LIAM MAHARA
PAST VANCOUVER COLLEGE FIGHTING IRISH
PRESENT O'HAGAN FIELD
FUTURE UNIVERSITY OF B.C. THUNDERBIRDS
In his senior year, Liam Mahara assaulted the record books of the country's most acclaimed high school football program.
The Vancouver College running back broke new ground in every rushing category possible.
The 32 touchdowns he scored in his final year catapulted him over the three alumni tied for the season record with 20 TDs each, and put Mahara in the books with the most career touchdowns. He has 40.
He set a new benchmark for career points (241) and points in a single season (198) and is in a three-way tie for the most points scored in a single game (30).
His 3,324 career rushing yards (also a record) were built on the single-game achievements of 314, 334 and 358 yards, each one an historic gain that set a new school record in 2012 and helped the Fighting Irish reach the AAA B.C. championship in December. His 2,786 single-season rushing yards (also a record) surpassed the 17-year-old mark by nearly 1,000 yards.
"I really had to work to get where I am today," he said. "I'm pretty proud of myself for doing what I did."
He was named the Fighting Irish MVP for 2012. Mahara built his success on so-called "little things," the daily drills, extra reps and summer camps that make the biggest difference and helped him recover from injury.
The reward is an historic achievement at a school celebrated for its football pedigree. And he feels something more, said 18-year-old Mahara: "Satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing you went the extra mile and it paid off in the game."
Mahara's consistency most impressed the head coach of UBC's football team, and Shawn Olson envisions the running back as one of the best in Canada by his third year of CIS competition. "In our opinion, Liam was one of the best players in the province and exemplifies what we are looking for in a recruit," said the coach.
"I am very excited to see what he can do." ?
- MEGAN STEWART
HUNTER ROBINSON
PAST VANCOUVER COLLEGE FIGHTING IRISH
PRESENT O'HAGAN FIELD
FUTURE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA GEE-GEES
Hunter Robinson doesn't scream for attention. The quiet quarterback draws the eyes and ears of the Fighting Irish because he's careful not to waste his words.
Under his cool surface, Robinson runs deep. He will lighten the mood before he raises his voice.
"I like to keep things light with the guys, especially in the huddle," he said. "You have to stay positive, you don't want guys getting down on themselves. I want to make sure they're always having fun."
Robinson, 18, set a new school record with his 3,358 career passing yards and will play for the University of Ottawa next year as the Gee-Gees rebuild under new coach, Jamie Barresi. A former Midget AAA baseball player, Robinson is adjusting his mechanics from the NFL ball used in Canadian high school to the CFL ball used at CIS universities. Shortening his elongated throw, a technical holdout from his years as a catcher and first baseman, is a constant focus. "A quick release is a huge advantage. It's something that I think about constantly," he said.
In 2012, Robinson threw for 21 touchdowns and marshalled the Fighting Irish to the AAA B.C. championship game at B.C. Place. Vancouver College head coach Todd Bernett said the coachable pivot earns respect because his quiet leadership is genuine. "He is calm and composed. This quality served him well as the head of our offense for two seasons."
Robinson knows his reputation as a reserved, thoughtful athlete. "I like to work in solitude, I guess you can say. I keep to myself," he said.
He's more outspoken during a game but doesn't waste his breath. He directs his words with purpose.
"Mr. Bernett probably wouldn't like to hear this, but I like to get everyone to laugh and lighten up in the huddle.
"You don't have to be a vocal leader all the time," he said. "It comes with getting to know the guys and how they operate. You don't always have to be that rah rah, pump up guy, you can lead by class."
Robinson's is an act to follow. ?
- MEGAN STEWART
