Barry Wright
Adam MacKinnon has found the fountain of youth with the Sarnia Imperials this season.
The only player still with the Imps from the iconic football franchise’s rebirth a decade ago says he's enjoying this campaign immensely.
“Originally I had said I would play ten seasons, but I'm having more fun this year than I have the past few. So if my body holds up I want to keep playing for a couple of more years,” said the 33-year-old St. Patrick’s grad, who only took up the game in high school at the insistence of Irish junior football coach Dave Smith.
The 5'8”, 240-pound offensive center is using a bye week to rest a cracked rib suffered in a loss to Ottawa on June 20.
It's the latest in a long list of injuries suffered over the years, which includes breaking both hands, suffering a concussion and developing back problems. But, he’s quick to point out, he’s never missed a game due to injury.
Adding to the fun is Sarnia’s first place standing in the Northern Football Conference's West Division, with a 3-1 record.
The Imperials play the first of three straight road games on Saturday, July 4, when they take on the Raiders (1-3) in Toronto, followed by encounters the following two Saturdays at Hamilton and Oakville. The Imperials close out the regular season by hosting Sault St. Marie on Saturday, July 25 at Norm Perry Park at 7 pm.
“This is one of the more talented teams we've had over the past ten seasons,” said MacKinnon.
“As long as we play the way we can we should run the table,” he added, noting that hosting at least one playoff game would be a great reward for fans who have followed the team through thick and thin.
“Fan support (in Sarnia) has always been amazing, even during the lean years,” he said. “They're always behind us. It definitely helps us out on the field.”