Playing sports at a collegiate level is a challenging process yet very rewarding. At times it’s tough to keep your head above water with assignments, workouts, and other commitments. However, being a student-athlete is a privilege that I am grateful for everyday. My name is Daniel Stirling and I play football for the University of Windsor Lancers.

I would like to start off by thanking the Lancers organization for I would not be where I am today without them. The Lancers organization was a perfect fit for me. They emphasized academics, athletics and social relations. They drew me in with an infectious atmosphere that felt like home, warm weather, an excellent change room, and a location that easily allows me to enjoy events that other schools don’t have the privilege of (ie. NFL/NBA games).

On August 10th, OUA training camps were officially underway. I woke up at 6:45 in the morning to attend my first Windsor Lancer practice. Windsor Lancer football is unlike anything I have ever experienced; every player is clawing for reps even on the practice field. The pace is fast, aggressive and merciless, while the concepts remain complex. You can learn a plethora of knowledge from a coach, however you can also learn lots through analyzing how veterans play. Through watching veterans such as Lekan Idowu, and Matt Gayer I learned that fluidity with aggression is essential to become a successful player. However, I also learned through teammates such as Isiah that you can have a positive attitude but still be a fierce competitor.

During training camp, the team participates in events that create a light-hearted yet competitive atmosphere. For example: an event was to have two rookies go to a basketball court and see who can make the most free-throws (I won). These events create trust and bonding between the team through sport. Through the struggle of 8:00am practices, workouts, two-a-day practices, and the blistering August heat I learned through struggle a great team is born. The ideology of struggle breeds greatness and that’s why the Windsor Lancer football team will over time become a dominant team. 

My OUA football career started much like most others… riding the bench. I came into training camp rated as a third-string defensive back. Eager to learn and demonstrate my abilities. I was promoted to second string when we were on the road to play McMaster for an exhibition game. Playing against McMaster for my first taste of collegiate level football was a learning curve. I quickly learned that I can always count on my teammates regardless of the situation, whether it’s a conflict on the field or support from a broken play. Two weeks after the exhibition game I earned my first OUA start against Guelph. Adjusting to in-game speed was the toughest transition. However, having confidence in the Lancer defence allowed me to thrive in the upcoming games. Because I was capable to thrive from the acquired confidence I was selected as an OUA All-rookie.

After being selected for OUA All-Rookie, I have newly found knowledge and If I have any advice for aspiring university level athletes, it would be to expand your sport preference. Coaches love multisport athletes. Nothing draws a coach’s eye more than a potential prospect that can play several sports. Secondly, I would advise to practice your sport. By this I mean to work on skills out of practice and to improve the things you’re already good at to become impeccable at them. Anyone can be a good all-round player by improving their weakness. However, individuals that pursue perfection in an specific trait are often the individuals that coaches can rely on in stressful situations.

Lastly, academics are essential. Prospects always hear about how academics are above-all-else including their preferred sport. I was especially tired of hearing that, but it is true. As an individual that had a 90% average in high school at St. David in Waterloo I can assure you that when I told coaches my average, their faces lit up. Getting good grades isn’t easy. Especially in university. I learned that it’s not how long you study, it’s how you study. Studying is about trying different study habits until you can obtain the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of time.

After everything that’s been said and done. I would like to emphasize my gratitude to the Lancers organization and all their efforts. I truly believe I have found home away from my roots in Waterloo. Thank you to my coaches, teammates and 519 Sports Online for the opportunities that have been provided to me.

- Daniel Stirling, November 2017