Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Class 2012 star offensive lineman and recent Mount Allison University commit, Isaac Noonan. Isaac began his football career with the peewee Halifax Raiders.
Isaac Noonan
Positions:
Offensive Line (Offensive Guard), Defensive Line
Height/Weight:
6’3, 260 lbs
Teams:
J.L. Ilsley Judges (high school: NSSAFFL)
Halifax Raiders (peewee)
Commitment:
Commitment to Mount Allison University
Class:
2012
After playing for one season with the peewee Halifax Raiders, Isaac left the game for a bit. When he resumed his football career with the J.L. Ilsley Judges of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) in the fall of 2010, it was as if he picked up from where he left off previously on the field.
Recognized for his gridiron talent, the Judges offensive lineman was awarded team most improved player in 2010 and team lineman of the year this past season. Moreover, Isaac experienced a special moment in his football career this past season when the Judges played the Sir John A MacDonald Flames under extremely tough weather conditions.
“I really remember this game because we went out and still gave everything we had and at half time; we must have been down by 50 to nothing and our coach gave us the option to stay and finish the game or leave,” explains Judges offensive lineman, who says the weather was a mixture of rain, wind, and snow “Only about a handful of the team left because they couldn’t bear the weather and even some people with injuries stayed and supported the team from the sidelines.”
“In the second half, we were down to about half of our team but we still fought through it as we had guys playing any position they could and at one point I had the opportunity to play linebacker, which I had some success at and the coaches let me play it for the next two games. I will always remember this game because it showed a lot of heart in our team to stay and play in the terrible weather conditions even though we lost.”
Next season, Isaac will continue his football career at Mount Allison University, as he’s recently committed to the school. T he interest the school expressed in him coupled with the opportunity it provided him to reunite with a former Judges teammate were the main reasons he’s chose the school.
“They were really the only school to show interest in me; I really wanted to have the experience of playing football at the next level and getting to reunite and be on the same team once again with past J.L. Ilsley football player Jacob LeBlanc really made me want to go there,” comments the future Mounties player of his decision. “I got to go up there for a trip to meet coaches and players and they were all really nice and everyone just treats each other like they are family which was really good.”
“Getting to stay there for the night so I could really get a feel for the environment and what it would be like to go to school there was all great; having tha topportunity really made me want to be a Mountie.”
As for the main influence on his life on and off the field, Isaac says it’s been his mother. While she’s attended many of his football games, she’s also been there to encourage and motivate the Judges star player to excel in the classroom or on the field.
“She really influenced my football career by putting me through football camps; I remember coming home and her telling me I had football in about a week and it was the High Performance Program and I had no clue I was even doing it,” recounts Isaac. “I was really excited for that camp and get to try out for under-18 Nova Scotia team but once tryouts came around, they had told me I was too old to do it so my mother made sure I was still going to do something football specific.”
“She put me in training with trainer and former SMU running back Al Giacalone and a couple other athletes.”
Speaking of Giacalone, he’s been an influence on Isaac’s career.
“Al was also influential in my life helping me become a better athlete and training me and making sure I did everything to the best of my abilities,” adds the Judges offensive lineman.
Finally, Kevin LeBlanc (Jacob LeBlanc’s father) has been a very positive influence on Isaac’s football career.
“He was always helping me out and helping out the J.L. Judges as he was always looking for way to help me go further in my football career,” says Isaac. “At the Combine this year, I was the only one from J.L. taking part in the event.”
“He was there supporting me through it by talking to coaches with me and that was how I got to meet the Mount Allison coaches.”
As for future career plans, Isaac would like to a job in law enforcement as a police officer. It’s something he’s been interested in doing for a while.
No matter what the future unfolds for Isaac, he will continue to use the hard work ethic he’s gained from playing football.
“I have learned from football that all the hard work you put in will eventually pay off and applying it to school, I always push myself to do better to get the grades I know I can and really do a good job,” comments Isaac. “I always try my best to be a good leader on and off the field while setting a good example for others to follow and to take the path that’s right from them in their life.”
“Without football, I would not be where I am today football as it has really changed my life and made me a better person; I have all my supporters who helped me through to thank for that.”
Judges head coach Steve Saunders says that the offensive lineman started to show interest and improvement this past season.
“With no previous background in football, I think Isaac will improve over the next two to three years,” adds Saunders. “If Isaac can put on some weight and work with Mount Allison in his strength work, he could be a starter on either side of the ball in time.”
After his initial meeting with Isaac in grade 10, Saunders knew he was serious about playing football.
“After some talk, he came out in grade 11 and learned very quickly,” says the Judges head coach. “He is a goods tudent and well respected by his peers.”
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