Drafted close to home

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Jack Warrack’s football journey has officially come full circle.

The Strathmore product was recently drafted by the Calgary Stampeders, a moment that Warrack described as “super exciting.” Growing up cheering for the hometown team made the moment even more meaningful.

“Obviously, growing up in Strathmore, I grew up a fan of the Stampeders and I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Warrack said.

Draft night came with plenty of nerves, but also excitement as family, teammates and close friends gathered around him to watch his dream become reality. 

“The really important people to call were already there,” he said, adding that one of his first calls afterward was to his Huskies coach.

For Warrack, football was never about chasing fame as a kid. 

“Playing professional football, that’d be pretty cool,” he said, but it was during his rookie season with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies that things started to feel possible. “I got to start right away as an 18-year-old. That was maybe one of the first years where I realized that I’m actually not that bad at football.”

Former Strathmore High School coach Danny Warrack said he saw the potential long before the CFL draft. 

“When he was in Grade 9, I remember watching him,” Danny said. “I kind of thought he’d have a shot, at the very least, to play university.”

Danny coached Warrack for three years and described him as a player who “never missed a practice” and “never missed a play.” More importantly, he said Warrack stood out because of his character.

“He was an honour student. He played football, basketball and lacrosse,” Danny said. “Not many kids work like him.”

That work ethic continued through university, eventually earning Warrack an invitation to the CFL Combine in Edmonton. After competing against some of the best players in the country and meeting with coaches, he waited anxiously for draft night.

Now entering rookie camp with Calgary, Warrack knows the hard work is only beginning. “Goal number one is, make the team,” he said. “And then number two is just do everything I possibly can to help them win the championship.”

Longtime Strathmore Badgers coach Doug Thiessen remembers a young player who simply loved football from the very beginning.

“He came in wanting to play. He came in loving the game,” Thiessen said. “He had a great attitude.”

Thiessen coached Warrack through his peewee years and said the offensive lineman always stood apart because of his focus. 

“He was not aggressive as a personality, but when he got on the field and was blocking, he became aggressive,” he said.

Like Danny, Thiessen admitted he always believed Warrack could reach this level. 

“It didn’t shock me,” he said. “Just the way he’s developed all the way through, I’m excited for him.”

And if Warrack makes the final cut and becomes an official Stampeder this season, Thiessen already knows what comes next.

“If he makes the team, I have to buy a new jersey.”