Westlock’s Simeon Rottier was back in his hometown to lend a hand to the Thunderbirds coaching staff last week and provide a little inspiration for the up-and-coming athletes.
“I just came out for my annual visit to come coach during spring training. I try to get out at least once and just work with the O-line to see what’s going on. It’s a pretty good program they’ve got so it’s fun to come see,” said the long-time Edmonton Eskimos offensive lineman during the club’s May 9 practice.
The Thunderbirds are in the midst of their spring training camp to prepare for the Wheatland Football League action in the fall.
“It’s incredible just to have the support,” said Thunderbirds coach Jon Kramer. “He’s a wonderful human and role model for the kids, but it’s also about his story of how he got where he is and the work he’s put in.”
Rottier grew up in the area and his family still farms here.
There were no pee wee and bantam football teams in the area when he was a kid so he didn’t start playing until later in his life when he joined the Edmonton Huskies Junior Football Club.
Rottier’s parents are also involved with the Thunderbirds, as they provide a scholarship for one lucky player every year to attend a football camp, whether it’s with the University of Alberta Golden Bears or another team, said Kramer.
“He’s sort of an ideal role model for the kids, who find themselves in very similar situations,” said Kramer.
Rottier was the first pick by the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the 2009 CFL draft and played there for three seasons until signing with the Eskimos in 2012.
Asked what it meant to him to be an inspiration to the kids, Rottier said it really means a lot, as he was inspired by certain Eskimos players when he was a kid.
“When I think back to when I was in high school and maybe met an Eskimo or two, it was pretty cool. Once I decided I wanted to play football, those kinds of people were definitely an inspiration. My goal at that point was to go as far as I could, and you never know where it’s going to go. If I could do it, I think anyone can do it,” he said.
Kramer said he’s thankful to have access to the CFL star and it really means a lot to his players.
“He’s doing everything he can to give back to the community and it’s paying off, you can see the difference that it makes,” said Kramer.
“It’s nice to be able to come back and be an encouragement,” said Rottier.
