Living the dream.
That’s the best way to describe Cole Avery’s life right now.
The all-around athlete and Cochrane High School Cobras football team defensive back has proved he can stand with the best at the high school-level but has now taken the next step in the athletic food chain.
Avery recently made the cut at the Kamloops Broncos spring camp and since then has been over the moon.
“I did pretty good,” Avery beamed. “They invited me back to the main camp on July 4, so that’s all I can ask for. It’s been great.”
Going into camp, Avery knew the step up from high school to junior was a massive one, but he was always confident in his abilities and kept his head down.
“I expected it to be tough,” he admitted. “There were some really big guys there, but it felt good. I wanted to see how I would fit in, and making the team was always in my mind, but I knew if I didn’t I could always go back next year.”
The Broncos – who are part of the Canadian Junior Football League’s (CJFL) six-team B.C. Football Conference – have steadily improved in recent years, and it’s a fit that Cobras co-head coach Rob McNab thinks will reap rewards for his former player. The Broncos are affiliated with Thompson Rivers University, where Avery is going to be studying to become an electrician.
“It’s a program that keeps getting better, and (Cole) is excited about going to university, so it’s a good fit,” McNab said. “They’ve got three ex-CFL guys who are great coaches.”
Avery may be less flashy than some of his headline-grabbing teammates such as Justin Sambu and Erik Nusl, but what he can contribute to any football team he plays on is no less significant.
“He’s got a great attitude and the ability to play anywhere on defence, or special teams,” McNab said. “(Cole’s) one of those kids who if you say, ‘I need you to do this,’ he does it.
“Even if he’s needed on offence he can play.”
Does McNab think Avery’s mental toughness is something, which allows him to play a wide variety of roles at a moments notice if need be?
“I don’t know if it’s so much about that as it is he ability to be coached,” he said. “He’s a very co-operative, team-oriented guy. It’s not about him, it’s about being part of a team and doing what he can to win.”
Going forward, Avery isn’t taking anything for granted, and knows that despite making the Broncos roster he has a lot he can improve on before he becomes a starter.
“Right now, I’m looking to maybe just be a special teams player until I get my legs,” he admitted. “I have to begin with that, and then work my way up to starting.”
