James Stockwood has been making his mark on the gridiron from coast-to-coast, stretching all the way from Chilliwack, BC to Peterborough, Ontario, for more than a decade. Over the years he has come to fall in love with the sport for a number of reasons, one being the physical element of the game, and another being the family atmosphere both on the field and on the sideline.
“What drew me to the game was the physicality of the sport, which made me fall in love with it even more,” said the 6’6, 280-pound defensive lineman. “I still love it today because every team I have been on has felt like a family rather than just a team.”
Stockwood has a very busy daily routine that always includes some time at the gym and studying film.
“I wake up in the morning, hop in the shower then I go downstairs and have breakfast,” he said. “I then turn on the NFL channel and watch it for a bit. After that I text up my friends and see if any of them want to go work out, but before I go to the gym I always have a protein shake. I normally work out at the gym for about an hour and a half and then come home and hangout with my mom and brothers. After spending some time with them I watch some game film and then just relax for the rest of the night.”
The Oshawa native is quick to point out that his experience in other leagues and provinces gives him an advantage over other players he faces, but that his fortitude has been the key to his success.
“Having different coaches throughout my life and playing in different leagues gives me advantages over other players,” Stockwood said. “The thing that has made me so successful in my career is never giving up and always being driven to play.”
Despite the success he has had, the St. Stephen’s Lions (LOSSA) standout says there is still plenty of work to be done to improve his game.
“I think the biggest things to improve in my game are my speed and agility,” stated the 2017 graduate. “I will improve those by doing more footwork and just body weight workouts.”
Stockwood has played for the Peterborough Wolverines of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) since 2014, something he says has been a true privilege to be a part of.
“Playing in the Wolverines program has truly been amazing,” he said. “Because my coaches and team mates have been like family to me. It is always great to have the tradition of winning but that doesn’t come without hard work which is something the Wolverines program has pushed me to do.”
He has had a ton of support from his family and friends, which Stockwood says he appreciates wholeheartedly, especially during the proverbial ‘valleys’ of the football season.
“When I feel down about big losses my friends and family have always told me to never give up and keep pushing harder and harder,” he said of the encouragement he has received. In those times it’s important to realize there will always been another game.”
The third-year Wolverine says he definitely sees football as a part of his future plans, with a chance to play college ball being high on his radar.
“Yes I see football in my future!” Stockwood exclaimed. “I am hoping to make it to the NCAA or the CIS! Anything after that would be truly a blessing and I would be so very thankful for it.”
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