While he wears a football helmet and not a deerstalker cap, Westman Wolverines defensive player Karson Turpie enjoys playing Sherlock Holmes on the gridiron.
“The best part about defence is that the offence is trying all sorts of plays to get past you and your job is to figure out their plan and stop them,” the former Elkhorn resident said.
The son of Cynthia Mathison and Corey Turpie has played linebacker, halfback and cornerback for the Brandon-based Wolverines of the Manitoba Major Junior Football League this season. Turpie, who lives in the Wheat City, likes playing any defensive position and enjoys how each spot presents its own challenges.
Reckless abandon
“As a player, Karson can really do it all,” Westman head coach Brady Dane said. “He has the ability to line up across from our opponents’ top receiver in pass coverage on one play and move inside and stop the run on the next. He plays with reckless abandon and gives everything he’s got on every play.”
Turpie is also a key contributor for the Wolverines on special teams. He has played on the punt, punt return, kickoff, and kick return units.
“I love special teams… All of them are great,” he said. “It's a third of the game. There's always a chance to gain big yards, force a fumble, or just make a big play.”
Fellow Wolverines defensive player Cody Hunter first played with Turpie when they were teammates in the Rural Manitoba Football League All-Star Game. The first thing the Kenton/Hamiota product noticed about Turpie was his motor that doesn’t quit, relentless energy and his fearless, in a good way, style of play.
Fearless
“He leads by example, for sure, no matter what team he’s on or what position he is playing he gives as much as he can give, plus a little bit more,” Hunter said. “He demands everyone better themselves each and every day. He is a self-motivator and a great football player and teammate.”
Turpie, who played a season with the Regina Thunder of the Prairie Football Conference, is one of the Wolverines’ captains.
“Karson is one of the most vocal and influential leaders on our team,” Dane said. “He does a great job of using his experience and knowledge to help our younger players.”
Turpie, who is in his fourth season with the team, enjoys playing for the Wolverines. The MMJFL provides a place for players 18-22 to enjoy the game they love while pursuing careers and academics.
“There's only about five to six years of football that you can play after high school,” said Turpie, who works as a carpenter for Struth Construction.
“And this league provides a way to play competitive football without eating up a huge percentage of your time. I don't want to regret not playing football when it's no longer an option.”
He has been backed in his pursuit by his family.
“They come watch and cheer us on,” Turpie said. “They buy merchandise to support the team. My girlfriend, Sierra Nixon, supports my football addiction as well.”
