Salisbury Composite Sabre signs with Dakota Wesleyan University

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Salisbury Sabre football player and provincial champion Cole Gist is heading south of the border to suit up for the Dakota Wesleyan University football team located west of Sioux Falls in Mitchell, South Dakota.

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Salisbury Composite Sabre signs with Dakota Wesleyan UniversityBack to video

The young defensive back capped off his impressive high school career with a provincial championship, two NFL Canada player of the week nods, and currently ranks 52^ndin the country in the sport. The team and personal successes are unique and come from a great deal of hard work and dedication.

“I have always had a goal since I was young to make sure that my parents would never have to pay for my education… so everyday that was my goal, you just grind. I had to find my ‘why’ and that why is what I used as motivation at times when I wanted to give up, why I’m at the gym, why I’m at the practice field after practice when most people aren’t,” Gist said.

The hard work and extra time paid off. Gist finished the season with three interceptions, 41 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Focusing on his goal of playing football in the States, Gist used his social media platform to share his game film leading to offers from several schools.

When Dakota Wesleyan coach Mason Frost reached out to him the pieces started falling together.

“Smaller town about the size of Fort Sask., but the community loves football. I felt I was treated like a king out there. I was treated to free meals, I came back with great clothes, the community was supportive… one guy on the flight home took a picture with me, it was awesome.” Gist recounted his recent trip.

The unique experience of being recruited wasn’t lost on him as he went on to speak of the responsibility he feels to put in his best effort.

“The chance that I have to put Canada on the map, it sets me up, it sets kids at my school up. I know that if I put my work in down there and I’m able to shine, that gives opportunities for more Canadian kids to expand their football opportunities.”

Gist spoke at length about the positive influences and credited Salisbury faculty and Sabres coaches for helping him achieve this opportunity. He specifically mentioned his math and English teachers as inspirations. He also spoke highly about his head coach Cam Fraser as being more than just a coach, but a mentor as well.

Fraser was asked about Gist as a football player and a teammate;“He is a great ball tracker who plays solid zone defence and communicates well on the back end. Cole played extremely well at safety and was the leader of our DB core. He was selected by his teammates as our Sabre Heart award winner as well.” Fraser added. “We wish Cole nothing but the best at the next level. I know this is a dream of his to play in the United States and it is awesome that his dream is coming true.”

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X: LindsayDMorey