Allen Cameron
Calgary Herald
It wasn’t long after he finished his collegiate career at Minot State University that Bart Archdekin started thinking about throwing a CFL draft-day party at his home in Minot, N.D.
But the Lord Beaverbrook grad, who took over the starting centre position at Minot State during his freshman year and never gave it up, started rethinking his plans after the Canadian Football League’s Evaluation Camp of draft prospects earlier this spring.
“I was freaking out a bit after the camp because I read a blog that said I was really slow and didn’t perform the best,” recalled the six-foot-three, 326-pounder. “I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, I don’t think I want to have this party if I’m not getting drafted.’ But when (agent) Mark (Maren) assured me that I would be drafted, the roommates and I decided to have the party.”
So that’s what the 21-year-old Archdekin will be doing on Sunday morning — flipping burgers, handing out beverages and, oh yes, listening for his name on the TSN.cadraft-day scroll.
He’s one of a handful of Calgary high school products who are likely to be drafted on Sunday, including University of Calgary running back Anthony Woodson (St. Francis) and Saint Mary’s safety Saleem Borhot (Henry Wise Wood).
“I’m definitely nervous, but I can’t wait,” said Archdekin, who’ll get his degree on May 14, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in business. “I guess I’m feeling all the emotions you get with a draft. It’s a pretty big deal to find out where I move.
“From what Mark has been telling me, he’s thinking third round, most likely, and B.C. is a good bet, with Winnipeg a possibility. Montreal and Toronto are also options.”
As if his youth, size and playing ability (he was a team captain last season, and an all-conference performer for three straight years) weren’t enough, he’ll definitely appeal to future teammates with his sense of humour and, oh yes, his ties to the French Maid in downtown Calgary, where he worked as a bouncer.
“That was a pretty great job,” he said with a laugh. “Great atmosphere, and I loved those people. I always enjoyed working there at night. And I think I still have connections there.”
Borhot, meanwhile, is getting some strong indications that he’ll hear his name hollered on Sunday by the Edmonton Eskimos after the Esks flew him to Edmonton last week for a private workout.
“They seem to be showing the most interest,” said Borhot, a criminology student who turns 25 next month. ” They were talking about how they really need a Canadian safety to come in and make an impact right away.”
Yeah, but could a Calgarian really see fit to suit up for Edmonton?
“You know what?” he replied, laughing. “When the dream is there, you’re going to take whatever offer you can, even if it’s the Edmonton Eskimos.”
courtesy of www.calgaryherald.com
