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May 26, 2016

Learning along the way

Development QB Brett Hunchak during warm-ups at 2016 Stamps rookie camp (Photo by Molly Campbell)

Although Brett Hunchak’s football career is still in its infancy stage, the up-and-coming QB has been doing plenty of learning since first lining up behind centre.

Tabbed as this year’s invitee to Stampeders training camp as part of the CIS-CFL quarterback-development program, the native Calgarian was under the guidance of a familiar face when rookie camp got under way on Thursday morning.

Selected to attend the Dickenson Passing Academy in both his Grade 10 and Grade 11 years while attending Notre Dame high school, Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson has had Hunchak on his radar dating back to 2011.

“It’s definitely good that we have somewhat of a personal relationship,” said Hunchak on participating in the Academy. “I have worked with him on a personal level like that, so it’s just great to (already) be comfortable around him and just talk to him like he’s any other coach. It was just the best time of my life.”

The former Alberta Senior Bowl standout was then named to the U-19 Team Canada squad that travelled down to Texas before making a trip overseas to the nation of Kuwait where the team earned a silver medal at the World Cup.

“It was such a cool experience,” Hunchak uttered. “With some of the coaches that we there, it was just great to learn a lot and play with the best of the best in the country.”

Development QB Brett Hunchak takes a snap at Stamps rookie camp (Photo by Molly Campbell)

After graduating in 2013, the six-foot-four, 190-lb. pivot spent two years playing for the Calgary Colts of the Canadian Junior Football League. Then, when he decided to make the jump to CIS, Hunchak leaned on the Stamps offensive coordinator-turned-head coach for some words of wisdom.

“We always talked throughout the years and when I was looking to go CIS, he was one of the first guys I talked to,” remarked No. 5.

He ultimately decided to join the York Lions alongside his brother Colton, who he also threw passes to at Notre Dame and again on the international stage. The siblings have both completed one season at York and have four more years of eligibility remaining.

“I wouldn’t have picked any other school,” the signal-caller stated emphatically. “We love it out there and we’re just going to keep working. We’re definitely learning lots out there and we’re in a transition with a young team, so in the upcoming years we’ll be just fine, I’m sure.”

Hunchak now finds himself following in the footsteps of Andrew Buckley, who was selected as the collegiate quarterback to come to camp with the Red and White back in 2014. The following year, Buckley was drafted by the Stampeders and is now battling for a roster spot. Thursday’s rookie camp saw Hunchak and Buckley sharing the field in addition to veterans Bryant Moniz and Drew Tate, on hand to encourage the next crop of quarterbacks.

“I’ve already learned a lot from the older guys,” said Hunchak, “and even seeing Drew and Mo (Moniz) out there and even Buckley, it’s just good to be out here working with the guys.”