Kola’s Dustin Siemens is carrying on the Virden Collegiate Institute running back tradition with the Westman Wolverines.
The son of Kelvin and Pat Siemens is in his first season with the Brandon-based team. He also returns kicks for the Manitoba Major Junior Football League squad. The best part so far of suiting up for the Wolverines?
“I get to keep playing the sport I love after high school,” Siemens wrote in an email interview.
He is one of several VCI products who have contributed to the Westman program over the years.
“The Wolverines have had several great players come out of Virden,” head coach Brady Dane wrote in an email interview. “Going back to the first few seasons of our club, running backs Ace Brown and Shayne Sebree were the focal points in a very effective running attack for the Reens from 2010-2013. I think from those two guys to our current group of VCI players you just see a dedication to the team. They really commit, they are out there every day, and with great effort. It's also unique the way Virden has consistently been a source of running backs for the Wolverines, with Ace, Shayne, and now Dustin.”
While competing for carries with some veterans, Siemens has contributed where he can. He had 73 yards and a touchdown on five carries against the St. Vital Mustangs. Siemens caught a 35-yard TD pass in the opening game of the season versus the St. James Rods.
He said that there were a number of adjustments to be made in moving up to the MMJFL level. Siemens noted he switched from nine to 12-man football, there is a wider field, and he is now competing against older players.
“I also go from being a senior in high school to being a rookie again for the Westman Wolverines. The competition is also harder now that you have to face the city teams from Winnipeg.”
Siemens said that a number of people have helped his football career.
“The coaches from the Virden Golden Bears team: Mark Wakely and Mark Robertson. My first football coach (Doug Roach) helped me have that drive and competitive spirit that I have today. I also played spring football in Moosomin last two springs ago. The Moosomin coaches, who were Dexter Mondor and (former VCI player) Dana Rookes, have helped me a lot. Also all of my teammates I have played with. …. I am glad to keep playing with some of my teammates from the Golden Bears on the Wolverines: Nathan Price, Rhys Prystenski, and Wyatt Wilson. All of them have helped me to be the player I am today.”
In addition to playing football this fall, Siemens is working on his family’s farm. He appreciates his parents’ support of his gridiron passion.
“They have supported me over the years by hauling me around everywhere before I got my license. And they’ve come to practically every sporting event that I have had over the years. They allowed me to have flexible work hours for practices and game.”
