Page 13 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 141

Connor Myles
Hamelin
By Victoria Klassen
Connor Hamelin plays for the
Cornwall Wildcats at the bantam
level. His regular position is
running back, but he plays other
positions when needed.
Connor’s football journey started
when he was five years old, after
asking his parents if he could play
football. At six years old he began playing for the Alexandria Glengarry
Gaels, where he played quarterback. In 2018, he joined the Cornwall
Wildcats as a running back.
This year, he also played for the Cumberland Panthers in the Ontario
Summer Football League (OSFL), where they won the provincial
championship. Connor was named the championship game’s MVP
and was ranked the number one running back in Ontario for 2024.
His passion for football comes from enjoying the teamwork, improving
his skills, the physical contact, and the physical fitness of the sport.
With the Cornwall Wildcats, Connor said he has great teammates and
knowledgeable coaches.
“I still play with the same guys I started with at eight years old and
they are like brothers,” Connor shared. “This year is my first year in
bantam. We are midway through the season with three wins and two
loses. Personally, and as a team, we are improving, and we are going
to finish this season strong.”
Connor shared that his goal for this season is to go to the championships
with the Wildcats. He also plans to try out for the Cumberland
Panthers in the OSFL league next season. Further down the line, he
hopes to one day play football in college or university.
“Thanks to all my coaches who have helped me over the years,”
said Connor. “And a big thanks to my mom for driving me all over
Ontario.”
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Merpaw
By Victoria Klassen
Myles Merpaw plays
linebacker for the Cornwall
Wildcats. He got into football
because he watched his older
cousin play and was inspired
to be like him.
When he was five, he began
playing football with the Wildcats at a mites training camp
and has continued playing for them since then.
“I hated losing when I was younger, and I still do now. So,
every time after a loss I always push myself to get better in
practice and I’m always trying to be better,” said Myles.
Myles said football feels like a second family and it offers a
challenge where there’s room for continued improvement.
His goal for this season is for the team to make it to the B
Cup or the A Cup. Looking ahead, he hopes to play football
at the post-secondary level.
“Personally, this season has been pretty good. There’s been
some ups and downs and as a team we need to improve every
single day. I’m very excited for the next season. There are a
lot of good ballers coming up next season—we will definitely
be A Cup contenders,” said Myles.
“Last season during overtime in the A Cup, I got a pick six,
and that’s definitely a core memory for me,” said Myles.
“I enjoy playing for the Wildcats because it’s a very good
organization, really good coaching staff, overall, an amazing
community, and home games are always lit.”
“People Pulling Together for you”