Junior Luke, Social Science 2012: Two Bol d'Or Championships and a Vanier Cup

In many ways, Junior Luke's life is what many kids dream of. In his final year of high school, Montreal CEGEPs and out-of-province universities were courting him because his football talent had caught their eye. But Junior Luke, a laid-back happy Laval and St-Michel teenager from École Secondaire Curé Antoine-Labelle and Poly Jeunesse, chose to study Social Science at Vanier to improve his English. He joined the Cheetahs because football was fun and he enjoyed playing with his friends.

Junior had a great time with the Vanier Cheetahs winning two provincial Bol d'Or championships. When he graduated and went on to study at Université de Montréal, he played with the Carabins who won the 2014 Vanier Cup. In 2017, Junior was selected in the first round and seventh overall by the B.C. Lions in the 2017 CFL draft where he now plays professionally. But even though Junior's story is what others dream of, it has come from hard work and dedication – to his studies, and to football.

From the sidelines, it looks easy and obvious, but a talented teenager like Junior has to have a good head on his shoulders to make the choices that are right for him. For example, in his final year of CEGEP Junior received offers and scholarships from the NCAA in Connecticut and Buffalo, as well as other Canadian universities, but he felt he was not ready to go outside of Canada. "Most people say yes when they get offers like that. It was tough, but I was playing for fun and because I was with my friends. I wasn't ready to just think about football. I decided to stay in Montreal and committed to Université de Montréal and the Carabins."

"With the Carabins, things were at a different level. There were more workouts and the first year was hard. Then in my second year, we won the Vanier Cup. I got even more serious in my third year. In 2017, the B.C. Lions drafted me. Now I play in the summer and fall, and study at Université de Montréal in the winter."

Junior's studies are important to him. He would eventually like to work with young people. He is doing a Bac cumulatif at U of M, which means that he is doing a series of multidisciplinary certificate programs that lead to a bachelor's degree. So far, he has completed certificates in Intervention auprès des jeunes and Toxicomanie. His third certificate will likely be in Social work.

"I want to work with kids. I've learned so much and I would like to help them. You learn a lot through football. It makes you a better man, a better person. You learn about hard work, relationships and being part of a team. I worked part time as a supervisor at École Katimavik and I really liked it. They need more men teachers. There are not enough father figures for some boys. Working there allowed me to practice speaking with kids and finding out what to say and what not to say."

What role did Vanier play in getting Junior to where he is now?

"I'm proud to be a Vanier grad! Playing football there was great and it gave me time to make decisions for myself. At CEGEP you are discovering what you want to be in life. I had fun and a good social life. Students can feel comfortable at Vanier. I loved Jake's Mall. You can develop friendships with many people. CEGEP is not as hard as you think. As long as you work, attend classes and focus on your studies you will be fine. You should enjoy your journey for yourself!"

Advice to CEGEP students

"You are not going to know what you to do in life, right off the bat. Some people figure it out after CEGEP or while they are at university. It took me until my third year in university to know that I wanted to work with kids. CEGEP is the perfect stage of your life to learn more about yourself. From there, you will know if university is best for you when you get to that level. Do not rush it and do not put too much pressure on yourself. It is YOUR journey and not anyone else's. Always do what is best for you and ignore outside noise. You are in control over your fate. Have faith and trust in yourself. It is a marathon not a sprint. Be proud of every step you make. Most importantly, give it EVERYTHING you've got. Don't have regrets."

What's next for Junior?

"Playing football professionally is a job. I can have fun, but it's a serious job. You have a team made up of guys who come from all over and have to play and work together. Some are passionate about the game and some less so, but we have to make it work. 2019 is the last year of my contract with the B.C. Lions. After that I become a free agent. I'm going to enjoy this year then see my options."

With his broad smile and warm and compassionate personality, it is sure that Junior Luke will be great at whatever he chooses to do and will be an inspiration to others!