SRSS receivers commit to University of Manitoba

Two of the first three high school players to commit to the University of Manitoba Bisons this season hail from Steinbach, as receivers Ben Webster and Parker Mantie will be joining the brown and gold next season.

Both players boast great size and skill for the receiver position, standing well over six feet tall. Both also suited up for the province at this summer’s Canada Cup, and were regular targets for Team Manitoba quarterbacks.

“They’re very well-rounded and that’s what has drawn interest in them,” SRSS head coach Stephen Fedus, who was on the provincial team’s coaching staff, said.

“Their ability to block, their ability to run their ability play special teams, their ability to catch and be receivers, their ability to be in on short-yardage situations, they’ve both played offensive line when we’ve had injuries. They’re that level of athlete.”

The entire SRSS receiving core has turned up their physical play this season, including Webster and Mantie. players from the outside are regularly pushing defenders back when blocking for either a screen pass or run play.

All three of Steinbach’s touchdowns in their first win of the season against Crocus Plains Sept. 25 came on either outside runs or swing passes that found the end zone.

“That is something this group has been very good at,” Fedus said.

“They embraced the challenge of trying to do it when they were in grade 10 and it was harder, but the effort was there. Last year they were starting to get really good at it and… we’re seeing that benefit now.”

Mantie gave Fedus a shout-out in the social media post announcing his commitment.

“I would like to thank my parents for all there time over the years, my coaches at Steinbach,” he said.

“Also Coach Fedus for pushing me throughout the years to become the player I am today.”

For Webster, he noted how happy he was to get a chance to play USports football in his home province.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, coaches and teammates for supporting, encouraging, and challenging me throughout the years,” he said.

“I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to stay home and be a Bison. “

Both players will need to embrace the challenge of being a freshman on a USports roster if they want to make an impact with the Bisons over the coming years.

“There’s all kinds of potential and it’s bright,” Fedus said.

“It’s going to be how do they adjust to that transition and how much do you love working when the reward isn’t coming every week in your first year… They have the skills, they have the aptitude to do it. They just have to go do it.”