After three seasons leading the Bow Valley Bobcats offence, quarterback Kaden Barnstable is taking the next step in his football journey, signing a letter of intent with the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
For the 6-foot-3, 205-pound pivot, the decision marks a long-awaited milestone after years of training, early mornings, and steady development dating back to his minor football days.
“There’s been a lot of time been leading up to this moment and I’m definitely excited to get going,” Barnstable said.
While he considered several programs, Barnstable said his November visit to Ottawa ultimately made the difference after he was warmly greeted by the team.
“There’s a few schools I was really interested in, but when I visited Ottawa, it was just felt different,” he said. “I felt a connection with the coaching staff and the players. The quarterback there really helped me and walked me through things. I felt at home.”
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He now joins one of Canada’s most historic university football programs. Representing the University of Ottawa, the Gee-Gees have been playing football since 1881 and compete in the Ontario University Athletics conference within U Sports.
The program has a strong national pedigree, with five Vanier Cup appearances, including championship wins in 1975 and 2000. The Gee-Gees also have eight conference titles and play their home games at TD Place Stadium.
They are also part of one of Canadian university football’s most storied rivalries, facing the Carleton Ravens annually in the Panda Game, a tradition that has spanned more than 50 years.
Kaden Barnstable last August in camp with the Bow Valley Bobcats. Cochrane Now file photo/Noel Edey
The move caps a high school career in which Barnstable developed into the Bobcats’ offensive leader, even as team success fluctuated. Despite that, he says the focus has always been on growth and passes along this advice to aspiring post-secondary players.
“You got to get one per cent better every day,” he said. “Focus on the little things, focus on the details, and don’t worry about what anyone else has to think. Just put your head down and work.”
Barnstable will begin his university transition this summer, with organized team activities scheduled for late July followed by official training camp at the end of August.
Academically, he plans to enrol in interdisciplinary studies in his first year while keeping his long-term focus flexible.
Since the conclusion of the high school season in November, Barnstable has remained in training mode, spending time in the weight room and working on his football IQ as he prepares for the jump to the next level.
Last May, at 16 years old, Barnstable was selected to compete in the CFC Prospect Game, which aired nationally on TSN.