When I look at my career path so far, it’s a long journey but at the same time, it’s short. When you look back, everything happened so fast in the past year. It was hard road travelled and it look a lot of hard work and dedication, but everything was for the best.
Everything paid off — all the training, all the hours in the classroom, all the gym time. it all worked out and I can say I’m a Calgary Stampeder.
It was great having my cousin Steven, who was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts last year, helping me out. He’s more like an older brother than a cousin to me. He’s always given guidance about what was going to happen all along the line and what I could expect. He tried to prepare me in every way he knew how.
There were so many other people who have helped me along the way. I would have to say my mother — she’s the reason I am who I am today. Without her, none of this would be possible. She’s put in her wisdom and the time to raise me to become the young man I am today.
I give credit to all of my family. I have very strong family support.
I also have to thank my coach Leroy Blugh, who taught me so may things and gave me the tools both on and off the field. He wasn’t just a coach, he was a father figure to us at Bishop’s. He was a great help and he’s always given me guidance. I’m still in contact with him and he always tries to steer me on the right path.
I know when I first started at university, our relationship was a bit rocky because you always think you know it all as a teenager. I think he’s helped my maturation process into a young man.
When I arrived in Calgary, the difference in altitude was the first thing I noticed. But I have to say that so far, I really love the city. I’ve seen a lot of great sights and I can see the mountains, which are so beautiful as a backdrop. And I love the fresh air.
Here in Calgary, I’ll be staying with my uncle so hopefully that will make for a smoother transition into a new city. I’ve also been welcomed by some of my new Stampeders teammates like Karl McCartney, Taurean Allen, Eric Fraser . . . they’ve all been helping me out.
As I get ready for my first professional training camp, I’m going to be training and still grinding it out. I’m still treating it like I’m in last place and I need to get to first place. You just have to keep grinding and keep showing the work ethic that got you here and just never stop.
Junior Turner, #23
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