The sounds are unmistakable: cleats and sneakers pounding the grass. Footballs smacking gloves as they’re caught. Instructions and guidance shouted from the coaches. Cheers, laughter, friendly banter.
But this isn’t just another 6 a.m. Golden Bears practice at Foote Field.
For the last two summers, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ arts student and receiver Chieruech (Chevy) Thomas has been running (R2I), a non-profit football camp for disadvantaged youth in his hometown of Calgary. Led by Thomas and his brothers, R2I provides high-level coaching for aspiring football players who often wouldn’t be able to afford the training themselves. Among the coaches are fellow Golden Bears student-athletes and coaches from across .
Growing up with four sisters and two brothers, Thomas found opportunities to play high-level sport harder to come by. But thanks to similar programs and scholarships he was able to access, Thomas used his athletic ability and determination to become a U of A student-athlete.
“I realize I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for people who gave me opportunities to go and continue to play sport, continue to learn and continue to grow my passion for it. So starting R2I was kind of my way of trying to give back now,” he says.
“I think everybody has a responsibility to make sure they can give somebody an opportunity to do something they enjoy and continue to play without the financial burdens. I’m just trying to make sure I can fulfill my responsibility to inspire.”
Turning passion into purpose
Thomas is the first to tell you he wouldn’t be a U of A student without football. An undersized receiver coming out of Notre Dame High School in Calgary, he wasn’t heavily recruited by coaches from across U SPORTS.
In fact, university wasn’t even on his radar until the summer before his Grade 12 year. Football was a passion, a hobby, something he enjoyed. But it was a simple message from his high school coach that stuck with Thomas: “You will be a former football player a lot longer than you’ll be a football player. What’s your plan for after this is done? What doors can you open using football?”
That set a fire beneath him. He had two goals in Grade 12: work relentlessly on his academics and his football ability. And it paid off.
“Without football, it would have been really hard for me to want to apply to go to university. Football is just temporary; it’s a stepping stone for what you’re actually supposed to do in your life. Use it, enjoy it, get the most out of it.”
Over the last five-plus years, Thomas has transformed not only into a contributor on the field at the varsity level, but also a team captain, community builder, — and when he crosses the convocation stage today, a U of A grad.
“From the first time I saw Chevy play, it was clear he was a talented and fluid athlete. What really stood out, though, was his high level of compete,” said former Bears head coach Chris Morris, who recruited Thomas in 2019.
And though Thomas’s on-field ability was impressive, Morris says what truly won him over was meeting Thomas at his home.
“His care for his family and his warm, genuine nature left a lasting impression. When you combine that character with his athleticism and determination, it was clear Chevy wasn’t just a strong addition to our roster — he was someone we could build our team and culture around.”
Scholarship paves the way for success
Morris knows better than anyone the impact donors have on university students — and Thomas is tangible proof. Football opened the door for him to become a student-athlete, and financial awards helped keep him on campus.
In December, Morris was — the same organization whose financial award Thomas was receiving.
“Chevy is a great example of the impact these awards can have. After meeting him and being genuinely impressed by his character, I increased his scholarship offer to make sure we could bring him to Edmonton to play,” says Morris. “This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the funding provided through the Elks. These funds are vital — not only for supporting post-secondary scholarships, but also for strengthening amateur football across northern Alberta.”
To function as one of the most successful departments in Canada, Golden Bears & Pandas varsity teams fundraise half their budgets yearly for increased access and vital resources like coaching, equipment, competition opportunities, health and wellness services, academic support — and most important, scholarships.
“Those scholarships made a huge impact in allowing me to focus on my academics and my sport,” notes Thomas. “It would have been that much harder without them.”
Eyes on CFL, law school
Reflecting on his journey, Thomas says he still feels a sense of disbelief — never in himself or his ability, but where life has taken him. As recently as six years ago, becoming a university graduate wasn’t a goal or plan. Now, the sociology major has aspirations of continuing his education once his athletic career ends.
