With dreams of playing south of the border, Korah student-athlete Aiden Wonch is showcasing his skills before top college scouts this weekend in Dallas

The Sault’s Aiden Wonch is currently chasing the athletic dream of his life.

The 17-year-old Korah Collegiate Grade 12 student – a defensive end who played for this year’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championship-winning Korah Colts football team – is displaying his skills on the field at the National High School Combine being held in Dallas Dec. 18 – 21.

The combine is an invitation-only annual event in which U.S. college football scouts evaluate the skills of high school football players.

Those players who make the most dazzling impressions on scouts are offered prestigious U.S. college football scholarships.

“I was kind of shocked at first to be invited to the combine,” Wonch told SooToday.

“Because the event is all the way down in Texas I didn’t realize they would have scouts up here, but I was fortunate enough that there was a scout watching me in the OFSAA game. He saw me play, he liked what he saw, and he came up to me after the game and gave me the invite.”

The Colts defeated the A.N. Myer Marauders of Niagara Falls by a score of 38-31 at the OFSAA championship game held in Guelph on Nov. 26.

“My size is definitely what the scout noticed first. Watching me play and the impact I made added to it,” Wonch said.

Wonch stands at six feet five inches tall and weighs 220 pounds.

Players invited to the combine showcase their football skills in many areas including the 40-yard dash, jumps and position drills.

“I would love to play for a U.S. college football team. It would be great,” Wonch said.

The Korah honours student said he would like to study law at college.

Wonch – who named the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as his favourite U.S. college football team and the Green Bay Packers as his favourite NFL squad – looks back on his OFSAA championship-winning season with Korah with pride.

“We had a perfect undefeated season and we won it all. It was great. There is no other feeling similar to it. To be able to play with that team and that coaching staff was amazing,” Wonch said.

Football has been Wonch’s passion since childhood.

“It’s a hard sport but that’s what I like about it. It takes a lot of effort but I like putting the hard work into it. I definitely love making tackles. Nothing beats the feeling of being able to make a solid tackle,” Wonch added.