News Archives: Q&A: David Rojas, Dylan Cartier, Scott Fraser and Jesse Noppibul, GPRC Wolves Men's Soccer Alumni
Monday, August 3rd, 2020
GPRC Wolves Men's Soccer Alumni, Scott Fraser.
We caught up with GPRC Wolves Men Soccer Alumni, David Rojas, Dylan Cartier, Scott Fraser and Jesse Noppibul to reflect on triumphs, disappointments, their love of the game and their time playing at GPRC.
What is your earliest soccer memory?
Rojas: My earliest memory is playing street soccer in Mexico where I grew up. Soccer has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and my friends and I would play every day and night after school until the sun would go down, and then do it all again the next day. I also remember growing up watching my older brother play and always looked up to his skill and natural abilities, he was a huge role model for me in my soccer career.
Cartier: I was a U4 player in Peace River. I vividly remember the first kick off, I ran straight to the ball, dribbled it up the field and scored a goal. I didn’t quite celebrate, but I turned and ran straight to my Dad only for him to remind me that the game is still going on. At that moment, I knew exactly what I needed to do! Score goals and get high fives!
Fraser: My earliest memory of playing soccer is going outside for recess in elementary school to play soccer with my friends. We would play a game called elimination, where there’s one person in goal, and everyone else is on their own and the last person to score each round is eliminated until there’s one person left. You had to learn some one vs. one skills or you wouldn’t make it very far.
Noppibul: My earliest soccer memories are of my brother and I playing soccer against the neighbours. They were a few years older than us, but we were always competitive with them and tried our hardest. I remember beating them a few times and then our mom coming out and seeing that they had changed it from two vs. two to two vs. three (the older boys having three on their team). Playing soccer anytime and anywhere are my earliest memories and playing really helped to grow my love for the game.
What was your journey to playing at GPRC?
Rojas: Once my family and I moved to Canada (Grande Prairie), I started taking classes at GPRC to improve my English and began to practice with the Men’s College team. Once I was enrolled in regular studies, I was able to play on the team and the rest is history!
Cartier: I was naturally passionate about the game at such a young age. My buddies and I lived and breathed soccer growing up in elementary, junior high and high school. We started playing Men’s League at age 16 and joined the Grande Prairie Men’s League with our Peace River Football Club. Chris Spaidal had approached me after a few other lads played under him. It was a natural progression moving up and I had my eyes set on GPRC in Grade 11. I think Chris wanted me asap!
Fraser: I didn’t have any plans for post-secondary and was likely going to work for a year or two after high school, until I was offered a spot on the soccer team at GPRC. My high school coach and the College coach at the time were good friends so there were five people, including myself, from my grad class in Edmonton that came to GPRC for the following year. It was a last-minute decision, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Within two months, I had registered for classes and moved up to Grande Prairie for preseason.
Noppibul: It wasn’t necessarily something I thought about much until later in junior high. I remember one of my best friends and teammates talking to me about how if I keep training and playing, that college soccer would be the next step after high school. The former coach (Chris Spaidal), had me go to a few tournaments with the GPRC team when I was in high school, which helped me see the level I needed to get to in order to play college soccer. Once I saw that level and played with some of those guys, I knew that’s what I wanted to do after high school.
Tell us some of your best memories representing GPRC?
Rojas: My memories of representing GPRC are very fond, and what sticks out to me is the memory of playing home games. These weekends were exciting because my whole family was able to come out and watch, other athletes from various teams at GPRC were there supporting, as well as other players from within the Grande Prairie United Club came to cheer us on. It was special to me because the community felt so connected and supportive.
Cartier: The best memories of being a GPRC athlete is that you are part of one giant family and your identity is so strong with the school and the culture. The history is rich and the people are amazing. I truly have so many great memories on campus, on bus trips and the goose bumps are real when I think of times like training camp or your first day of class. GPRC will always be a big part of who I am as a person and as an athlete and I am extremely grateful to be involved in this community today.
Fraser: Some of the best memories of my life so far are from my time at GPRC. You spend so much time with your team that they become a family, especially the teammates that you live with. All the practices together, hanging out in between double practices, travelling with the team on the bus, ice baths and team dinners are great memories. The worst part about it was our season is so short so it seems so intense for 10-12 weeks, and then you have to wait so many months to compete again. It goes by quickly and next thing you know you’ve played five years!
Noppibul: The comradery has to be one of my favourite memories. Especially my first few seasons, there really was a brotherhood. Making the playoffs and our battle to get in (I think it came down to the last game), was one of my fondest memories. We had a really special team that year and a close-knit group. Our fans were always great as well. Playing home games, we knew the other team was in for a tough time. Supporting other Wolves teams was something all athletes did when I was there and that was a really cool atmosphere.
What was your favourite moment and disappointment while a GPRC athlete?
Rojas:I am not sure that I have a stand out single favorite moment, but rather I just overall really enjoyed my time playing for GPRC! My biggest disappointment during my time at GPRC was never having made it through the regular season to compete at playoffs. This is something that will always bother me, and I would have loved to have the opportunity to compete with teams from the south in an increasingly competitive environment.
Cartier: Beating NAIT the year they won Nationals. I remember the first play getting knocked on my rear by a player on our Jr. National Team, he was a right back and I thought to myself, “Ok. This is College Soccer. Bring it on.” And so we battled… My greatest disappointment was getting knocked out of playoffs in our third year. It was bitter cold, and I can’t say we were able to prepare for that moment. Our defenders were on skates, we were a step behind to the hosts Red Deer and sadly, it was my last ACAC game.
Fraser: My favourite moment was captaining the squad for my last home game. It was pretty emotional for me as you realize that your time is up, but it was such an honour to represent my team and the College at that level. It felt really cool to wear the armband for the game, and it was something I’ll never forget! My biggest disappointment was that we couldn’t go to provincials for any of the five seasons I played. We had two or three seasons where it came down to the last game of the season, and it never went the way we wanted it to. I’m fortunate now to still be involved with the team and hopefully I can make it there as a coach!
Noppibul: Favourite moment again was making playoffs that one season, but along with that came my greatest disappointment. We played Red Deer and the conditions were less than ideal as we got snow on the day. I also started the game on the bench, as the plan was to save me for the next matchup (if I got another yellow, I’d miss the next game). I remember wishing I could be out there the whole time and help the team. I came on for the full second half, but we still didn’t pull through.
Who is the best player you played with and your toughest opponent?
Rojas: The best player that I have played with, and most enjoyable to me was my younger brother Bernardo. It was a great experience to play and compete with him in the midfield, and a really fun time in our lives to be able to play college soccer together. When I think of my toughest opponent, I immediately think about Fort McMurray. They had an incredible team that was always a serious contender for the national championship. They gave us a real challenge to play against.
Cartier: One of my Peace River Club veterans. When we were all 16-19 years old, there was a core of adults ranging from 30-50, we had guys from England, Japan, Korea, Poland, Germany, Iran and the Netherlands – I truly got to learn from Stu Murray(Englishmen) and Willem(Dutchmen) and every time I watched these two men play as a youth player, I learned so much from them. Fortunately, I played with them for three or four years. I wish I could have seen them in their prime, but I’ve been told there was always a better striker in Peace River than me, it was Willem. As a striker, I geared my toughest opponents to centre backs. NAIT had centre backs that challenged you in every situation. They were big, strong, fast and knowledgeable. I’d still like to try my luck against them today and see where I stand, and I’m sure they’d knock me around still.
Fraser: The best player that I played with at the College is Rui Vale. Coming from Portugal, he has a great understanding for the game, and he’s quite good technically. We had good chemistry and both viewed the game the same way. The toughest opponent I faced was probably some of the guys who used to play on NAIT. I think a few of them went to play in the Canadian Premier league so they are skilled.
Noppibul: The best player I ever played with would probably have been Ernest Kotio. He had great speed, skill, footwork and finishing touch around the net. The toughest opponent I played against may have been James Carr. There were plenty of great opponents in the ACAC, but his combination of size, speed and skill made him a very difficult centre back to play against.
How proud are you to have played at GPRC?
Rojas: I am very proud to have played four years at GPRC. I look back fondly on the experiences I had as an athlete, and particularly the opportunity to play for a small and supportive community that GPRC provides. I also met many of the most important people in my life at GPRC, and I cherish the relationships that I have made along the way.
Cartier: Extremely proud. The time flew by, but I can sit here and think of memories for hours. I have a few training shirts and gear left over, and they bring me great joy in wearing or seeing them hanging up. As a proud Wolves alumni, I think of my remaining two years of eligibility and what it would take to get back on the pitch daily.
Fraser: I am incredibly proud to have played five years at GPRC. I think after my second season here I knew that I would play five. I am extremely passionate about soccer and I am thankful that GPRC allowed me to continue with it after high school. I’m happy to continue to be involved with the soccer program, now as an assistant coach. The experiences that I had over those five years; I wouldn’t trade for anything!
Noppibul: I’m very proud to have played five years at GPRC. Once a wolf, always a wolf. Growing up in the community and having the opportunity to represent my College for five years is something I’m very thankful for. GPRC is a great school and I appreciate my time there and ability to complete my schooling, while getting to play the sport I love.
What advice would you have for a current student athlete at GPRC?
Rojas: My advice to a current student athlete would be to take advantage of all the opportunities that playing a competitive sport at the collegiate level provides and to enjoy every moment before it is over. Listen to your coaches, trainers and mental trainers (Matt Bain) - they have so much to offer that can help you to improve both as an athlete and a person. It is so important to do what you can and work your hardest as an individual to benefit both yourself and your teammates. It is also important to focus on academics, as that stays with you after your days as an athlete are over.
Cartier: Soak it in. Every single moment. Go the extra mile. Every single time. Your hard work will always pay off, but regrets will always linger. Feed that hungry wolf and focus on your health, studies, and your passion. It passes by with a blink of an eye, so relish the experience and live in the moment.
Fraser: Some advice that I have for current student athletes is to just enjoy your time here! There will be good days and there will be bad days, but you will remember this time for the rest of your life. Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun, there are so many opportunities to succeed at GPRC!
Noppibul: My advice for a current student athletes at GPRC would be to enjoy these years. These are some of the best years of your life. Put in the work in the off-season, create everlasting memories, and really cherish the opportunity to play the sport you love while getting an education. Once it’s over, you’ll miss it, so make the most of the time you have there.
Learn more about the GPRC Wolves Men’s Soccer team here.
Find the GPRC Wolves on social media here.
