Two Ballenas Whalers football standouts will join the top high school players in the province as members of Team BC.
Whalers quarterback Tyler Robinson was selected to join the U17 Team BC contingent, while linebacker Bennet Switzer has been named to Team BC's U18 side. Since their selections, they have been training with their respective teams every second weekend in Langley.
Both Whalers are proud and honoured to be selected to provincial teams. They attributed their recent success to the hard work they have put in over time since they started playing football.
"Being selected for Team BC feels incredibly rewarding for hours of training and working out when others weren’t," said Switzer. "It feels very rewarding to see my dedication and commitment paying off to be able to compete at a higher level."
Robinson, who will lead the Whalers Senior JV next school year, is also excited for the opportunity to play with top high school players in the province and compete against the best from other teams in Western Canada.
It feels great," said Robinson. "I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get here, and it’s nice to see it paying off. I’m excited to learn from these experienced coaches and play alongside very talented players. I know there’s still a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited to be able to contribute to the team."
The Whalers had five players invited to try out for Team BC that was organized by Football BC, which uses the event to identify several teams annually to represent British Columbia in various competitions and championships. The other Whalers players that took part included wide receiver/defensive back Noah Silzer, running back/linebacker Riley Wilson and linebacker Matthew Crowie.
Switzer and Robinson have developed much of their football skill and knowledge as members of the Whalers football program. They consider the Whalers to be a big help in building their strong football foundation. The program has motivated them to improve their game and to aspire to advance to the next level.
"The Ballenas Whalers are a big part in my building of skills and passion for football," said Switzer. "I’d really like to thank the coaches and parents that have helped me get to this point. Providing the opportunity and resources needed to play and improve as a player was a key to selection."
"Ballenas football has a strong culture built on hard work, discipline, and community," said Robinson. "You can really feel that the people behind it care deeply about the players, both on and off the field. The coaches push us to be our best, but they also support us like family. Being part of this program means being part of something bigger and I’m proud to represent it. We over me.”
Having an opportunity to play in Team BC also provides both Switzer and Robinson a change to show their skills in front of scouts, who are expected to be out during their respective tournaments in July.
Switzer will be with U18 Team BC in the 2025 Football Canada Cup in Antigonish, N.S., July 12 to July 20. The national competition brings together provincial teams in the U-18 age category from across Canada. The Canada Cup has been a springboard for many U SPORTS, NCAA, CJFL, national team and professional careers.
"I find this very significant to my goals and ambitions in football," said Switzer. "The coaching and knowledge that coaches involved with Team BC have is unlike any other. They have a lot of connections with post-secondary coaches and scouts which gives an opportunity to meet and talk with them. Being able to get a whole weekend of practice and coaching is incredibly important for my future goals and ambitions."
Robinson will see action with the U17 Team BC in the 2025 Football Canada Selects Championship in Kelowna in July. The U17 tournament is for younger players who did not make the final roster for the U18 team but have a high likelihood of being selected next year.
"This is a huge step towards where I want to go," said Robinson. "It gives me the opportunity to develop my game, learn from top coaches, and compete with high-level players. I am interested in playing at the next level if I get the right opportunity. So it’s important for me to get noticed by coaches at the next level."
