SRSS linebacker Funk picks University of Manitoba

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This article was published 08/09/2023 (941 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It will be a long high school football season for Mason Funk, but the Steinbach Regional Secondary School two-way senior standout has already locked in his playing location for next season.

Funk announced on social media Aug. 30 he would be attending the University of Manitoba, suiting up for Brian Dobie’s Bisons squad. High school prospect ranker Prep Redzone Canada had Funk as the nation’s sixth-best linebacker in their summer rankings.

“I really like the culture (at the University of Manitoba),” Funk said after a high school preseason game.

“I know a lot of the players out there, so having that instant connection with the team really pushed my decision… I went out to a few schools, camps, but nothing quite felt right other than staying at home.”

In addition to the work he put in at high school, Funk also trained with Recruit Ready, which provides elite-level position-specific coaching to potential college players.

Funk received some top-level help from one of the best defensive players in the Canadian game, thanking Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill for working with him last two years.

“Bisons are getting a good one,” Bighill said in a tweet after Funk had announced his decision.

“A smart and hard working player that can play nearly anywhere on the field.”

Dobie echoed those thoughts, adding that Funk won’t need to physically grow into a linebacker role. Funk stands at 6’3, with a strong frame.

“I’m tall and I’m long which helps me cover ground more efficiently,” Funk said.

“I have a bit of a defensive back background, but I also have a bit of a defensive line background, so I can help fill in the box, and cover outside.”

Funk said while he realized last year the path to making the next level had opened up, it wasn’t until this year he became a top-level recruit.

“The off-season this year really turned me up, and I was able to get my weight up, I was able to get my athleticism up, and (improve) my overall football IQ,” he said.

“I knew through the recruiting process Dobie really loved me, I really loved Dobie.”

While he’s projected to play defense at university, fans who attend games in Steinbach will see number six all over the field, including at running back. During a preseason game against Springfield, Funk picked up a rushing touchdown in addition to his usual outstanding defensive play.

“I want to be a leader on the team, I want to set an example for the younger guys, and show that hard work can take you anywhere,” Funk said on his goals for this year at the high school level.

“And set as many records as I can.”

Steinbach head coach Stephan Fedus was surprised and delighted to hear Funk had committed after the program’s preseason game, saying it was a good decision.

Fedus praised Funk’s work ethic on the football field, academically and in the community.

“He’s always working on being a better athlete, being a better football player,” Fedus said.

“He’s also working on being the best human being that he can possibly be as well. He’s been working at being a leader on this football team, he’s been working at being a leader in this community.”

Funk and the rest of the Sabres will kick off their high school regular season against Dakota at A.D. Penner Park Sept. 8.