Tyler Riva, a stocky linebacker has been chosen for the blue team and quarterback Keegan Vicklund will play for the orange team.
“I felt pretty good about myself once I made it. I felt like I had a good tryout and all my hard work paid off,” said Vicklund.
Football B.C. is sending two teams to the Red River Cup after winning the tournament last summer.
Dino Geremia is the technical director for Team B.C. and is excited to see the two Panthers play in Winnipeg.
“I expect both teams to do well, and if it’s an all-B.C. final, I’ll be smiling,” said Geremia.
Team B.C. held tryouts earlier in May in Richmond.
“Tyler is a big kid that has great footwork and moves well. He impressed us at the combine with how well he worked with the coaches and how much he developed in such a short time,” said Geremia.
Geremia worked with Vicklund at the USA Football and Football Canada International Challenge last Feb. down in Dallas, Texas.
While working with a U15/U16 split squad, Team B.C. edged Team USA 10-7 at Maverick Stadium in the University of Texas Arlington.
Riva grew up a huge Ray Lewis fan, but surprisingly loves the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I was pretty excited once I found out I made it. My dad called me when I was with my friends, they were excited too,” said Riva.
The Red River Cup will be held at Investors Group Field, home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I’m excited to play in the Bombers stadium. It’s also the first time I have made a high performance team,” said Riva.
Vicklund is marvelling in the challenge of going up against a teammate.
“He’s a big guy, you need to know where he is because he can get through the line easily,” said Vicklund.
Vicklund idolizes another Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.
“He is more than just a passing quarterback. I like to try and make plays with my feet when I can just like he does,” said Vicklund.
All games can be followed online at football BC website.
