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Canadian Quarterback Internship Program

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 05/18/19, 3:00PM PDT

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Bailey and Buettner get the invite

Photo courtesy of Wanda Harron Photography

A pair of former CJFL quarterbacks will participate in the Canadian Quarterback Internship Program at CFL training camps in advance of the 2019 season.

The Canadian quarterback internship program started in 2010 and was made mandatory for all teams by the CFL in 2012. The program allows Canada’s best young pivots to participate in practice drills as well as team and positional meetings while continuing to develop and hone their skills at the quarterback position.

Players who have taken part in the program over the years include: Michael O’Connor (18’ TOR, 16’ BC, 15’ BC), Chris Merchant (18’ HAM, 17’ CGY), Hugo Richard (17’ MTL, 15’ OTT) Noah Picton (15’ SSK) Andrew Buckley (14’ CGY) and Marshall Ferguson (13’ CGY).

The former CJFL quarterbacks participating this season are:

Bailey Wasdal | Calgary Colts | Ottawa REDBLACKS

He last played with the Colts during the 2017 CJFL season before moving each to join the St. FX X-Men.  In his final season in Calgary Wasdal led the CJFL with 158 completions on 241 attempts.  He tallied 1956 yards and threw 10 touchdown passes.  In his first season at St. FX   he was third in conference passing, he went 121-196 in eight games played with a 61.7% passing percentage, averaging 186.8 yards per game and 7.6 yards per attempt. Wasdal threw nine touchdown passes and also rushed for six of his own TDs. A versatile QB out of the pocket, he was seventh overall in AUS rushing, averaging 43.4 yards per game with 52 carries for 346 total yards. The freshman pivot led the X-Men (6-2) to an AUS playoff semifinal win over Acadia, followed by a 33-9 Loney Bowl championship victory over SMU to earn them a berth in the national Uteck Bowl.

Sawyer Buettner | Regina Thunder | Winnipeg Blue Bombers

His last CJFL season was also in 2017 leading the Thunder to a berth in the Prairie Conference title game.  He finished with a Conference high 67% completion percentage and 2198 yards.  He threw 16 touchdown passes on 149 completions and had a passer efficiency rating of 112.5. He then joined the Ottawa Gee-Gees in 2018 after three solid seasons with the Thunder.  The 6-2, 210 lb. former Team Canada quarterback led the nationally-ranked Gee-Gees to a 6-2 (2nd OUA) regular season record in his first year on campus.  He racked up 1,470 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a 145.4 passer efficiency rating in seven regular season games played.

A highlight of his freshman season was leading the Gee-Gees to a victory over Carleton in the Panda Game. Buettner threw for 243 yards and five touchdowns en route to a 38-27 win in front of a sold out crowd of over 24,000 at TD Place. The following week at Toronto, Buettner had his best statistical game of the year, throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

Good luck to Bailey and Sawyer!