This year's Vanier Cup was like a fairy tale for Olds' Dwayne Neustaeter, now a running back for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.
A team that finished last in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association last year, injected with new recruits, upsets the favoured Montreal Carabins, winning the CIS championship with a field goal just as the clock runs out.
“It was the most invigorating feeling that I have ever felt before,” said Neustaeter.
“Most of the guys couldn't even look. I remember some of the guys had their heads down. It's one of those moments that you just hold on, you just wait and see.”
Neustaeter — or D.J., as people know him — didn't play in the 26-23 victory. But he did make the Thunderbirds' travel roster this year, playing second string behind Brandon Deschamps.
But that doesn't bother the former Spartans star, who plans to keep improving his conditioning in the off-season in hopes of seeing more of the field next year.
“I couldn't have been more honoured to have known and worked with Brandon. He has been an inspiration in my life,” he said.
“My time will be there and this year, it was for Banger and the fifth-year guys on the team.”
Neustaeter's family made the trip to Quebec City for the big game, including his mother Nancy.
“It's very exciting for D.J. to be involved in this and fulfill a dream of his to be at a Vanier Cup event, especially in first year of university,” she said.
Neustaeter, studying forestry, is about halfway through his first year. And what a ride it has been since moving from Olds.
“I had an amazing first few months here. I've made a new family here with my friends and the football team. We've shared many different memories together and it all led to that Vanier Cup. We were all just speechless.”
