Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Class 2012 star linebacker and recent University of British Columbia commit, Graeme Tod-Tims. Graeme began playing football at the age of 12.
Graeme Tod-Tims
Positions:
Linebacker
Height/Weight:
6’3, 207 lbs
Teams:
West Vancouver Secondary Highlanders (high school)
Commitment:
Commitment to University of British Columbia
Class:
2012
When Graeme first started playing football at the age of 12 for a community team, he quickly realized he would need to work hard to achieve success on the field.
“I actually was pretty terrible for my first two years until I went to some summer camps and figured some things out,” comments Graeme.
During his high school football career with the West Vancouver Secondary Highlanders, the defensive star finally perfected his game to become a star defensive player.
“Playing at West Vancouver Secondary School has been unreal with some of my best friends and people I’ve known for a long time,” says the Highlanders linebacker of his time with the team.
For his efforts on the field, Graeme was most valuable defensive player twice and team MVP.
The Highlanders defensive standout says he experienced a special moment in his last year of high school football.
“We were playing for a playoff spot and the game so far had been a slug fest, hard running and shots down field,” explains Graeme of the moment. “The defence of both sides of the ball was holding strong and the score was still 0-0 by the second quarter.”
“I ended up blocking a punt on our own 40 and scooping the ball myself for around a 50 yard touchdown run.”
With graduation soon looming for the Highlanders linebacker, he recently made a decision on where he will play next season. Graeme will play for the hometown crowd as he’s committed to the University of British Columbia.
Strong academics and the football program, primarily the coaching staff, were the main reasons Graeme chose the campus.
“UBC is an amazing school and the benefits of going here seem to be endless,” adds the future Thunderbirds player. “Not only do they provide massive support academically for their athletes but there coaching staff is extraordinary.”
“Coach Olsen and Coach Erdman are everything you’re looking for in coaches as they are completely supportive and personal with the players off the field, serious and determined on field. Also, getting a UBC degree is massive.”
Graeme credits head coach Tom Slade for giving him the tools needed to be an effective defensive player on the field.
“He was the first person I could make something out of football and really showed me how the team aspect of the game worked,” explains the Highlanders linebacker of his football influence.
Previous to football, Graeme excelled as a slope style skier and a mountain bike racer. In fact, he was sponsored for both sports.
“I started these sports at the age of six and always thought I’d end up skiing or riding my whole life,” adds the graduating player.
Now that football is his main sport, Graeme is focused on his future with the Thunderbirds. Overall, he will take the education he’s received on the field and apply what he’s learned into all his future endeavours.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from football is the respect and team atmosphere the game brings,” says Graeme. “Without a doubt, my life has changed and how I carry myself and treat others since I started the great game of football.”
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
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