Cory Constantin didn't spend his spring break sleeping and taking it easy like some high school students.
Instead of relaxing, the standout high school football player took part in a week of hard football practices in anticipation of the 2011 Senior Bowl, which took place at Empire Field on March 26.
"It was a pretty busy and full week of practices," Constantin said. "But I love football and there's nothing else I'd rather be doing."
The Howe Sound Secondary student practiced March 22 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for the game, which featured some of the top young football talent in British Columbia. Constantin proved he belonged with the elite in the province by capturing the most valuable running back trophy.
"I was a little bit surprised to win the award," Constantin said. "I guess it's pretty rare for a Double-A player to win it. But I worked really hard all week and tried my best in every drill, so it feels pretty good to win it."
Constantin said he had a good showing in the game, helping his Team West teammates to a 21-14 victory. He broke free for a 30-yard run in the game and also caught two passes for big gains. He also said he learned a lot about blocking techniques, an area in which he hopes to improve.
Another highlight of the camp was the chance to practice with several of the B.C. Lions. On March 24, Justin Sorenson, Doug Goldsby, Hamid Mahmoudi, Sean Ortiz and Travis Lulay, among others, all worked with the players and then provided motivation for a full-contact drill at the end of the day. Lions head coach Wally Buono also addressed the players, offering them words of encouragement to use football as a positive force in pursuing their futures.
"It was really cool to just be in the Lions facility," Constantin said. "It was especially cool during the game to have a couple hundred fans in the stands."
It's been a full year of football for Constantin, who starred on the Howe Sound Sounders in the fall. In addition to his time on the Sounders, Constantin also played for the Langley Stampeders in the Vancouver Mainland Football League.
"My time playing for Langley has been great," he said. "We won 10 games in a row and were undefeated in the regular season, but got eliminated in the playoffs early, just like the Sounders. It was actually a double losing weekend for me one weekend back in November."
Constantin said his fall schedule was packed with football, practicing with the Sounders on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and practicing with the Stampeders during the week as well. Weekends were usually busy as well with games on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
With his high school and minor football career wrapping up, Constantin said he wants to continue to play the sport and said he's had several offers from junior teams throughout the province. He said Kamloops has expressed interest in acquiring him and also the University of Calgary has reached out. Constantin still has a few months to make his decision but said it's nice to have options.
"I find it pretty humbling to get these offers," he said. "It's hard to choose and I'm kind of weighing my options right now."
In the meantime, Constantin will have one final chance to impress the scouts at the Star Game on April 23. It will be the last time Constantin participates in a minor football contest but he hopes to be able to continue starring on the gridiron somewhere in the fall.
