Photo courtesy of Greg Mellor

The Edmonton Huskies will need to fill a LARGE hole on their offensive line following the graduation of All-Star Theren Churchill.  The 6’6, 280 pounder spent four seasons with the black and gold and developed into one of the best linemen in Huskies team history.

The Stettler, Alberta native reflects on the 2016 season and his entire CJFL career.

“One of the biggest highlights from the 2016 season was the huge turnaround we had from the struggling previous two seasons and making the playoffs for the first time since my rookie season. I had two primary goals coming into that season, to win a national championship and become a PFC All-Star. Unfortunately we were unable to make the Canadian bowl but looking back I think that was a reasonable goal for the Huskies with the changes that were made and I don't think teams thought we would have the year that we did. Though one goal wasn't finished another one was, personally PFC All-Star recognition was huge for me. At the end of the 2015 season I got back into the training room and continued my hard work to get faster and stronger. I came into the 2016 season feeling better than ever and that hard work in the gym and in-season was a major factor in the Huskies and my personally success in 2016. A final highlight of my career so far was being able to come in my rookie season and start halfway through the year and continue starting for three and a half years straight, I feel like that is a hard thing to do for anyone in this league and it's something I'm proud of.”

Now that his CJFL career is finished, what is next for Churchill?

“After finishing with the Huskies I am off to the University of Regina on a full scholarship, I drew interest from Universities across the country. But the University Of Regina really was no question since I've wanted to go there since my trip there in April 2016. Though I still considered other options like any player would, the UofR stood out.  Three major factors affected my decision. First the recent success of the Rams program and I think during my upcoming years that success will continue. Second, is the coach’s importance to player development and keys to get a successful education. And third was a career decision, being an offensive lineman the UofR has been a huge program to developing offensive lineman and seeing for the past ten or so years a lot of their offensive lineman go to the CFL and some NFL. At the end of March I had a great experience at the western regional CFL combine and posting some of the best numbers for an offensive lineman, and being the only CJFL offensive lineman at any of the three CFL Regionals and being a free agent drew interest from a couple CFL teams but my main focus now is to the University of Regina Rams and getting my education.”

With the next step in his playing career determined, what will Churchill miss most?

“Honestly everything, the team atmosphere, the player/coach relationships, and the chance to go down to the clubhouse almost everyday. The team really became all I had when I first moved away from home after graduation, I didn't know anyone in Edmonton.  It's sad to leave, both players and coaches who helped shape me into the man I am today, from a quiet small town boy moving to the big city to becoming one of the leaders on the team in a short time. And last but not least is going down to the practice facility in the Edmonton river valley under the Highlevel Bridge under the lights in late fall made for a beautiful view and sense of getting away from life every night. Though I will miss these I look forward to making similar memories at the UofR and future.”

With so many lessons learned over the past four years, what was the most important?

“To work as a team and to work hard towards your goals.”

Offensive Lineman of the Edmonton Huskies joins the Class of 2016.