Veteran defensive lineman one of the top sackers in U SPORTS

By Corey LeBlanc

Even though he isn't a running back, quarterback or even a receiver in motion, Alex Fedchun spends plenty of time in the back field; more specifically, the opponent's back field.

That's because the dominant 6'5", 245-pound defensive lineman with the STFX X-Men football team ranked second in U SPORTS this season – with nine sacks – while recording the most tackles-for-loss (14.5) in the nation.

"There is nothing better," the all-star lineman says of making that "big" sack or tackle-for-loss at a key point in the game.

Mix those ingredients with 38 tackles – fifth in the AUS – and Fedchun becomes one of the top run stoppers in Canada.

Since heading to the east coast, the Calgary native has developed into one of the most feared defensive players in the country, while helping the White and Blue to back-to-back perfect regular seasons.

"There is still a lot of room for improvement," Fedchun says, although he is "really proud" of his performance this season – one that has helped the physical and stingy X-Men become one of the top defensive units in Canadian university football.

Combined with a high-flying offensive attack – led by quarterback Silas Fagnan (Bonnyville, AB) and running back Malcolm Bussey (Hammonds Plains, NS) – and stout special teams, the X-Men 'D' helped fashion an unblemished 8-0 record in the AUS regular season.

"I think that the biggest thing has been the bond that we have on both sides of the ball," Fedchun says of the program's continuing success.

He adds that the X-Men will take a "next play" approach – one that they have adopted all season – into the 2022 Loney Bowl championship. They will host the Mount Allison Mounties on Saturday, Nov. 12 – at 2 p.m. ADT – in the title tilt at STFX Stadium on the Antigonish campus.

"We will be hungry – we want to win another AUS banner," Fedchun says.

A brotherhood

When it comes to his appetite for the sport, he started feeding it in flag football as a six-year-old. By the time he was eight, Fedchun was hitting the gridiron with the highly-regarded Calgary Wildcats minor program.

"I started to realize I was good at it – in some way, it had my heart," he recalls of his decision, as a 10-year-old playing peewee, to focus on football, although he played – and did well in and enjoyed – other sports, such as basketball.

Noting that he was a "little big bigger" that most of his teammates, it helped feed his love for the sport because he experienced early success.

"There is such an awesome bond – a brotherhood," Fedchun offers of what else deepened his passion for football.

Like most young football athletes, he played both sides of the ball – offense and defense – with his size, once again, keying success as the running back.

Nevertheless, as he has since he was 10, Fedchun gravitated towards the defensive side of the ball, particularly as a lineman.

"I have always loved it," he says, noting the opportunity to "hit someone" on every play.

'Clean-up guy'

As for the strengths of his game, Fedchun talks about his "football IQ."

"I have been playing practically for my whole life," he says of how that has developed.

X-Men head coach Gary Waterman agrees, calling his student-athletes football IQ "really high."

"Not everyone has the natural instincts, the feel for the game, but Alex has it," he adds.

Noting his ability to direct the defense, Waterman credits Fedchun for being "very decisive."

He praises his defensive lineman – describing him as a "clean-up guy," someone who can cover for not only his mistakes, but also those of his teammates.

"Alex is a great team leader who has a lot of fun playing the game," Waterman says, describing that approach as "contagious" and beneficial to his X-Men.

He adds, "Even in practice, he is always smiling and full of energy."

Waterman notes that he is a consummate teammate that "likes to see everyone do well."

The bonds

As for what appealed to the X-Men coaching staff, while they recruited him, Waterman remembers, "We were excited about his talent level."

He says Fedchun had the technical skills, frame and "explosiveness" off the line of scrimmage.

"You never know how a player is going to develop, but Alex has gotten better every season," Waterman says of his now perennial AUS all-star.

After his academics were not up to snuff, which delayed the start of his varsity career with the UBC Thunderbirds, Fedchun took a "gap year." During that time, a visit to the Antigonish campus cemented where he wanted to go to school, regardless of football. Nevertheless, he contacted Waterman to tell him he would be coming to training camp, if his STFX application was accepted.

A couple of days later, the good news arrived, and the rest – as they say – is history.

"Everything was amazing," Fedchun remembers of what has become his home away from home.

One of the benefits offered by his soon-to-be alma mater – small class sizes – along with getting the "little help" he needs, has assisted him in navigating his academics with a learning disability.

Fedchun also praises the "big family" he has become part of as a Xaverian, particularly the players, coaches and everyone involved with the football program.

As for the highlight of his time at STFX, he says, "The close friendships I now have."

Student becomes teacher

Once he hangs up his X-Men jersey in a few weeks and walks across the stage to receive his human kinetics degree next spring, Fedchun hopes to garner an invitation to a Canadian Football League (CFL) combine.

"One hundred per cent," he says of pursuing a professional football career, if the possibility arises.

He also wants to be a school teacher.

"I want to give something back," Fedchun explains of his plan to complete an education degree, which he plans to use to provide students with the opportunities he received – both athletically and academically.

He adds, "I want to try to help kids get the best step forward for success."

One step at a time

Before he heads to the CFL – or the classroom – Fedchun still has business to take care of with the X-Men, starting with a Loney Bowl victory over the Mounties.

"[Head] coach [Gary Waterman] always reminds us not to be complacent – you can't look ahead," he says.

Both formidable opponents, Fedchun explains that the White and Blue will have to "play hard, fast and with a lot of energy," in order to win another AUS banner.

If the X-Men accomplish that achievement, they will reach the final four – having the opportunity to host the 2022 Uteck Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 19, at STFX Stadium against the Hardy Cup (Canada West) champions.

"It would be incredible," Fedchun says of the possibility of playing a national semi-final game on home turf.

The 2022 Vanier Cup – hosted by Western University in London, Ontario – will kick-off at 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Western Alumni Stadium.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Photos 1, 3, 4, 5 - David Cox
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo 2 - Mya Slawter