I wouldn’t Bet Against Him

December 7, 2010 - 1:04 pm by gfi

As an alumnus of Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba I recently reached out to the varsity coaches, asking if they had any athletes on their teams who embodied the idea of carrying a chip on their shoulder. I wanted to hear about those athletes and send them a shirt as a way of recognizing this athlete in unique way and as a way of giving back to my high school.

Jon Romu, the head football coach, was quick to answer with a story that inspired me and further assured me that there are lots of athletes who could be inspired by a GFI shirt. This is the first of what I hope will become many stories of athletes who identify with the story I am telling.

When warming up for a game, R.J. Ilagan, a running back for the Kelvin High School Clippers, doesn’t necessarily instill fear in the hearts of his opponents. Standing on the sideline waiting for his chance to take the field he does not appear to be an intimidating presence. In fact when the oppositions’ defense finds out he is the starting tailback they laugh smugly and think today they will be delivering all the hard hits.

At 5’6” 130 lbs Ilagan does not fit the classic running back mould. But as soon as he gets his first carry those feelings start to change. Just ask the linebacker for Sisler High who was knocked out trying to tackle Ilagan. You see, Ilagan runs like a Mack truck, punishing tacklers who stand in his way, making them pay for thinking, for even a second, he couldn’t compete at this level. One reason he runs this way, is that Ilagan carries a chip on his shoulder, one that drives him to prove that he belongs, not only at this level but as he tries to earn the chance to play at the college level, one punishing run at a time.

When I asked his coach Jon Romu what kind of player R.J. was the description gave me goosebumps. About his size Romu had this to say, “Although he is small he plays like he is a 6’5″ 240 pound bulldozer.” When asked about what opponents think Romu answered,  “He knows that the defenses are out to take him down and hurt him so the chip on his shoulder pushes him to be the hammer not the nail.” And when Romu talked about where Ilagan found his motivation to succeed he had very high praise for his running back.  “He is a phenomenal player with a little body but a great big heart and his inner drive is unmatched in any athlete I have seen in a long, long time.  He definitely plays with a chip on his shoulder”

As a smaller athlete myself playing baseball at a high level there were many times I dealt with the idea I was too small and I loved proving people wrong!

Speaking to R.J. after he received his shirt he came across as a humble and respectful young man who was grateful to be recognized in this way. However when I asked him about why he carried a chip on his shoulder that was when I saw the confidence and drive in this young athlete that Coach Romu talks so highly about. He first gave credit to his teammates for the work they put in to make running for almost 900 yards averaging 6.5 yards per carry possible. He then talked about always finishing plays, be it running someone over or churning your legs after contact for those few extra inches. At only 16 to be wise about not taking anything for granted is yet another example that this is not your average running back, no matter what the size on the roster says.

I would like to congratulate R.J. on being the first athlete awarded a “Grown From Idea” shirt. This is a young man who values hard work and determination and I know this recognition will not go to his head. In fact I hope the opposite happens and it makes him even hungrier to show again and again that the “Chip on his Shoulder” is one reason why he plays the way he does and that he won’t stop until his dreams are realized. I know I wouldn’t bet against him.

9 Comments

  1. Posted on December 7, 2010 at 3:11 pm by Rob Schellenberg

    Great story. I’d like to congratulate R.J as well, a guy with this kind of drive and passion leads the way for others after him to keep working hard and getting things done. As another Kelvin alum, dedication and history is a big part of that school, and Ilagan represents what being a Clipper should look like. Keep up the hard work and don’t let anyone bring you down. GFI

  2. Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:10 pm by Willy

    Hey,
    Great article, spoke to me on a personal level. At 5’10″ , 220 I am not small, but for my sport, Highland Heavy events, and the olympic style hammer, I’m a midgit.

    I get it, and that need to succeed and spite critics and non believers is strong in me too.

    To all the GFI Blue “Chip” ers.
    Nothing can hold you back if you believe.
    Keep it up

  3. Posted on December 7, 2010 at 4:58 pm by Karsten

    Dear GFI
    I really appreciated this story because the idea of having a chip on your shoulder relates to me in many ways. I started Hockey at a very old age by many standards beginning when I was 14 at the average peewee level. I had a couple years of skating lessons under my belt, and years of playing in my basement, but no other experience. Many people told me I couldn’t do it, even to the point where I overheard one of my teammates parents say that I might hurt the team. Instead of giving up, I decided to push forward. I practiced hard, learned from my teammates and suited up for each game like it was my last. I ended up scoring 12 goals that season and 22 points in a limited schedule and played on the first line in many games. Although not a spectacular season, that same parent at the end of the year paid me a compliment. To this day I still carry that same chip on my shoulder in everything I do. I believe having a chip on your shoulder isn’t a attitude, but rather a lifestyle, a lifestyle that i bring to everything I do today.

  4. Posted on December 8, 2010 at 3:08 pm by Jordan Kussin

    As one of RJ’s coaches, I was privileged enough to see the drive that everyone has talked about day in and day out. I was able to relate to him quite well. I was a basketball player at only 5’10″ 160 lbs. I was told numerous times I was way too small, but because of that I was so determined to prove to everyone and myself that I was going to beat you, no matter how. That drive got me to the next level in not basketball, but football. If you have the inner drive like RJ, you will succeed. Along with the work came the reward that I’m sure RJ is relating to and proud of himself for. He will only continue to improve immensely into an elite football player that I’m excited to see in the rest of high school and at the next level.

  5. Posted on December 9, 2010 at 6:08 pm by Phil Collins

    ‘AGAINST ALL ODDS, you can do it, just always believe in yourself.
    Good article, congratulations RJ. Keep it up and more power.

  6. Posted on December 14, 2010 at 9:47 am by Roxanne

    Great article! Inspiring.

    Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far RJ. Keep that good head of yours on and you’ll go places.

    Much love and support from your big sis.

  7. Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:44 am by Ryan

    I remember the first stadium game I went to watch you. First thing I see is you swimming two defenders and outrunning the rest of the team for a 94+ yard touchdown. Keep it up ‘little’ brother.

  8. Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:39 pm by Mel Enero

    Great Article! I remember playing for Kelvin and yes we have very similar statures. I myself was 5.6 and around 140 lbs when I started. It was fun showing up at the games and getting the sense that the opponents were surprised by your ability.

    Keep up the good work RJ.

    #22 Melanio Enero RB/DB 94-97 year under coach Normandeau

  9. Posted on July 28, 2011 at 1:26 am by Cassie

    Congrats RJ!

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