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SPoRTS SPORTS EDITOR: STEVE LeBLANC e-mail sleblanc@miltoncanadianchampon.cam Representing Canada» helps SeweII prepare for next step in career By Herb Garbutt METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP In almost every sport, an elite player can look forward to, tbe opportunity to wear tbeir country's colours. Tbey can work tbeir way througb provincial and national competi- tions and if tbey're lucky, and good, tbey'll one day walk on to tbe field of play witb Canada written on tbeir uinilornm Football is one exception. A iargely American gamne, its appeal doesn't extend mucb beyond tbe Uited States' nortbero border, making a large-scale international event difficuit. Multon's Matt Sewell got tbat rare oppor- tunity wben tbe local offensive lineman suit- ed up for Canada at tbe junior World Championsbip of American Football in Canton, Ohio. And while the resuit may not bave been what Canada had hoped for - it lost 41-3 to the Americans in Sunday's gold medal game - SeweIl was appreciative of the chance to play in the event. "Lt was amazing," Sewell said. "To get to represent your country, especially in a sport like football where there's flot mucb interna- tional stuif, it was quite an experience. Its probably something that wiIl neyer happen again." Canada was the number one seed heading into the eight-team tournament, but Sewell knew Canada would be in tough against their southern neighbours. Canada had been victorious at the previous three NEL Global Junior Championships, but in those events, the U.S. had only selected players fromn the host state. This time they selected players from across the country. "Lt was a real Team USA," Sewell said. "They brought out the best and tbey weren't going to lose." That only helped to iluprove tbe level of competition, wbich SewelI said was a benefit in belping himi prepare l'or bis first year of Canadian university football at McMaster in the fail. So too wiII the advice and tips be got fron the Canadtian coaching staff. 111<? (offensive) june coacb fr01)) Lav ai bielped ic. 1Ic u laneul up int\ ',tancc and belped me \vtb my first stîep," said the six- foot-seven, 350-pound linemnan. "If I can work on mv quickness off tbe bail, I'm a pret- ty big guy and if 1 can get tbe speed witb tbat, it couîd makc me a prett', dominant player." Canada dominated its first opponent, beating New'ý Zealand 55-0, but got a scare i tbe semnilinals wben tbev bad to rally in tbe final minute to beatjapan 38-35. Canada led 28-14 in tbe tbird quarter but Japan came back to take tbe lead witb 1:27 remaining in tbe game. Canada responded, tbough, marcbing the ball 64 yards and cap- ping tbe drive witb Alex Antbonys 33-yard touchdown catch witb 16 seconds remnain- ing. "He made a big play, be dragged three Japanese players the last five yards into, tbe end zone," said the former Bisbop Reding student. "It was a buge relief." SeweIl said the Japanese teamn surprised themr but gave themn full credit for being well coached and running plays tailored to their strength - their speed. The 19 year old will now spend the sum- mer preparing for bis debut with the McMaster Marauders but wiIl go in with the knowledge that he can compete with the country's top players. STANDING ON( man Matt SeweI rep American Football, h a , ý McMaster University "Just getting the chance to go against the guys from Team Canada in practice helped," he said. "These are the guys who are going to be 3UARD: Former Bishop Reding offensive fie- îresented Canada at the World Championship of elping the team dlaim a silver medaf. HeuI play for in the fail. the best in the CIS. These guys are the future stars so it was great to measure myseif against those guys and see what 1 can do." MIonday Aug lOth - Friday Aug l4th 9:0Oam - noon Cost - $49 First 65 spots For children entering KG; toaledfled grade 6, this faili. Soccer Bail Tl-Shirt photo Snacks Socccr Skiis Songs Bible Adventures Friends Southsidc ('o)mmunity C'hurch, 7480 Derry Road, Mlilton. Phone 905-878-5664 to rcgister. Registration I)eadline is JuIy 3Ist