When Covid-19 hit the world in March 2020, it sent Universities and sports programs into a new paradigm where activities were halted, classes were moved online, and leagues were cancelled for the Fall semester.  The impact was wide reaching, with new recruits not getting their chance to get a taste of regular student life, and graduating players weren't able to enjoy a 'final lap' in an attempt to achieve championship glory.

Tommies Men's Soccer captain John Hunter certainly made an impact on campus during his time at St. Thomas.  The Fredericton native stayed at home to play for the Green & Gold and in his tenure, was named a ACAA First Team All-Conference in 2017 and 2018, and a Second Team All-Star in 2019.  His presence on and off the pitch also garnered him the team's Leadership Award in 2018 and 2019 as well as being Team MVP in 2017.

Reflecting on his career on the field, John loved the spirit of competition and rivalry.  He remembers, "facing Holland College in the conference finals of 2018. The level of competition between both teams was an intensity that couldn’t be matched, and I can confidently say that every Tommie poured their heart onto that field." Despite taking home ACAA Silver at those Championships, John found the drive to do better.

STU Head Coach John-Ryan Morrison feels fortunate to have led the defender who was team captain since 2018, but felt a void in the cancelled season. "Not loss on me when the announcement that the 2020 ACAA season was cancelled was how disappointed I was for players like John who will graduate without playing their final year with the Tommies including not getting the recognition he deserves at his grad game."

"The 2019 season did not end the way we wanted and I know how motivated Hunter was to go out with an ACAA banner this year so its sad in that respect as well," Coach Morrison admits.  "Hunter has had an incredible career with us and the ACAA and team awards speak for themselves. I feel fortunate to witness, and maybe even play a part, in his transition from naïve rookie to the respectful and outstanding young man that he has become today"

Turning back, John looks back at his time in uniform and offers advice that he would give himself as a first-year student.  Getting to class, hitting the gym, stretching and reading more as well as "in all seriousness, enjoy these amazing years of your life they really do fly by before you know it."

Leaving STU's campus, the environment will be something hard to replicate. "I will miss the most from my time at STU is the camaraderie between teammates, athletes and fellow peers," John said. "I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to meet so many great people, some of whom I can call my dearest friends."

Covid-19 has left a lot of decisions up in the air, including John's future.  He is taking a break from soccer to focus on his studies and completing his degree. "In the new year, I will be pursuing a Canadian Securities Course (CSC) which will open doors towards a financial services career," pondering his short term goals.  "Of course, I would like to do lots of exploring and traveling, but the pandemic has paused that for the time being"

Coach Morrison recently hosted players that were in Fredericton area to honour the graduating Hunter.  Normally, a grad presentation would happen during the final home game of the season, but with the league schedule cancelled, the coaching staff found an innovative way to honour their captain who has meant so much to the program.

The 4 years of playing STU Soccer can't not be summed in few simple words. "It's more than set pieces, formations, techniques, and skills taught to us by the coaching staff," reminisces the graduating captain. "If I had to choose one lesson to take away from my time with the team, it is that the real hard work behind closed doors pays off and I truly believe this can be applied in any aspect of our lives."