Class 2012: Josh Bourassa brings defensive presence to University of Manitoba

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Class 2012 linebacker and recent University of Manitoba commit, Josh Bourassa. Josh was born in Saudi Arabia.

Josh Bourassa

Positions:
Linebacker (Outside), Slotback, Offensive/Defensive Line

Height/Weight:
6’3, 205 lbs

Teams:
Vincent Massey Trojans (high school: WHSFL)
St. Paul’s Crusaders (high school: WHSFL)
Shaker Heights Red Raiders (Ohio, US Football)
Team Manitoba

Commitment:
Commitment to University of Manitoba

Class:
2012

Josh started his young gridiron career in the United States while suiting up for the Ohio team, the Shaker Heights Red Raiders. When he was in grade eight, the defensive star moved north of the border to Canada. He would continue his football career in grade nine with the St. Paul’s Crusaders of the Manitoba High School Football League (WHSFL).

During his time with the Crusaders, Josh played on both the ‘AA’ and ‘AAA’ teams. Not only did he serve as a captain of the ‘AA’ team, the Crusaders linebacker was team co-defensive player of the year, was nominated for lineman of the year and selected to the ‘AA’ all-conference team in a defensive end position.

In his senior year (grade 12), Josh changed schools and as a result, played for the Vincent Massey Trojans of the WHSFL. For his exceptional play on the field, the defensive star was awarded the Massey Coaches Award and was named to the league honour roll. Moreover, Josh participated in the 2011 Football Canada Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta as a member of Team Manitoba.

Last season, the Trojans linebacker experienced a notable highlight in his career.

“My most memorable football moment was travelling down to Los Angeles to scrimmage with the Santiago Sharks,” explains the Trojans defensive standout. “For me, it was a huge change the speed and quickness in the game and it was also my first game at linebacker.”

“After playing in California at the AAAAA level, I had the confidence in my play and it really helped me over the season.”

After he graduates from Vincent Massey, Josh will write the next chapter of his football career at the University of Manitoba. Recently, he committed to the school based on the strength and reputation of the football program.

“The University of Manitoba is known for its outstanding coaching and from what I have been told it is the “Linebacker University” of Canada,” comments the future Bisons player. “So for me, not having much experience at the linebacker position, coming to a system that would teach and develop me to reach my full potential was my number one priority.”

“Also Coach (Stan) Pierre was the one who suggested me making to switch at one of the University of Manitoba ID camps.”

In football, there has been one positive, yet steady influence on Josh’s career.

“By far, the most influential person in my life when it came to football was my dad,” says Josh. “He played college ball for Toledo and he was the one who got me into the sport.”

“He was the one who was always there through the good and bad times while always pushing me to go farther and train harder.”

Not only has he excelled in football, but Josh is also a competitive rower. He has competed in the Western Summer Canada Games as a member of Team Manitoba. Additionally, he has been a member of Team Manitoba’s lacrosse squad three times.

Away from sports, the student athlete excels in the classroom. As an honour roll student at Vincent Massey, Josh has been able to maintain a 91 percent overall. As for his favourite courses in school, they are physics and chemistry. Once he arrives at the University of Manitoba, Josh will take courses in geophysics or astrophysics.

“I’m planning of going into geophysics or astrophysics because both subjects fascinate me and I can’t get enough of them,” adds the Trojans linebacker. “I really hope to get into an Ivy League type for grad school.”

Consequently from participating in different sports such as football, Josh has learned some key skills which he hopes to continue using when steps foot onto the University of Manitoba campus in the fall.

“I have played a lot of sports and they all teach the same thing, but worth ethic and time management are two things that have helped me a lot,” comments Josh. “I use them in everyday life.”