Page 42 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 128

42 Issue #128 September 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cameron Belisle: From Wildcats to Lions

By Molly Kett challenges, one standout moment for Belisle is the
2023 OSFL U18 season with the Wildcats.
ameron Belisle’s journey from young athlete “The season began in January when our team
Cto successful adult player is full of memorable began putting in the work. From January, all the
moments as he reflects on his transition to the York way to August, this team-turned-family rose up to
University Lions. and faced many challenges, overcame adversity,

Belisle’s initiation into the world of football was and placed Cornwall on the map as one of the most
unexpected. dominant football clubs in Ontario. We became
the first team in Wildcats Varsity history to go
“Up until grade 3, I knew absolutely nothing
undefeated in the regular season, secured 1st place
about football. I was obsessed with soccer,” said in the East division, and made it to the provincial
Belisle. “A fellow classmate brought in a flyer
semi-finals where we battled but ultimately came
for the Glengarry Gaels. They were looking for up short,” said Belisle. “Although we didn’t
players. I wanted to try something that nobody else achieve our final goal of becoming provincial
in my class was doing, as everyone plays soccer. I
champions, the journey we as a family set on and
convinced my parents to let me try out. I became what we achieved will always be a core memory
completely engrossed in football. It was an outlet
for me of grit, perseverance, and pure fun!”
for frustration and excess energy. Most importantly
it taught me teamwork and discipline.” Belisle’s journey has now brought him to the
York University Lions in Toronto.
While Belisle enjoys various sports, football
holds a special place in his heart. He also participated “I’m beyond excited to say I’m playing for York
in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and badminton University Lions in Toronto,” said Belisle. “I’ve
during high school, alongside cross country, and graduated from a Wildcat to a Lion.”
track. His dedication to exercise is reinforced His decision to join York University wasn’t an
by his experience as a diabetic, emphasizing the easy one, but their offer to play on the football
importance of staying active and fit. field played a pivotal role in his choice. A personal
His football journey officially kicked off with the tour of the facilities further solidified his decision,
Glengarry Gaels and continued with the Cornwall marking a new chapter in his football career.
Wildcats. Looking forward, Belisle is enthusiastic about
“By the fall I joined the Cornwall Wildcats the higher level of football awaiting him. He’s Photo Submitted
for Tykes, and we won the A Cup. I continued to eager to prove himself on a new field, earn his spot,
play for Glengarry each spring and for Cornwall and showcase his skills to a fresh set of coaches.
every fall season until I aged out. I also played a “Being the ‘new’ guy means I have to work harder
season for Orlean Raftsmen and Ottawa Gee Gee and earn my spot on the team. Enthusiastically
Jr teams,” said Belisle. “Last two years I really anticipating my chance to earn my spot on York’s
enjoyed playing for the Wildcats OSFL. Each football roster,” said Belisle. work- both physically and mentally, and always
experience taught me so much along my journey listen to your coaches,” said Belisle. “I would like
and only reinforced my love for the game.” As an encouraging note to younger athletes, to thank all the amazing coaches I have had over
Belisle emphasizes the importance of working the years. Without them, I would not be where I
Amidst countless memories, successes, and hard towards their dreams. Never give up, do the am today.”
“People Pulling Together for you”

613.936.0660 • www.minimaxexpress.com

605 Education Rd. Cornwall, ON, K6H 6C7