Ottawa University football is going global.
Former quarterbacks Shane Gimzo and Bobby Adamson, safety Nate Bruto and wide receiver Clarence Anderson have recently signed contracts to play professional football overseas.
OU head football coach Kent Kessinger believes these players leave behind higher expectations for the future of the program.
Kessinger said these key players have been an influence on younger players because of their work ethic and success in using the opportunities given to them.
He also believes the program will most likely become stronger as a team on and off the field, and it will bring opportunities for more players.
“From the first day they showed a strong commitment (to the football program) and now to be rewarded for their work, I feel that the hard work ethic that they carried here for OU will be a great advantage overseas.”
Kessinger said he believes these players will perform well, even as international competition grows.
Gimzo, who will be playing with the Warsaw Eagles along with Anderson, said he felt confident about his future.
“I feel like I will be very successful if I can play at the level that I want to and should play at,” Gimzo said.
“The experience is going to be life changing,” he said. “Not many people even travel, so for me to be able to be in Europe and do something I love is something I will cherish and remember forever.”
A captain on last year’s conference championship team, Gimzo’s advice to his former teammates is to continue working hard.
“Work hard and never take anything for granted,” he said. “Do your best and push yourself to new limits. Play every down like it is your last. You never know if you will get an opportunity like this or not. Working hard will put you in positions to continue to play.”