Bryce Wade
Positions:
Free Safety
Height/Weight:
6’2, 195 lbs
Teams:
Dalhousie Tigers (college: AFL)
Riverview Mustangs (senior: MFL)
Bernice MacNaughton Highlanders (high school: NBHSFL)
Bryce began his football odyssey in grade 10 when he suited up for his high school team, the Bernice MacNaughton Highlanders of the New Brunswick High School Football League (NBHSFL). At first, he started out as a rookie wide receiver, but gradually moved over to the free safety position the next season.
The defensive star had an exceptional career with the Highlanders. During his time there, Bryce experienced the highlight of his young football when the team won the provincial high school championship crown in the fall of 2006 (his senior year). For his stellar play in his senior campaign, Bryce was named the team’s defensive MVP. Moreover, he was selected as a NBHSFL all-star for two consecutive years (2005, 2006).
After he completed high school, Bryce moved to Halifax to study at Dalhousie University. It was during his time there that the school put together a football team and joined the Atlantic Football League in 2010. For his part, Bryce was excited when the rumours first started to circulate of the football team and ultimately was proud to become a part of something special.
“It was great to see the leadership and commitment from several individuals that were able to bring this team together,” reflects Bryce, who was rookie of the year when he played one season with the Riverview Mustangs of the Maritime Football League (MFL). “This leadership and commitment has continued through the first two seasons from the coaching staff and alumni which has made Dalhousie football a great success.”
“It’s been great to see the school really rally behind the football team and create a great atmosphere at our home games.”
Overall, Bryce made the most of the experience. Furthermore, he enjoyed his playing time with the Tigers.
“Playing football for Dalhousie has been a unique experience because football is very young on campus, but also has a lot of history,” comments the defensive standout. “There is a lot excitement amongst the students and a lot of support from the alumni.”
“I have gotten the opportunity to play for a great coaching staff and with great teammates.”
Throughout his career, Bryce has been fortunate to have two coaches who’ve played a significant role in developing him into the effective player he is today on the field.
“The most influential people in football have been my high school defensive coordinator Steve Leard and Dalhousie Head Coach Stu Maclean,” comments the Tigers football star. “Both of these coaches have inspired at each level to reach my potential.”
However, there are two individuals who’ve have a profound effect on his life.
“The most influential people in my life are my parents,” says Bryce, whose brother Cameron is a defensive back for the Acadia Axemen, while his other brother Mac played with him on the Tigers. “They have been supportive in every decision I’ve made both within sports and out.”
This past May, the student-athlete graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Now with his degree in tow, he plans to work in the field for a bit of time until he possibly returns back to school in a few years’ time.
As he gets set to enter the career world, Bryce will take with him the things he’s learned from the field in hopes of achieving further success in all aspects of life.
“I’ve learned to trust your instincts and that success isn’t achieved without hard work,” comments Bryce.
Stu MacLean, head coach of the Dalhousie Tigers has instructed Bryce for the past two seasons. In his time with the Tigers, the free safety has been an asset to the team in many ways.
“Bryce Wade was the undeniable leader of the Tigers Football team over the past two years,” reflects MacLean. “He is a great athlete, great football player, a natural leader, and a great all round person.”
“His intensity combined with his football sense allowed him to inspire his teammates to do better and when I think of an impact player with a never quit attitude, I think of Bryce.”
Clearly, Bryce has proven that he can easily play at the CIS level. Furthermore, he’s shown intitiative as he’s taken on a more active leadership role. Overall, his leadership on and off the field has translated into positive resullts for the team and Tigers football community on a whole.
“He played a big role in getting our team up and running as both a player and the teams President,” says MacLean. “The football family at Dalhousie University is very proud of this young man.”
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