Mackie Chooses Turf Over Frozen Pond
We haven’t checked the research database to back it up, but we can all but confirm David Mackie is the first from Jackson’s Point, Ontario to make it to the Canadian Football League.
Like many Canadian outposts, the tiny resort town on Lake Simcoe, 86 kilometers north of Toronto, is more of frozen pond hockey kind of place.
Mackie knew from a young age he wanted to pursue football. One slight problem: there was no organized league near the small town he still calls home. As a result, he had to commute two hours by bus to Bill Crothers High School in the town of Unionville.
“We didn’t have a lot of money, but My Mom and Dad were always so supportive and made sure I would be able to do whatever I wanted. They sacrificed a lot to get me here,” said Mackie.
“When I look back on it, the commute was definitely worth it.”
It’s in his blood, after all. His grandfather Clarence “Baz” Mackie played three years for the Toronto Argonauts in the 1950s.
The younger Mackie’s commitment to play high school football led him to Western University where he majored in kinesiology and helped the prominent Mustangs program hoist the Vanier Cup last season.
The fullback also made his mark in his pre-season debut in Calgary Friday night, blocking a punt during a crazy third quarter that led to a touchdown and 36-23 victory. For Mackie, it was a perfect reward for having a consistently good training camp thus far.
“It was fun,” added Mackie.
“On my first couple of punt returns, I was just making sure I knew my assignment. There was one where I wasn’t quite sure I was doing the right thing and being it was my first game in the pros I wanted to make sure all my assignments were done properly. We went out on that return and (special teams coordinator) Jeff Reinebold reminded me to rush that A gap. I just went in, did my job and took advantage of the situation. Our offence then went out and executed and it provided us with the spark we needed.”
Mackie has made his way west after being selected in the second round (16th overall) in last month’s CFL draft. Along with standing out in his first live game action, Mackie feels his new squad has established an identity with the regular season set to begin in just under two weeks.
“I’m loving it. From day one Ed, Geroy and Wally told me I would fit in well here and I couldn’t be happier to be with this group,” explained the rookie.
“After two weeks together we have really bonded as a team and even though Friday was only pre-season, it’s those little victories that we take pride in. We’re close enough as a group already that we can really push and motivate each other through that second half we had. Young guys stepping up and making plays is a testament to how well the veterans have helped us along.”
Having Reinebold as your position coach certainly goes a long way, as does the chance to take notes from the master of all CFL fullbacks: longest-serving Lion Rolly Lumbala.
“It’s been incredible,” said Mackie.
“Coming in here, I knew he was going to be the guy, he’s been here for so long and I was going to get the chance to learn from one of the best. Rolly has been great, both on and off the field. Having Dakota (Brush) who has been here for a year has been a big plus as well. They’re open to all questions. Even Friday on our plane ride to Calgary Rolly was kind of telling me what to expect on the game and in the next couple of weeks. He has been great throughout this entire process.”
So far it’s safe to say Mackie’s experience has lived up to the hype and expectations he had on draft night when Geroy Simon called to inform him British Columbia was going to be his new home.
“It was for sure exciting to get that call,” added the fullback.
“I had a good interview with them at the combine and Geroy phoned me a couple of times leading up to the draft itself. Sitting there with my family and getting the call that it was official was quite surreal.”
Not bad for a late bloomer. Mackie didn’t even become a starter at Western until his final season when he was selected to play in the East-West Bowl and named an OUA First-Team All-Star. Destroying the Laval Rouge et Or to win that Vanier Cup topped all of it.
And as the professional journey continues, you know Jackson’s Point will always be in his heart.
“That town made me who I am. It will be pretty cool to go back after the season, see some friends and share some of this experience.”
A rookie that talks with the maturity of a seasoned vet. It’s good to have a couple of those.
Training Camp Notes
Sunday morning saw the release of nine rookie internationals: DL Gelen Robinson, DL Quinton Bradley, DL Breion Creer, DB Deion Carter, DB Solomon Means, WR Vernon Johnson, WR Ronnie Holley, OL David Patterson and OL Jac’que Polite were all sent packing. RB Travon Van has returned home to deal with a personal family matter. He has been placed on the suspended list.
CFL teams must be down to 56 players on Saturday, June 9th.
Sunday’s practice was fairly up tempo with the defensive line perhaps having one of its better showings of late. Jeremiah Johnson commended the players for staying in tip-top shape as the dog days of camp reached day 14.
“That’s what it’s all about: it’s about getting tired and still going out there and executing our plays,” said Johnson.
“Our first group did very well. We ran the ball well, we passed the ball well and we blocked well. That’s one of the main things that we’re trying to do: we just want to make sure all three phases are on point. The things we can control is our offensive progressions. Right now we’re looking really good and just can’t wait to get going.”
And then there were three: the Lions will hold morning practices sessions from 8:30-10:30 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before packing up and leaving Kamloops. Friday’s pre-season tilt against Winnipeg is a 7:30 PM kickoff at BC Place.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com