Years of hard work and determination are paying off for Bow Valley Bobcats quarterback Kaden Barnstable.
The 16-year-old pivot has been selected to compete in the CFC Prospect Game, which will air nationally on TSN on May 24. Barnstable earned the nod after standout performances at showcases in Calgary and Vancouver, catching the attention of scouts from Canada Football Chat, who made the announcement earlier this week.
"It was really exciting when I got the e-mail few weeks ago, and yesterday (April 29), when they did the roster reveal. It was just super exciting, like seeing the whole process with CFC and then ending up getting an invite to play in the prospect game."
The game is set to be played at the Hamilton Satdium following a few days of practice and putting the game plan in place.
"I'm excited to work with some of the best coaches in Canada, along with other players, to get us ready and then have a chance to showcase some things we've learned from the coaches and the skillsets we bring to the table on the field during game day."
Barnstable has been the Bobcats’ No. 1 quarterback since Grade 10 and is entering his final season with the high school team.
Back then, his drive and skill quickly caught the eye of Bobcats coaches, who identified him as a player to watch.
He hasn't rested on that early promise and continues to work year-round to elevate his game.
"In the weight room, on the field, I'm trying to become a better football player every day, never being satisfied with where I'm at and just trying to really improve every single bit."
Beyond high school ball and his early days with the Cochrane Lions minor football program, Barnstable has attended numerous training camps in Canada and the United States. He’s participated in camps with the Alberta Golden Bears, Calgary Dinos, UBC Thunderbirds and Montana Grizzlies.
"This year, we're also heading up to or heading down to North Dakota State University."
His younger brother Colton, also a budding quarterback, has been a big part of the journey.
"My brother definitely helped me a lot throughout the journey so far," says Barnstable. "I throw to him pretty much every day, work out with him, and he's also a quarterback, so we kind of make each other better competing in the field, pushing each other."
Currently in Grade 9, Colton will get his first taste of being a Bobcat next season, likely as a receiver and backup quarterback.
Kaden has his sights set on the next level after high school.
"I want to get an education through football, play university ball, and then go to wherever it takes me from there," he says. "I'm excited to see where football can take me because feel like I'm really dedicated. I want to be the best I can be."
