Class 2012: Aaron Stora-Nelson continues to excel as elite Ontario quarterback (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Class 2012 star quarterback from the Bill Crothers Colts, Aaron Stora-Nelson. Aaron started his football career with the Markham Raiders at the age of 13.

Aaron Stora-Nelson

Positions:
Quarterback

Height/Weight:
6’4, 210 lbs

Teams:
Bill Crothers Colts (high school: YRAA)
Markham Raiders (varsity: OVFL)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Bishop’s, Toronto, Western, York, Open

Class:
2012

Aaron has suited up for his high school team, the Bill Crothers Colts of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA) and the Markham Raiders of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). During his time with the Raiders, the star pivot was team offensive MVP. Moreover, Aaron was the sixth ranked quarterback in the 2011 OVFL season.

The Colts pivot placed fifth at the Damon Allen Quarterback Challenge. Most recently, Aaron was selected to the GTA team that will participate in the all-star game at McMaster University on May 6th.

As a player, Aaron tries to emulate NFL star quarterback Cam Newton on and off the field.

“I try to model my game after him because I believe that we have similar characteristics and I believe that I can also relate to his personal story,” explains the Colts pivot as to why Newtonis his role model. “Although Cam was anticipated to be the number one pick going into the draft, before he was drafted there was a lot of doubt in his ability as a quarterback.”

“Analysts and coaches believed that he did not have what it takes to play at the next level and said that he was successful in college because of his feet and did not have the arm or the brain to compete in the NFL.”

Other things that Aaron likes about Newton are the mental approach he brings to his game, determination and perseverance.

“Cam Newton proved himself the first time he touched the field, breaking an NFL record for the most passing yards in a rookie’s first game,” adds the Colts quarterback. “He threw for 422 yards against the Arizona Cardinals; furthermore, he ended the season as rookie of the year with 4051 total yards in the season.”

“I can relate to Cam because I know how it is when your abilities are undermined and people do not have high expectations of you. What motivates me is the satisfaction that is attained from shocking doubters and proving that you are more than adequate.”

The individual who’s had the biggest impact on Aaron’s life is Mike Fascione. As the coaching director of the Raiders, Fascione has also served as a role mentor to the young quarterback.

“He has been like a second father to me and in the past year, his presence has made a tremendous impact on my life, has given me the confidence and attitude I needed to take my game to the next level and he has supplemented me with the necessary tools,” comments the Colts standout. “Whether it was waking up early to go train, bringing me to camps and combines across the city, or travelling three hours away to a university for a visit, he has always been there for me and was never hesitant to help.”

“What I admire the most about Mike is the fact that he does it truly from the goodness of his heart and wants nothing in return but to see me excel as a player.”

Once he does complete high school at Bill Crothers, Aaron would like to continue his education at the university level. He would like to obtain a degree in either business or communications. Ultimately, Aaron’s future career goal is to become a firefighter.

Aaron has learned many skills and tools from the game of football which he applies to other aspects of his life. One key thing he’s learned is how much hard work and effort is needed to succeed in achieving all goals.

“Hard work beats talent and it’s all about the effort you put in,” says Aaron. “Effort is not something you can teach but it’s simply how hard you work.”

“You can be fundamentally and mechanically the best player on the field but if you are not going 100 percent every time you touch the field, you’re wasting your talent; therefore, letting the less skilled harder working individual exceed you. This is what separates the good player from the great, and the great from the extraordinary. What it comes down to is how hungry you are.”