JACK TURPIN was just a starry-eyed 13-year-old when he was pitched into a scrimmage against top Newfoundland prospect, Owen Sheppard. 

By IAIN KING 

JACK TURPIN was just a starry-eyed 13-year-old when he was pitched into a scrimmage against top Newfoundland prospect, Owen Sheppard. 

Five years later, Jack is a new recruit for Head Coach Deano Morley's U SPORTS National Champions and Owen is the Nationals MVP who led the Capers to glory on their home field. 

Jack is thrilled to have the chance to follow in Owen's cleat marks with the number one Men's soccer program in the country. "I watched the National Championships and CBU's run to the final; that was so special," says Jack. "To see Owen coming from Newfoundland to become the MVP was unreal. I remember when I was 13, they threw me into a scrimmage with Owen and it was like playing against Messi or Ronaldo!"  

Jack says he was called up especially for that experience and has remembered the challenge ever since. He says Owen's performances at Nationals and then going as the number one pick in the Canadian Premier League draft made a big impact in Newfoundland. 

"For the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association it was the first time anyone has done something like that, the reaction was nuts. Everyone here was proud of Owen," says Jack. "He's set a standard for everyone from Newfoundland who looks to follow in his footsteps." 

A natural athlete, Jack was a high-level hockey player who had also been enjoying life on the volleyball court, but ultimately, he has soccer in his blood. His father, Alec, made sure Jack had a ball at his feet from the time he could walk, and he believes his son has grown up with a desire to improve himself every day that will serve him well at CBU. "When he was young, I started my own soccer school to teach him the right way to play," recalls Alec. "An hour before we went into the gym for practice, he was there doing extra work, that attitude has stayed with him." 

Jack, who will graduate from Holy Spirit High School in Conception Bay South before making the trip to Cape Breton in the fall, is proud of his dad's soccer heritage. He grew up on the stories of the feats of Alec's team, St. Lawrence, who would regularly make the club Canadian Championships. "St. Lawrence would always make Nationals in the 80's and 90's and my dad won a silver medal when we hosted it here in Newfoundland," says Jack. "I guess soccer was in my veins because of dad, right from the start." 

At six feet tall, Jack is an imposing figure on the field. He can operate as a holding midfielder, but it is at centre-back that he has impressed his new Head Coach. "We have watched Jack several times and more than anything I love his competitive desire. He demonstrates the winning mindset we demand," stresses Deano. "He has the technical proficiency we require, reads the game well and is tough. I went to watch Jack at the East Coast Elite Combine, early into the game he went up for a header and got cleaned out." Deano says he could see Jack was hurting badly, but watched as he won the next four headers. "I thought, yep he's for me," says Deano. "Jack is hungry to be in a top environment that can challenge him and push his development, I love his attitude and desire. We look forward to helping Jack become a top defender at U SPORT level." 

Deano sees many similarities in the recruiting process to the one that brought star striker Owen to CBU from The Rock. Both players had achieved success on their home turf, yet both possess a hunger for new challenges. "Jack knows it is going to be a massive leap but if he has the same commitment and is as patient and coachable as Owen then he has a high ceiling," says Deano. "Our professional environment is proven to help young players reach their full potential. We see that after three years with Owen, and I expect the same for Jack now." 

Jack will study business at CBU where he feels the special feeling of unity that bonds the campus with the Varsity sports programs was a major factor in his decision to come to the island. He had other options but once he knew the chance to be a Caper was real, they all faded away. "I felt it was pretty cool that coach Deano rated me highly enough to speak to me," says Jack. "That kept pulling me, when the number one program in Canada wants you then it is always at the front of your mind. I told the gaffer I was set on CBU and to get the offer was so exciting." 

Coming into a squad who are champions of Canada can be viewed in two ways. It can be daunting, or it can be what draws players here. The latest Capers recruit is firmly in the latter camp, and he can't wait to get started. "In Newfoundland, I have been marked out as in the elite group for a long time now," reveals Jack. " So, I wanted the challenge of coming to a place where I know I will have to work for my spot. That's what I want to do and that's going to be my mindset from the first day of pre-season." 

Jack says he has set himself up to prepare for the challenge ahead of him and realizes each training session will be like a game for him. "I like the closeness of the campus, the field, and the residence where we will stay. That really drew me in," he says. "I have to be switched on from the start and I'm excited to feel the intensity at CBU for myself."