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The love for the game of football has always been there for Kadez Penner and as he continues to develop as a standout player, a future in the game is becoming closer to reality.
Recently, Penner had an opportunity to showcase his skillset for a lot of interested eyes. "I went to Edmonton to do a football showcase that had college scouts at it," the towering athlete explains. "We did combine events like running and jumping, as well as competition activities."
After reflecting, Penner is quite please with how he did. "I think I did pretty good," he says proudly. "It was my first time at one of these events, so I did a lot of learning. It went pretty good overall."
Penner explains how he was able to get to participate at the event. "I was with the Manitoba Selects over the winter, so they were the ones that brought the team to the event, that's how I got there."
Getting to go through the event and see other players going through the drills, Penner says he was able to standout in a few ways. "I would say the one-on-ones were the best part. Going up against other guys at the competition, that's what I enjoyed."
Football has always been a part of Penner's life, going back to when he was young. "I started playing when I was six with the Eastman Raiders," he says proudly. "This year, I wanted to go a little further, I wanted to push to see where I could get, so I joined the Manitoba Selects over the winter and then a bunch of camp opportunities came up."
Going to those camps have really opened his eyes to how much he wants to be playing the game at higher levels. "It for sure puts a fire inside. I really enjoyed football last year and that made me want to go to college and pro."
Knowing things will get harder as he moves up in the game, Penner is focused on being at his best through hard work. "It's putting in the time, working at the workout programs, going to extra camps against better competition. Pushing myself, eating right, doing what my body needs to be at it's best."
At 15-years-old, Penner says it can be a little intimidating that college programs may be watching games or camps. "It's quite stressful sometimes, but you have to focus on where you're at right now. You want to do something later and if you think too far ahead, it becomes too much and you can collapse."
The plan for the next little bit at least is set and Penner believes he's ready to find another level to his game. "In June, I have camps in the states that I've been invited to by some colleges. After that, I'll play Eastman Raiders, if they can build a team. If they can't find a coach, I'll go play St. Vital Mustangs because that's the closest other one. In the fall, I'll join Eastman Selects again, because they do some travel, so that'll be the next plan."
Through it all, Penner says he wouldn't be where he is now without his family. "My parents have put a lot time and money into my football stuff, so that's really helped me out. They've also helped me with the mental side. When I get lost, they really help me get through it. They bring me to practices, they pay for the programs and it's all because of them that I'm here getting these chances to follow my dream."