Ben Cummings of the Robert Bateman Timberwolves junior football team is in San Antonio, Texas this week, preparing to represent Canada in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl.
The Grade 10 running back is a member of a Canadian under-15 all-star squad which takes on the United States on Sunday. The game is part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities, which brings together all the top high school seniors in the U.S.
Cummings, speaking to The News via cellphone on Wednesday afternoon, seemed in awe of the scope of the event.
“It’s been really cool,” he enthused. “I got to see all the (high school all-American) players get off the bus yesterday, and there are flags all over the town. It’s a big event, and it’s pretty cool.”
Cummings, one of eight B.C. players on the Canadian team, was selected after submitting a highlight video to event organizers. In essence, it means he’s been evaluated as one of the top two running backs in his age class in Canada.
The 5’8”, 165-pound speedster is coming off a huge season with the T-Wolves – he paced the B.C. AA junior varsity ranks with 1,614 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, and led Bateman as far as the provincial semifinals.
“It’s awesome, just being able to represent Canada and play in a game that’s such a high level,” Cummings said.
“I think we have a shot (at winning). Canada’s team won last year, and we have a lot of talent on our team.”