Queens next Golden boy

James Keenan stared playing football at 9 years old with the Bell Warriors. The Warriors Football program is a long standing organization in the west end of Ottawa providing tackle, touch and flag football programs for children 7 - 15 years old. Like many kids, James was an athletic player and started playing Quarterback from day one. In his second season, the coaches moved James to the defensive secondary where he won a major award with the team. James, although having success on the defensive side of the ball, knew that he identified as a Quarterback and set his mind on competing and winning the position back at the Mosquito level as a second year kid.  

James says he benefited from watching his older brother Charlie as far back as he can remember. Charlie was also a Warrior great - a few years ahead of James and a running back by trade. "Before I was old enough to play, James says, I would attended all of Charlie's games and cheer him on". 
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"If it wasn't for my big brother, I probably wouldn't be playing football". James says
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Recently, James committed to play University Football with The Queens Golden Gales. With already six Quarterbacks on the roster (not including himself and others entering the program in 2018) competition will be fierce for the Stittsville pivot. When asked about his personal goals as a freshmen, James preferred to talk about the Championship atmospheres he has been apart of with the Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL), Bell Warriors (NCAFA) and Ottawa Sooners (OPFL) over the years. 

"I plan on competing for a starting position, and do the best I can every practice and every day. However, when a team has the ability to fight for the top spot, it's the friendships and memories that last forever and more than anything I hope to help bring that atmosphere to Queens".  

 The humble approach might play well with his new teammates, however, after a 4-4 season in 2017 and the recent recruiting advantages that come with the unveiling of a world class stadium; Queens is hoping to be anything but humble in the coming years. Time will only tell if James will join the long list of legendary Queens Quarterbacks such as; Tommy Denison, Danny Brannagan and Beau Howes. Aside from Football, James plans on keeping his options open with interest in studying Economics, Political Science and History.
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​WHO DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE NEXT OTTAWA QUARTERBACK TO MAKE THE JUMP TO U SPORTS? 
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