Sheridan living the dream
As an athlete, there is no better feeling than representing your country on a national level.
Johnny Sheridan, member of the Humber Hawks rugby team, is one step closer to his goal after being selected to represent the U19 Ontario Rugby team.
Radix caught up with Sheridan to talk about the promotion and future expectations.
Radix: When you were named to the Rugby Ontario Squad, what was your initial reaction?
Sheridan: “I tried out for the Ontario squad for the first time with no luck. I was pretty bummed about it, but came back next season even harder and finally made the squad and I was pumped. Hard work paid off for sure.”
Radix: What provoked you to start playing rugby? Were you a kid or teenager?
Sheridan: “I started playing rugby in high school as a teenager. Never knew the game but just happened to be walking by practice one day and wanted to give it a try.”
Radix: What impacted you the most as a player during your time at Humberview?
Sheridan: “My coach, family and teammates played a big part in my improvement as a player for sure. They always wanted and expected the best from me and helped me get here. They supported me all the way through and just gave me the opportunity to be better.”
Radix: Do you see a possible future career in rugby? How would it feel to make team Canada?
Sheridan: “Yeah, I hope so. I mean it’s every athletes dream to get to the highest level they can. It would be the best feeling to play for my country. I couldn’t imagine a greater accomplishment as an athlete.”
Radix: If not rugby, which sport would be playing right now, if any? Why?
Sheridan: “Probably hockey. I played high level of hockey all through my life and loved it; I gave it up to pursue rugby.”
Radix: What is your greatest moment on the pitch?
Sheridan: “I’m pretty proud of my OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) record this year, but I’d have to say the finals of the Red Hot Rugby tournament in grade ten. We were facing an undefeated team and I made a great play blocking a clearing kick attempt by the other team and scored a try of it to win us the game and the tournament. It was the first time Humberview won the tournament.”
Radix: Who do you look up to as an athlete?
Sheridan: “I can’t really pin point just one athlete. But I’d have to say the whole Canadian Rugby squad. To see those guys make their dreams become a reality and get the privilege to play for their nation is just unreal. It motivates me to want to do bigger things as a rugby player. They all had to start somewhere.”
The next couple of months will be a tough test for Sheridan. The high expectations he has set for himself as well as adapting to a whole new team and environment will be stressful, but his goal of making team Canada is closer than ever.
Related Posts
‘A decade of dominance’ for the Humber Hawks →
Irregular temperatures not so out of the ordinary →
A decade without defeat →
