There was no doubting the toughness of Kenton’s Gage Martinook on the football field this past fall for the Westman Wolverines.
Head Coach Brady Dane remembers a contest when his Brandon-based football team was battling the North Winnipeg Nomads. Martinook, a running back, injured his shoulder, was clearly in pain, and left the game. The offence struggled without him but was able to get to the goal line.
“Scrambling for a player to take his spot as the lead blocker, we were talking to one of our other running backs about what he would need to do,” Dane said. “Gage saw this, saw the team’s need, and he got up off the bench, tossed off the sling our trainer had put on his shoulder, and ran onto the field. The next play, he led the way for our running back to pound in the touchdown.”
The Wolverines won that game and three others this past season. That secured the squad its first Manitoba Major Junior Football League playoff spot since 2013. The son of Jeff and Marilyn was an important and versatile player for the Wolverines.
“With him on the field, we’ve got an incredible amount of flexibility and can line up in many different formations, forcing the defence to adjust to them,” Dane said. “He's a powerful runner with the ball in his hands, and as a lead blocker, his impact is critical to the success of our ground attack.”
Martinook, who occasionally punted for the Wolverines, has greatly enjoyed suiting up for the squad.
“The best part about playing for the Wolverines is by far the team and the support that each person gives to one another,” he said. “When you play for the Wolverines you become part of a family, and that’s a great feeling.”
When it comes to his own family, Martinook raved about the support he receives. His grandparents and other family members come watch. His mom and dad are in the stands every game.
“Without my family I don’t know where I would be today,” he said.
Martinook’s dad played the game at Crocus Plains in Brandon and at the University of Manitoba. He coached his son on the Parkwest Outlaws in high school action.
“I’m very lucky to have a dad with the background and experience with football… He knows what it takes to be a good football player and always pushes me to get better… to get out of my comfort zone because that’s the only way you will learn and succeed.”
