in the grey cup parade, then watched the game.

“I don’t really know what to think about it. I thought it was a pretty incredible experience…there was amazing athletes, just absolutely incredible to be called just like them… it’s just spectacular,” said Priestly.

He wants to motivate his teammates to do more preparation for next season by going to the weight room.

“Not a lot of people go into the weight room, I think I’m going to encourage them to go in. I think this year was a building year…and we can really take it if everyone gets in the weight room and commits to the team.

“As much has it is a big year for the team, it is with me in my Grade 12 year trying to get scholarships and trying to go further with football,” said Priestly.