Scholarship – Bell Warriors

2020 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winners Announced

September 2, 2020/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

It’s official! The 2019 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Ethan Ryan of Carleton Place and Daniel Briere of Ottawa.

Ethan Ryan describes some highlights from his many years with the Warriors as, “The skills and life lessons I learned from the Bell Warriors football club were invaluable and contributed to my overall personal growth in becoming a man. Each year a different coach brought new direction and advice on how to be the best team member possible but overall the messages were always the same. I was taught to value teammates, to give of myself, because someone was depending on me. I was taught to have compassion for my team mates and the opposing teams. I learned to be committed to myself and to my team. These lessons forced me to become responsible. Playing with the Bell Warriors required dedication and I learned to give respect and was given my fair share. I was an award winner with the Bell Warriors every year I played for them. The Bell Warriors made me the football player and person that I am today.” Ethan will be at Carleton University this year studying music and is hopeful to play football with the Carleton Ravens when USports returns. He closed his application with the pledge to, “strive to make the Bell Warriors proud of me.”

Daniel Briere says of his days with the Warriors, “The Bell Warriors taught me what hard work was from a very young age. I was around 11 when I started my first year with the Warriors and it was an experience like no other. The Bell Warriors football organization gave me the opportunity to create bonds that will last a lifetime and help me create a work ethic that I feel will keep with me until the day I retire from whatever is awaiting me in the future.” Like all of our successful scholarship winners, Daniel has a proud record of volunteering in our community. He was a active organizer of his high school’s Relay for Life which raises badly needed monies for the Canadian Cancer Society. Daniel also was a “Buddy” for Ausome. Ausome is an organization that gives children with autism a space to engage in physical activity. Daniel ovserves that, “Being brought up with the Bell Warriors and learning about teamwork has helped me to be successful with these events in my community.”

Join us in congratulating these two exceptional young men who continue to represent the “Warrior Way” and our program with integrity and pride. CONGRATULATIONS ETHAN AND DANIEL!

A special thanks also goes out to KEVIN PIDGEON, President and CEO of the Nautical Lands Group who was our exclusive GOLD SPONSOR of this year’s two Jim Wagdin Scholarships (READ MORE).

Kevin Pidgeon – THANKS KEV for continuing to care!!!

Kevin Pidgeon Funds 2020 Scholarships!

June 3, 2020/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

“The Bell Warriors Football Club is pleased and excited to announce that Warriors alumni parent and alumni coach Kevin Pidgeon has stepped up to fund this year’s two Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Post-Secondary Scholarships,” stated Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors Football President

“In funding year’s scholarships, I wanted to be sure that this year’s bursaries could continue to be made without the Warriors having to impact the club’s operating funds. Jim (Wagdin) is a tremendous visionary and I am truly proud of all that he has accomplished with the club.” – Kevin Pidgeon, COO Nautical Lands Group.

Jim Wagdin volunteered for the Bell Warriors for 24 amazing years as a coach, VP and eventual President of the Club until 2011. Mr. Wagdin was a man of character, dignity and distinction who set a tremendous example for our young players and families. In 2011, upon his retirement from the Warriors, Jim was bestowed the honour as the Bell Warriors 1st Inductee into the Bell Warriors Hall of Fame.

In 1999, the Bell Warriors initiated the Warrior Scholarship program offering two $1,000 scholarships to ex-Warriors who are pursuing post-secondary education. Participation in a post-secondary football program is not a prerequisite. There are however, three selection criteria – Academics, Warrior Experience, and Community Involvement. An independent committee, as chosen by the Club executive, makes the selections. $40,000 has been rewarded to date to Warrior alumni for their pursuit of post-secondary education. The Warriors support our players on and off the field!

“This gesture couldn’t have come at a better time. Our Bell Warriors Football Club is facing unprecedented financial challenges which puts our non-profit sports club in a precarious position. Despite the fiscal challenges our club is facing, we felt it was important to continue to support our Warriors alumni now more than ever by continuing to offer our scholarships. We had already incurred considerable expenses, however, associated with our preparations for our Winter Football clinics, Co-Ed Spring Flag Football program, Spring Girl’s Touch Football program and our Tackle Football program. Kevin’s considerable donation is not only appreciated but it is reaffirming that the Warriors are on the right track. It’s a humbling pat-on-the-back to all of our volunteers who have selflessly given to their community over the years. We can’t thank Kevin Pidgeon and his family enough for continuing to value our club and goals,” sums up President Stewart.

A HUGE THANK YOU KEV!!!

Kevin Pidgeon – THANKS KEV for continuing to care!!!

Kevin’s two sons Brendan and Art both played Tyke through Bantam with the Warriors.

2019 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winners Announced

October 21, 2019/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

It’s official! The 2019 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Jacob Papalia of Bells Corners and James Keenan of Stittsville.

Jacob Papalia describes his years with the Warriors as, “a place to grow and that the Warriors gave me the greatest sense of belonging. My passion for football and time with the Warriors was truly the best time of my life (so far).” Jake”the Snake” is in his first semester at Carleton University in their popular Bachelor of Information Technology program but he still makes time to play NCAFA football for our sister club at Midget the Bel-Air Norsemen. Always a hard-working leader, Jake credits his drive and dedication in large part to the many lessons learned with our Warriors. “I’m proud Warrior stock. We are a brand of young men who are disciplined, respectful, strong, and full of character and possibility. I’m beyond thankful for all my years as a Warrior and I truly wish I could relive it all. Once a Warrior, forever a Warrior. Warriors for life!” Congratulations Jake. You truly opitimize what being a Warrior for Life truly means!

James Keenan says, “If you know the Warrior Way, you know the characteristics of respect, integrity, commitment, honesty, and above all else, community. By community, I mean support, giving and leadership by example.” James is currently in his second year at Queens University in their Honours Bachelor of History program. In addition to James’ studies, he is a member of the Queens Gaels Football Club and started this year as a QB in only his second year (which is basically unheard of)! James credits his football experiences often with the Warriors as preparing him for, “more impactful leadership roles. I look around and assess who needs support to get everyone to the level at which they are at their best. Being best is not the goal, but to ensure everyone has a chance to be their best is.” Well done James. We are immensely proud of your many accomplishments and know your drive, competitiveness and abilities will continue to lead to impressive successes long after you hang up your cleats…..but until then….GO GAELS!

Join us in congratulating these two exceptional young men who continue to represent the “Warrior Way” and our program with integrity and pride. CONGRATULATIONS JAKE AND JAMES!

2019 Winners – Jacob Papalia, James Keenan

2018 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winners Announced

September 26, 2018/in Headlines, Uncategorized /by Paul Stewart

It is with immense pride that the Bell Warriors announce this year’s Jim Wagdin Post-Secondary Scholarship winners – Andrew Fullerton (Stittsville) and Daniel Schwartz (Nepean).  Our independent selection committee had their hands full with a full slate of worthy candidates but both Andrew and Daniel were deemed to have the most complete applications in a very tight selection process.

In Andrew Fullerton’s application letter, he noted, “Six years as a Bell Warrior have shaped me, molded me and inspired me to become the young man that I am today and will serve as the foundation for the man that I intend to become.  Among the many things that my experiences as a Warrior have gifted me is an appreciation for and duty to my community.  The work ethic and resilience I developed as a Warrior have similarly shaped me as a student, and have guided me to academic success throughout high school, where I earned honour roll society all four years alongside the silver medal, awarded to students with an academic average above 90%, and the award of excellence in Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, awarded to the student with the highest mark in the respective course, in both eleventh and twelfth grade.”

Andrew’s awards with his years with the Warriors and through his education are two many to list. In short, his achievements are substantial and impressive. in summary, this young man, who is currently studying Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities at the University of Western, was always dedicated, respectful, driven, successful and a true leader. Andrew concluded his application by saying that, “The Warriors’ navy and gold are not simply colours sported on game day, painted on our helmets or dyed in the fabric of our jerseys, they are a representation of the Bell Warriors and an embodiment of their values. Whether or not I am wearing navy and gold or the Warriors crest across my collar bones, I represent the Bell Warriors each day of my life; the navy and gold is not so superficial as a helmet, jersey and pants, it is an integral part of who I am.” CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW!

Daniel Schwartz made the most of every day he was with the Warriors. The only thing that exceeded his efforts to contribute to the Warriors was his pleasant and happy demeanor when doing it. Daniel viewed his days with the Warriors as, “The Bell Warriors Football Club instills values starting with the tykes, and continues to build on them all the way up to bantam. Respect, teamwork, compassion, independence, self-confidence, the list can go on and on as to what I learned with the Bell Warriors.”

Daniel’s application expanded on how the values of respect, team work, compassion, independence and self-confidence were all vital lessons learned with his many years as a Warrior and he calls on today as he commits himself to his pursuit of a career in Paramedicine. His concluding paragraph says it all, “I will be a Warrior for Life, I will be a part of the “CABB Company”, I will continue to apply the values I have learned and pass them along to others. The Bell Warriors was the best eight years I could have asked for, every drop of blood, sweat, and tears was worth it. Sports revealed my character – the Bell Warriors revealed my character.”   CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL!

For more information on the Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarship program, go to our SCHOLARSHIP page.

2017 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winners Announced!

September 6, 2017/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

It’s official – the 2017 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Jack Rabb of Richmond and Stefano Napolitano of Stittsville!

Jack Rabb said of his experience with the Warriors, “I played football with the Bell Warriors for 6 years, from Mosquito to Bantam. I am extremely grateful for the values this organization has instilled in me as a person, and for the fundamentals I developed as a player. In being given so many opportunities to lead my teammates, try new positions, and be taught advanced concepts, I was incredibly enriched. The leadership skills I gained spilled over into my school life, where I became the co-president of my school and organized a camp dedicated to teaching my peers the same leadership skills I had been taught by my coaches. The athletic skills I honed allowed me to sign on to Queen’s to continue my football career. I am very appreciative of the Warriors for encouraging both of these facets of my life to improve.”

Jack is currently in his second year at Queens University where he is a member of the Gaels football club. Since graduating from the Warriors organization, Jack has spent time volunteering with Motionball, a charity that hosts Marathons of Sport. These events group together student athletes and Special Olympic athletes for a day dedicated to competing in a variety of sports, with funds raised going towards supporting Canada’s Special Athletes. Further, Jack participated in Gaels Care, a community outreach initiative that consisted of spending time talking to and playing sports with children from low-income neighborhoods. Most recently, Jack volunteered assisting with the Warriors Winter Workouts and the Warrior’s newly-revived flag football program. CONGRATS JACK!!!

L to R: Jack Rabb (2017 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winner); Paul Stewart (Bantam Head Coach and CLub President)

Stefano Napolitano says of his time with the Warriors, “I attribute much of this success to the Bell Warriors Football Club as I learned many, many skills and characteristic in my 7 years there which has helped me along every step of the way. Each and every year I seem to notice more and more that all of those years were so much more than just football. Football was a big part of it, and I really do miss those days, but the intangibles that we were taught every single day at practice and at games are simply invaluable. As I think about these intangibles, 3 main things stick out to me. Those 3 things are teamwork, discipline and perseverance. I have tried to keep and improve on these qualities in my time at Carleton, and I will never stop to improve them as they can be applied to almost everything in life. I am so thankful for the little things I learned from 2005-2011 with the Warriors.”

Stefano’s list of community service is impressive to say the very least and he is going into his fifth and final year of eligibility with the Carleton Ravens. He is also unique in that he has been a team captain in all five years of with the Ravens. Stef is trying to use these qualities that I have acquired with the Warriors and from other chapters of his life to help lead his team to a conference and national championship this year. CONGRATS STEFANO!!!

For more information about the Warriors scholarship program, go to our Scholarship page.

2016 Jim Wagdin Scholarships Announced!

September 13, 2016/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

It’s official! The 2016 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Post Secondary Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Kurtis Schaefer of Stittsville and Brad Cowan of Ashton.

Kurtis Schaefer credits his experience with the Warriors as “Playing for the Bell Warriors, I did not just win or lose games or have personal accomplishments. I learned valuable life lessons that I believe I would not have learned anywhere else in my life. With the Warriors, I learned how hard work pays off with the endless sprints at the end of practice for example. I learned the quality of leadership by being put in the role as a team captain for the majority of my years as a Warrior. I learned how to get along with 30+ random people (that I have never met before) and then bond together on the football field to eventually become a family while trying to do something great that season. Lastly, I learned the value of respect. I earned a huge sense of respect for my coaches who would dedicate a tremendous amount of time to come out to practices and games to help us get better. The coaches taught, pushed and helped us grow from little boys into responsible young men.”

Kurtis has completed his 1st year of Queens University where he dressed and played for the Gaels as a true freshman. He’s now a 2nd year Gael and he has quickly become an integral player for the Queens club. In addition to his support with our Warriors programs as a mentor over the years, Kurtis has been very active with Queen’s Motion Ball program and more recently, the Gaels Care program. This program saw Varsity athletes from all of the Queen’s teams go into local schools to work with children with special needs or at-risk children. Most recently Kurtis was involved with a program that one of my teammates started called CESAP. CESAP is a program designed to inform youth about concussion prevention and education. Kurtis’ role in this program was to help run clinics locally for school and football programs in Kingston. What a great role model for our Warriors’ program. CONGRATS KURTIS!

This is how Brad Cowan described his time with the Warriors, “As I look back, being able to say I am a “Warrior for Life” is something that I am extremely proud of. The Bell Warriors taught me the importance of team work, commitment and putting the best interests of the team ahead of my own. It meant showing up to every practice, giving it my best effort and trusting the process. Trusting my coaches, team mates and everyone involved who helped us to be successful. As I start my next steps in football with the Laurier Golden Hawks, I can take with me the things I learned from the Bell Warriors such as a strong work ethic and being a good team mate and know that these qualities will carry me forward. It is these qualities I don’t take for granted. I hope to have many more positive experiences at Laurier over the next four years.”

Brad has been involved as a volunteer at the Ottawa Food Bank through the TELUS Day of Giving. He was a volunteer at South Carleton High School to speak to graduating students his former Middle School (Goulbourn Middle School) on the experiences of transitioning from Goulbourn to South Carleton High School. Additionally, Brad participated in the Link Crew program at South Carleton providing orientation to Grade 9 students. He assisted in coaching young hockey players in Initiation Level with the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association and Brad has been a volunteer at the Scott Tokessy (Baseball) Tournament that helps to raise money for CHEO. Brad makes a very worthy winner of this year’s Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Post-Secondary Scholarship. CONGRATS BRAD!

For more details about the Warriors Scholarship program, go to our Scholarship page.

$32,000 and Counting. Deadline August 1st.

June 25, 2016/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

The Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarship Program offers two $1,000 scholarships to ex-Warriors who are pursuing post secondary education. Participation in a post secondary football program is not a pre-requisite. There are however, three selection criteria – Academics, Warrior Experience, and Community Involvement. Applications must be submitted by August 1 and must include an original letter describing both the applicant’s experiences with the Warriors as well as his/her volunteer involvement with the community, a transcript of the applicant’s previous year’s marks, a notice of acceptance from the selected university/college (for first year students) OR a note from the school indicating the applicant’s return for a succeeding year, as well as any letters of reference.

An independent committee, as chosen by the Club executive, makes the selections. Please send application details to president@bellwarriors.ca. Jim Wagdin was a coach with the Bell Warriors for 24 years and retired from the club as President in 2012. His commitment to the Warriors and his community reflect the values the Warriors want to reinforce in our players with this post-secondary scholarship program. Since the Warriors introduced the program, $32,000 has been given to ex-Warrior players to support their scholastic goals and aspirations. An applicant will only be eligible for selection for the scholarship a maximum of two times. The only exceptions will be:

(i) The independent committee deems an application does not meet the three selection criteria and/or
(ii) An insufficient number of eligible applications are received prior to the deadline.

More details can be found on our Scholarship Page. Good Luck!

2015 Post-Secondary Scholarship Winners Announced

September 10, 2015/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

It’s official! The 2015 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Sean Stoqua of Stittsville and Tyler Scott of Manotick.

Sean Stoqua credits his experience with the Warriors as what ‘jumpstarted my passion for the game of football and the camaraderie that came with it, inspiring me to pursue football at the next level.‘ Sean has just completed his 4th year of university and is returning for 1 semester to complete his undergraduate degree. He has been a two sport player every year for the Acadia Axemen (football, basketball). Last year he was named the Russ Jackson nominee for the AUS (http://www.atlanticuniversitysport.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/201411066ei17e). This past year, Sean played Free Safety and Point Guard for the Axemen, leading the football team in interceptions and blocked punts while leading the basketball team in assists and steals. For the past several years, Sean has been involved as a coach for a minor basketball team called the Kentville Wildcats. Last year, he was a volunteer for the S.M.I.L.E program at Acadia University, a program that allows university students such as myself the opportunity to work with children with various physical and cognitive disabilities in a physically active environment once a week. What a great role model for our Warriors’ program. CONGRATS SEAN!

Tyler Scott describes his years with the Warriors as being ‘more than just a football experience for me. It was a home, a family and had a positive impact on my life that has opened many doors for me.‘ A major award winner every year he played with the Warriors, Tyler also gave back to his community with dedication. Over a 4 and 1/2 year period, Tyler volunteered over 650 hours to community associations including the Ottawa South Basketball Association, South Carleton High School, University of Ottawa Sports Camps, Westfest Ottawa, Carleton University Sports Camps, Ottawa South United Soccer League and the Nepean Flag Football League. An impressive multi-sport athlete, accomplished student and immensely dedicated community volunteer, Tyler makes a very worthy winner of this year’s Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Post-Secondary Scholarship. CONGRATS TYLER!

For more details about the Warriors Scholarship program, go to our Scholarship page.

Stittsville News article – “Bell Warriors present two $1,000 scholarships“

$30,000 and Counting!!!

June 28, 2015/in Headlines /by Paul Stewart

The Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarship Program offers two $1,000 scholarships to ex-Warriors who are pursuing post secondary education. Participation in a post secondary football program is not a pre-requisite. There are however, three selection criteria – Academics, Warrior Experience, and Community Involvement. Applications must be submitted by August 1 and must include an original letter describing both the applicant’s experiences with the Warriors as well as his/her volunteer involvement with the community, a transcript of the applicant’s previous year’s marks, a notice of acceptance from the selected university/college (for first year students) OR a note from the school indicating the applicant’s return for a succeeding year, as well as any letters of reference.

Two phenomenal Warrior alumni were named our2014 Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarship winners last year – Charlie Keenan & Mitchell Henselwood. Both young man have gone on to play with the Queens Gaels and both are tremendous role models for our young players and representatives for our Warrior program!

An independent committee, as chosen by the Club executive, makes the selections. Please send application details to president@bellwarriors.ca. Jim Wagdin was a coach with the Bell Warriors for 24 years and retired from the club as President in 2012. His commitment to the Warriors and his community reflect the values the Warriors want to reinforce in our players with this post-secondary scholarship program. Since the Warriors introduced the program, $30,000 has been given to ex-Warrior players to support their scholastic goals and aspirations. An applicant will only be eligible for selection for the scholarship a maximum of two times. The only exceptions will be:

(i) The independent committee deems an application does not meet the three selection criteria and/or
(ii) An insufficient number of eligible applications are received prior to the deadline.

More details can be found on our Scholarship Page. Good Luck!

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