The final chapter
Wide receiver Cyril Adjeitey returns for fifth year after CFL E-camp
EVERY DECEMBER, AFTER the end of another gruelling football season, a select few players from Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) teams are invited to the Canadian Football League (CFL) E-camp.
The E-camp is a three-day event in which top football prospects are given the chance to impress CFL scouts and coaches. Simply put, it’s a showcase of talent, reserved for the best. Naturally, All-Canadian wide receiver and Gees athlete Cyril Adjeitey was a perfect fit for the 2010 camp, held this past March in Toronto.
“I prepared tirelessly [for E-camp],” said Adjeitey. “The moment the season was over, I took a week and a half off to let my body rest. After that, I started working out with a personal trainer five times a week.”
Adjeitey took part in various drills at the camp, including the bench press, the vertical jump, and the 40-yard dash. The workouts were designed to demonstrate one’s potential to play in the CFL. Though he was well-prepared, the Gees’ star receiver explained that some of the drills were still quite nerve-wracking.
“The bench press was absolutely ridiculous,” said Adjeitey. “It’s set up in a way where all the scouts, cameras, and other athletes are watching you while you do the presses right on centre stage, in front of everyone.”
Athletes at the E-camp managed to set some amazing records, such as Steven Turner, a speedy receiver from Bishop’s University who ran 40 yards in an astonishing 4.31 seconds. Adjeitey performed admirably as well, especially in the shuttle run, which he completed in an impressive 4.24 seconds.
“I’m quite competitive [when doing drills]. For me, having the last name ‘Adjeitey,’ I always have to go first in drills, so I have to set a good benchmark. If you don’t have that competitive edge, you can’t get the best out of yourself,” he explained.
However, Adjeitey admitted that he’d rather be known for his play on the field than for his skills in the fitness room. “The biggest compliment you can give to someone playing football is calling him a [true] football player. I would say I’m more of a game-type situations player.”
Adjeitey wasn’t the only one representing the U of O at the camp; a trio of fifth-year Gee-Gees were present as well, including fellow receiver Steven Hughes, defensive back Chayce Elliott, and defensive tackle Sébastien Tétreault.
“It was amazing to share the experience with the other [Gee-Gees]. We had a lot of fun with it, including training together beforehand. It was great to have teammates by your side, as opposed to you being there by yourself. It made a lot of things easier,” said Adjeitey.
Unfortunately, none of the Gees had their names called by a CFL team during the draft held on May 2. Many options remain on the table for Adjeitey, a fifth-year biochemistry student who will soon begin a master’s project.
“Football, [to me], was always something fun to do. It wasn’t the end goal of my life. At this point, I guess I’m leaning towards academia but this year is another chance for me to play.”
Like all student athletes, Adjeitey wants only one thing in his last year of CIS eligibility: a championship.
“We have a good nucleus of guys coming back. The feeling among the [players] of the team is: Vanier cup or nothing. Personal accolades are not what I need; the team goal to win a championship is the biggest expectation I have.”
Looking forward to watching Adjeitey again this year! Vanier or bust! Great article