KITCHENER — It could have been a scene from Friday Night Lights.
But this wasn’t Dillon, Tex., and the pep rally-style media conference with a distinct American flavour wasn’t being staged to celebrate the achievements of the Dillon Panthers’ star running back.
No, this was Cameron Heights Collegiate and the man of the hour was Tyler Varga of the Golden Gaels football team.
The packed cafeteria of well-wishers heard the official announcement Tuesday that Varga will be one of 114 elite high school seniors to play in a New Year’s Eve all-star game at the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. The Grade 12 student is one of only three Canadians invited to play in the inaugural National Underclassmen All-World Gridiron Classic along with teens from Europe, Mexico and a huge American contingent.
Varga, 17, was visibly moved following the event that attracted hundreds of students, the mayors of Kitchener and Waterloo, past and present coaches, a former CFL quarterback, along with Cameron Heights and Cambridge Lions teammates.
“Obviously this is a really exciting experience,” said Varga, a five-foot-10, 215-pound running back.
“I feel good that everybody made such a big deal out of it. I really appreciate all the hard work everyone has put into this event.”
While the gathering was there to celebrate Varga’s on-field accomplishments, speaker after speaker made mention of his humble character and outstanding work ethic during the one-hour event.
Gaels head coach Kevin Bell called him “a great teammate with no ego.” Gary Skalos of the Ontario Varsity Football League’s Cambridge Lions described him as “an inspiration.” Coach Mark Hatt of the Cambridge Lions and Jacob Hespeler Secondary School called him an “outstanding football player but a better human being.”
The Lions organization announced it will retire his No. 1 jersey.
Former CFL quarterback Damon Allen was focused on a Varga highlight reel that was being played on a screen to the left of the stage. He would later say that he was “in awe” of Varga’s abilities.
“For a quarterback, I would love to look back and see Tyler behind me and I get the chance to hand the ball off to him. And also, I have a (Pro Football) hall of fame brother, Marcus Allen, who played in the National Football League . . . (the video) would put a smile on his face.”
Varga earned his invitation to the All-World Gridiron Classic after three outstanding performances at National Underclassmen combines this summer in Detroit, Indianapolis and Oklahoma.
More than 20 U.S. colleges took note of his success and he has received scholarship offers from Baylor and Dartmouth. Other schools expressing interest include Colorado, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Harvard.
Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran offered their best wishes to Varga and both offered certificates of congratulations.
Zehr said there will be 230,000 people cheering for Varga on Dec. 31.
When it was all over, Varga posed for photos and then headed straight to the practice field as the Gaels prepared for Friday’s Waterloo County high school game with Sir John A. Macdonald.
“This was great, but the focus is still high school football,” said Varga.
mbryson@therecord.com