The Westman Wolverines like it when the ball is in Dustin Siemens’ hands.
The Manitoba Major Junior Football League team tries to get him the ball in many different ways. The team deploys the son of Kola’s Kelvin and Pat Siemens as a running back, slotback, and return man.
“What I love about having the ball in my hands is when on kick or punt return, I love helping give the offence good position on the field,” he said. “On offence, I love helping the offence drive the ball up the field and help lead to touchdowns.”
Wolverines head coach Brady Dane said “Dusty” has great hands and is a shifty runner. Siemens is also adept at bringing down ball carriers. In further proof of his gridiron versatility, the Wolverines also use him for coverage on special teams.
“Dusty is a true football player, and anyone who has been involved in the game can tell you, that means something,” Dane said. “That’s a real compliment to him. And that quality shows through in everything he does - even on our special team’s units, where he’s asked to fly down the field and make a tackle, which is very different from his usual role as a running back and slot receiver. He’s always coming up with tackles, always around the ball.”
Siemens loves being on the field. He embraces the opportunity to have an impact on the game via special teams.
“Special teams can be a huge part for your offence and defence,” Siemens said. “You want to get a good return so you can make it easier on your offence and you want to get a good punt or kickoff and get them deep in their end so you can help the defence out.”
The former Virden Collegiate Institute standout is in his fourth season with the Brandon-based squad. He said the support of his parents has been huge over the years and noted they are at almost every game.
Dane said the veteran Siemens leads by example.
“He shows up early to practice, and stays late to help put away the equipment,” the head coach said. “On game days, he’s willing to fill any role that we need him in, and if we need somebody in a pinch, Dusty is quick to step up. Again though, just effort and attitude, I really can’t say enough about how he carries himself as a player.”
What keeps him playing for the Wolverines?
“I still have so much passion for the game of football and it’s awesome being around the guys on and off the field,” said Siemens, who works on his family’s ranch. “I’m proud to call myself a Westman Wolverine.”
