The Hamilton Hurricanes won the 2016 Ontario Conference (OFC) championship title and their offensive line played a major factor.

Not only did they block for a first year quarterback, but they allowed the run game to be one of the most successful in the Conference.

The line was anchored by Mitch Norman who just four short seasons ago didn’t know the CJFL even existed until Hurricanes President Mike Samuels spoke to him following a varsity game in 2013 in Guelph.  He’s loved the CJFL ever since.

Prior to Samuels speaking to him, Norman had given up on his dream of playing in the CIS. At the time their conversation took place he had chosen to retire from football, move to Hamilton to attend Mohawk College for Police Foundations and to spend more time with his new baby boy.  Following their conversation Norman decided he wasn’t ready to step away from football quite yet, so agreed to sign with the Hurricanes.

Now after four years Norman is an Ontario champion.  He’s created memories and relationships with teammates that will last a lifetime.  

This offseason the 6’2, 230 pounder will be focussing on his diet and his overall health as he prepares for his last year.  When he first became a Hurricane he tipped the scales at 300lbs but with hard work in the gym and having the right diet, Norman has cut his weight to 230 pounds and is much more agile on his feet moving from side to side and making up ground when he needs to.  Also this offseason Norman works at Milestones in Guelph and  works the front door at a local bar to help raise his son; William.

Any free moment he gets, Norman enjoys being a dad along with painting to relax his mind and express his thoughts on a blank canvas.

Following junior football Norman will focus on finding a career and will no doubt end up on the sideline coaching youth.  He likes the idea of giving back to the community and would like to focus on creating a group for young fathers, making a safe place for them to learn, and talk about their issues.   Something that was difficult to find when he was a young father just a short time ago.

In 2017 Norman will play in his fifth and final year with the Hurricanes as a 22 year old and defend the OFC title.

Mitch Norman is a CJFL Weekend Warrior.