Zach Bull is a bruising slotback who laid out a crucial block on the Ottawa GeeGees’ all-Canadian defensive linemen, shifting momentum back to Western’s way in the third quarter of the Yates Cup last November. This Port Colborne, Ont. native is heading into his final year of eligibility at Western. He has battled through injury, but his commitment to the team has never waivered, even when on the sidelines. Bull has been part of one of the most successful classes in Mustangs history and has three Yates Cups titles, four Yates Cups appearances, one Mitchell Bowl title, two Mitchell Bowl appearances, one Uteck Bowl appearance, and a Vanier Cup appearance in Hamilton, Ont. in 2008.
The 2011 season is one of great anticipation for Bull and this group of Mustangs. He spent his offseason training with renowned strength and conditioning coach Jeff Watson to be primed for a big season with the rest of the Mustangs. The team has many returning veterans combined with a very strong recruiting class. Bull feels that if the team comes together at the right time the sky is the limit.
Despite often playing banged up and adapting his role towards a more balanced offense, Bull is a big part of the Mustangs success on the offensive side of the ball. He is not the most vocal player, but his leadership on the field speaks louder than words. He leads by example and is very unselfish, often helping groom the incoming freshman of the nuances of the Canadian college game. Bull’s personal goals reflect his humble nature. He aims to look to help the team reach its full potential in any way possible.
He also never forgets where he came from. His family treks from Port Colborne, Ont. to every home and away game. As well, is it not uncommon for his family to host some guys in the summer for dinner and to see his family’s hometown. “My parents have been great supports of my football career at all levels,” said Bull. “On any game day, home or away, they will be the first ones there with the barbeque ready to go in the parking lot.”
What many individuals in the game don’t realize is how fast time flies though. When a student steps onto campus as a freshman, four or five years seems like an eternity. Those years fly by, as do the memories. All the workouts in the hot summer sun, the early winter mornings training on the track, and all the fall evenings on the field, rain or shine, turn out to be the memories that many cherish the most. The games fly by like they are seconds but the people and the relationships last. It is the camaraderie among teammates and coaches that turn into lifelong friendships. Those championship moments transform into an hourglass frozen in time. For Bull, it will be a sad day when he leaves Western because of the friendships and memories that he has made. Bull is a player that no matter how many years go by, he will be remembered and revered because of his tenacity on the field, his willingness to put his body on the line and do whatever it takes to help the team win.
Bull ultimately hopes to get an opportunity to play at the next level, but if that opportunity does not present itself, he is okay with that too. He is humble in his words, while speaking volumes with his actions on and off the gridiron. Hopefully the 2011 season for the Mustangs will have a perfect ending to a fantastic collegiate career for this fourth-year slotback who has definitely left an impression on his teammates and the coaches in the program.
