Belle River teen recruited for international football boot camp

A Belle River high school athlete is headed to Hawaii to compete in the Tiki Bowl. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti has more.

A 6′ 1″ and 260 pounds, grade 11 football star Markcos Newman is known to be a force on the field when he plays for his high school team in Belle River.

At least, that’s what his coach will tell you, ”His build is designed to be, defensive tackle or defensive end, but his athleticism allows him to play at running back position or receiver," insisted Coach Gerald Hlady

Markcos’ talent hasn’t gone unnoticed beyond the walls of his school.

“I ended up getting a message from a division one football coach asking me to come play in the Tiki Bowl,” shared Newman excitedly.

The event gives high school seniors and college coaches the chance to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii and play the game they love.

“I’m looking forward to going and, showing the coaches and everyone and representing Belle River District High School and Canada on this event,” he said.

The invite is an incredible opportunity, “he’s going to be exposed not only to a variety of coaches who will potentially have him come to their school, but the idea of what the next level of football is going to look like,” said Hlday.

“So he’s going to be surrounded by very similar athletes with the same skill set, and it’s going to hopefully be the motivation for him to continue to work harder than everyone else to to get to that next level.”

Of course it’s not all business, the teen will also get the chance to get a taste of island living.

“I’m mainly excited about the food,” joked Newman.

“I’m excited to go probably try some new things, maybe do some surfing.”

Newman credits the dedication of his coaches in getting him to the point of being considered, “they have a lot of respect for me and, support and love for me. And I just respect them a lot. And they help me get here. Like, I didn’t do this by myself.”