Zac Ironstand moved out west when he felt he needed a better fit.
While fitting into things might not be easy when you’re 6’3’’ and 255 pounds, the Okanagan Suns football team in Kelowna, B.C. was evidently a perfect fit for Ironstand.
The defensive lineman began his football career as many young players do, with the help of his father, Bill.
“My dad walked me into the locker room and introduced me to the coaches,” Zac said through an email. “That’s when it all started.”
His first year at North Battleford Comprehensive High was when he started playing football, and stepped onto the defensive line immediately.
It didn’t take long for him to make an impact on the field.
“I was awarded defensive lineman of the year in grade 10, 11, and 12,” he said.
It wasn’t as though Ironstand went straight from North Battleford to Kelowna, however.
“I played for the Saskatoon Hilltops my first two years after high school,” he said. “I heard about the B.C. conference from a few of my teammates, so I decided to look into it.”
Despite winning a national championship with the Hilltops, Ironstand looked for a change of scenery.
“I researched the conference and all the teams, and I really took an interest in the Okanagan Suns, so I contacted one of the coaches and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he finished.
Leaving home as a 19-year old isn’t always easy, but going to a place like Kelowna made for a smoother transition.
“It was a little scary at first, but I had been to B.C. before to visit family, and also have family living out there, so that made it a little easier,” he explained. “And you can’t beat Kelowna in the summer, so that made it an easy decision as well.”
Ironstand clearly enjoyed his three-year career with the Suns, and judging by his accolades, they enjoyed having him.
Not only was he named defensive lineman of the year the past two seasons, he was also named to the BCFC all-star team, and in turn an All-Canadian for the Canadian Junior Football League.
Ironstand recorded 19 sacks during his three years in Kelowna, along with 41 tackles and one forced fumble.
Now that he’s finished playing, the 22-year old reflected on what he’ll miss about the game.
“There’s a lot of things I enjoyed about being out there,” he said. “All the new people I got to meet and playing in a beautiful area like Kelowna. The one thing I’ll miss the most though is just being with my teammates. It was a really tight group of guys this season, and that makes it a blast.”
With all his awards and stellar play, one might think Ironstand would consider a professional football career.
“It’s up in the air right now,” he confessed. “I don’t really have any football plans at the moment.”
He does have plans for his future, however.
“I’m working towards becoming a personal trainer,” he admitted. “Hopefully I’ll own and operate a gym one day.”
He says his favourite thing about playing football was the team aspect and how everyone has to work together to be successful.
Sounds like another perfect fit to become a personal trainer.
Can’t imagine it would be tough to find clients when you’ve got the pedigree, and the stature, which Ironstand possesses.
