Bowden chases down his football dreams
In 2018, Chase Bowden had an epiphany about his life and football.
“I saw all these people I grew up with playing football start to take their own paths going to university and once I saw all these photos of them on social media, committing and signing their contracts with their jerseys and hats on, it was hold on,” the 18-year-old Stamford student said. “I have been playing football for so long and this is my dream. Why isn’t this happening for me?”
The answer was right in front of him and it’s why he returned for a 12B year at Stamford.
“It was because I didn’t have my grades up,” the 5-foot-10, 185-pounder said. “I was slacking in the textbooks and I decided to come back and pick it up and really accomplish what I wanted to.”
Bowden did exactly that on the football field and in the classroom. He scored 19 touchdowns during the season to help the Westlane Spartans reach the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association finals against the A.N. Myer Marauders and buckled down on his schoolwork.
“My marks are exceptional right now,” he said, adding he had never had a final mark higher than 80-85 per cent prior to this year and all his marks are higher that 85 this year.
That scholastic excellence was achieved in simple fashion.
“I focused in the classroom, of course, I paid attention and I asked questions,” he said. “And when I got home and I had any excess work, I wouldn’t hop on my video games. I would take whatever time I needed to finish my homework.”
His phone would be put away in his backpack to avoid distractions and he would get things done.
“It is really intimidating for kids to do their homework because they want to play video games, but if you just get it done, you still have time to do everything you want after that.”
Stamford teacher Brad Martin, the defensive coordinator with the Westlane football team, saw a lot of personal growth in Bowden this season.
“Chase really matured this past year, took on the leadership role on and off the field, he committed hard to his academics and it paid off,” he said.
The payoff came recently when Bowden committed to play football with St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S.
“I really loved the vibe I was getting from St. FX after I talked to the coach and looked at the school. It was instinct and it felt right,” Bowden said. “It’s also really far away and I really want to get out and explore.”
He was convinced to sign after taking to St. FX football coach Gary Waterman
“I had all these visions of what it would look like and playing there. Once I thought about it, this is what I wanted to do.”
Bowden also visited the University of Guelph before making his decision.
“Guelph was gorgeous, the facility and the people were amazing, but I just didn’t get that family unity vibe.”
St. Francis Xavier will be getting itself a talented player.
“He’s a good player that can play multiple positions and he plays hard on both sides of the ball,” Martin said. “He’s always willing to do what is asked of him and it’s the right attitude to have, especially heading into university-level athletics.”
Martin, a St. FX alumnus, loves that Bowden is going to his former school.
“It’s a fantastic university,” he said. “I’m very proud of him and the work he has done. I wish him great success.”
Bowden loved leaving high school after such a successful season.
“It felt really cool to get to that point with all the guys that I have been playing with for so long,” he said. “And it was really special to do it with my best friend Darcy (MacIsaac) because we have been playing together since Grade 9.”
Bowden will be playing with the Niagara Spears varsity football team this spring and summer and plans to work hard honing his craft.
“I have to work on carrying the ball,” he said. “I have small hands and I am really working on my form and making sure I have two hands on it, no matter what.”
He is also focusing on becoming a better leader by being more encouraging and helpful to struggling teammates.
“I want to have a softer, leader-like approach,” he said. “Usually I would yell at you, but not in a mean way. I know it’s not personal when someone does that, but a lot of kids aren’t like that.”
