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The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division is excited to announce that Catholic Central High School student and Cougars Offensive Lineman, Benaiah (Ben) Amantea, is taking his football career to the post-secondary level. Ben signed his letter of intent with the University of Calgary Dinos on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
“This is probably the best feeling I’ve ever felt playing football, so I’m just really excited to do this,” Ben said after signing on the dotted line.
The 6’8” lineman is looking forward to going to the U of C in the fall, where he’ll be enrolling into a trades program, saying he was hoping to go to the Calgary institution regardless of whether he was playing football or not.
“The main decision, besides all the programs and the school, was the city. I like the City of Calgary and I had plans to move there either way, so once I got the offer to Calgary, I kind of already knew what I was going to do,” said Ben.
Ben has had a very decorated high school football career. His awards and distinctions as a member of the CCH Cougars include being named a Southern Alberta High School Football League All-Star in 2022 and 2023, the 2023 CCH Lineman of the Year and a member of Team Alberta in 2022 and 2023.
Dinos Head Coach, Ryan Sheahan, says it was a no-brainer for the program to bring Ben into the fold.
“The draw to Ben was obvious,” said Coach Sheahan. “A person with that kind of athleticism and size is something you’re always looking for your football program. He’s a big, strong guy and our number one goal was to add on to our offensive line crew so he’s going to fit right in with the guys.”
Dustin Ledsham, one of the football coaches at CCH, says it’s bittersweet to be losing an outstanding athlete such as Ben, but hopes his success will set an example for future players.
“It’s tough losing a player like that, makes a big difference on the field, a big impact, but we’re all happy for him,” said Coach Ledsham. “That’s our goal in the end is to have kids go and play post-secondary so it’s great to see players like Ben go and excel after high school. Hopefully our future players will come in and look up at Ben and see that this is possible for them as well.”
When it comes to Ben and his future as a U of C Dino, he’s looking forward to the high caliber of play that will help take him to the next level.
“I can’t wait for the competition,” he said with a smile. “It’s a way different environment when you have a whole roster that got recruited the same as you. They’ve gone through the whole process and the level of skill will give me a huge chance to get better.”
Ben and the coaches look forward to hitting the field in Calgary in the coming months for Spring Training.