Virden’s Nathan Price has earned an important role as a rookie with the Westman Wolverines.
The son of Rod and Kerrie Price is the starting right tackle on the football team’s offensive line. The Brandon-based Wolverines compete in the Manitoba Major Junior Football League.
“Nathan's biggest strength is just his brute force and power when he blocks,” Westman head coach Brady Dane wrote in an email interview. “There's always a learning curve when you transition from the nine-man football played in the (Rural Manitoba Football League) to the 12 a side that we play in the Manitoba Major Junior Football League, and Nathan is doing great making that adjustment, but it certainly helps that he's got the power to handle any defensive lineman that lines up across from him.”
The MMJFL features five teams this season. The league and the Westman squad provide opportunities for players ages 18 to 22 to keep playing football after high school.
“The best part about playing with the Wolverines this season is that we get to play with guys from all over Westman that are very dedicated to the sport and give it their all,” Price wrote in an Internet interview. “Also the coaching staff is great in teaching us many more skill of football then what we learned in high school and just helping us become the best player we can be.”
Price said that in addition to learning the nuances of the 12-man game, MMJFL contests are also more intense than what he experienced in high school. At Virden Collegiate Institute, Price was a nominee for the RMFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman - Offence. He also competed for the RMFL South All-Stars in the Elite Blue & Gold Games.
The Wolverines have a bit of a Virden flavor to their roster this season. Four VCI players are listed: Price, Rhys Prystenski, Dustin Siemens, and Wyatt Wilson.
“Playing with teammates from my high school team again is great because you know their style of play and you also know at what intensity they play the game at,” Price wrote.
The MMJFL schedule allows players time to pursue academics or jobs. Price is currently working full-time but plans on making a post-secondary decision for the next school year. He is enjoying his time with the Wolverines and appreciates the backing of his family.
“My parents have been great in supporting me this year,” Price wrote. “I am fortunate that they can make all my games and always make sure that I had the things that I need to succeed in this football program.”
