Canmore’s Austin Anderson is prepared for a higher calling.
The 23-year-old kicker is expected to be chosen in the CFL draft following a stellar career with the McGill Redmen, Thursday (May 3).
However, for the standout kicker, the selection has a bigger purpose.
“I would love to win a starting job in the CFL. It would be a blessing in life. My purpose is I’m not in it for fame or fortune, but to give me a platform to share my faith as well,” Anderson said. “God presents us with opportunities and it’s up to us to use them to the best of our abilities.”
He admits he’s a ‘completely different person’ than the teenager who suited up for the Bow Valley Wolverines in 2008, as he’s spent the past two years discovering the ‘deeper meaning’ of his football skills.
Heavily scouted by CFL and NFL squads, Anderson led the Redmen with 41 points in 2010. He also tied a single-game school record set back in 1984 with six field goals in a game, including three kicks from over 40 yards. In 2011, he again scored 41 points for the Redmen with a field goal percentage of 71 per cent.
“We really had a good field goal unit. To do my job as a kicker, you need an excellent snap and holder. The kick is the icing on the cake.”
He developed a close relationship with teammate Taylor Kuprowski and credits many players and coaches with his success along the way.
“He’s been next to me the whole time and has helped me a lot. Also, linebacker coach Pat Donovan worked hard with me and encouraged me when things weren’t going well. He showed a lot of confidence along the way and believed I would make it.”
He looks up to other CFL players such as Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons and Anthony Calvillo, who host a Grey Cup Athletes in Action breakfast every year for Christian players.
“That’s a group I’d want to become a part of and use that platform for God’s glory,” Anderson said.
However, to be considered amongst elite players, Anderson will have to improve his game. He has remarkable potential and bloodlines, as his father Gary Anderson played 23 seasons in the NFL, also as a kicker. The elder Anderson was the first NFL kicker to have a ‘perfect season’ and retired as the league’s leading point getter, and the younger Anderson is dedicated to improvement.
“I always try to get better. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I knew things could get better. This year, I tried to enjoy my final year with the team, focusing on the team before performance,” Anderson said. “But I believe I was blessed with the talent and ability in the kicking area and whatever opportunity I’m given, I’m confident I will use it to my good.”
He tried to become a better leader on the Redmen team this year and set up a bible study group for a class, stating it helped him connect with his teammates on a much deeper level. He’s aware his message won’t go over well with all, and he paid close attention to evangelical quarterback Tim Tebow’s performance (and backlash) in the NFL.
“There are expectations. Scripture teaches us that Jesus said ‘you will be hated in my name’,” Anderson said. “I look to Tim as a real inspiration. He’s using (his fame) more than anyone; don’t worry about the backlash. That’s what you’ll get.”
Within the span of a month, Anderson will have finished his Business Management degree at McGill and earned a CFL invitation.
However, that’s not all.
He says his biggest moment on the field came during his last practice before his last game with the Redmen.
“I invited my girlfriend on the field and had the team huddle around her. Right there, I proposed to her on the field. I thought if I had potential to go to the next level, I wanted Jill to be with me at that time,” Anderson said.
The two are scheduled to be wed in Indianapolis in two weeks time, and Anderson couldn’t be happier.
“God presents us with opportunities. It’s up to us to use it to the best of our abilities,” Anderson said.
