Lenore’s Wyatt Wilson is definitely a big presence for the Westman Wolverines.
An offensive lineman, the son of Jim and Sherry Wilson played his fifth season with the Brandon-based Manitoba Major Junior Football League team this past fall. He was counted on for his veteran leadership as well as his dominant blocking.
“On the field, Wyatt plays with a nastiness and intensity that often draws the ire of his opponents,” Wolverines head coach Brady Dane said. “He is dominant in the run game and is constantly finishing plays with the man across from him on the ground.
“But off the field, he brings just as much, if not more, to the table. He is, as much as anyone, a leader and culture bearer on the Wolverines. He leads by example through hard work and dedication, and he makes a lot of effort to integrate new players into the team.”
In 2018, Wilson was honoured to be named a 2018 All-Star lineman while playing center.
“It's very unusual that an offensive lineman receives an award, especially a center, as they do not have any stats,” he said. “I am proud of that acknowledgement and am honored to have been presented that from the league.”
In 2019, due to need, the Wolverines moved him to offensive left guard. Once again, he was a force to be reckoned with.
“I enjoyed playing left guard this year and I was really able to concentrate on my blocks rather than worrying about the snap as well,” he said.
As usual, Wilson was strongly supported this past fall by his family. His mother made it to every game, while his father made it to as many as he could.
For half a decade, Wilson has made the commitment to play for the Wolverines. From July until the end of October, he attended practices twice a week and played each weekend during the season. As MMJFL players can compete as 23-year-olds, Wilson still has a year of eligibility remaining and he plans to take advantage of it.
“I keep playing for the Reens because I love the game of football and really enjoy playing it,” he said. “I have helped coach younger players in the Manitoba Rural Football League, but I also give leadership to our younger players on the Reens. The team has had many older players in leadership positions in the past … showing the younger players how the plays are to go. The older players give suggestions on improving the play to the younger players which really helps.
“We will have a big change from this past season to the next on the offensive line, as I will be the oldest, but also will have three out of the five rookie players on O-line. I hope I can give them some pointers and support in any way I can. If I guide them, I hope they will have a great experience with the Reens.”
Wilson notes that the Wolverines’ experience is not exclusively about football. He said there are team get-togethers and bus rides to games, which build camaraderie.
“We have a lot of fun and good times and enjoy the friendships,” Wilson said.
