One of the Carleton Ravens’ standout football rookies in the 2013 season has declined a chance to swap the Ravens red and white for his national colours.
Wide receiver Kyle Van Wynsberghe turned down an offer to play for Team Canada at the International Federation of American Football under-19 World Championship in Kuwait from July 7-16.
Van Wynsberghe suited up for Canada at the under-19 International Bowl in February, where he got to play against elite American talent from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
“It was an awesome experience to be able to play against Division 1 opponents,” he said.
But Van Wynsberghe said he’s passing on the international opportunity in order to take the summer off in order to rest for Carleton’s upcoming season.
“I didn’t want to make a commitment to another team. I wanted to be as mentally and physically prepared as possible for the Ravens next season,” he said.
While Van Wynsberghe said it’s an honour to be invited to be part of the Canadian squad, he wanted to stay fully committed to his Ravens team.
“Other than choosing what school to go to, this was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” he said.
In order to prepare, Van Wynsberghe said he is training daily.
“I’m working out every day and I’m also going over my routes in my playbook daily—sometimes two or three times a day,” he said.
He said he’s still keeping in contact with his Carleton teammates even though he left Ottawa for a work commitment over the summer.
Van Wynsberghe led the Ravens receivers with 37 receptions for 501 yards and catching three touchdowns.
When it comes to hopes for the upcoming season, Van Wynsberghe said he’s excited and feels confident about his team’s chances to win their first game since the program’s resurrection—after going winless last fall.
The team’s 2014 campaign kicks off on the road against the University of Waterloo Warriors on Sept. 1.
“Obviously we really want to get that first win, and I think we can do it,” he said. “I think we can win this year if we really memorize our playbooks and work hard.”
