Will Chapman – the consummate student-athlete

X-Man tackles athletics, academics and career with passion

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH – If any university head coach wanted to build the consummate student-athlete, they wouldn't have to look any further than the STFX campus for a blueprint because that's where you will find Will Chapman.

The fifth-year offensive guard with the X-Men football team continues to excel athletically and academically – not to mention professionally – as a key contributor to the White and Blue as they shoot for a third consecutive Loney Bowl title this weekend on home turf at STFX Stadium.

While fashioning his second straight spot on the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) all-star team – as an anchor of the top offense in the conference – the multi-time Academic All-Canadian has been taking courses in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business, along with contributing to the football team's tradition of giving back to the campus and broader Antigonish communities.

And, if that wasn't enough, Chapman has been working full-time as the Director of Finance and Accounting with Breathe BioMedical – a cutting edge and innovative Canadian medical technology company based in Moncton.

"It is a big commitment, but it is something that I want [to do]," he offered of juggling such a hectic schedule.

Chapman added, "It is really busy, but I love it."

He noted that he is "very proud" of what he has been able to accomplish while balancing his athletic, academic and career responsibilities.

As for how he has been able to thrive in fulfilling such demands, Chapman said, "I have always taken pride in being the hardest worker."

Tackling football

That unmatched work ethic has been a key ingredient in his athletic pursuits, including success on the gridiron at the high school, provincial and now university levels.

"I've enjoyed it so much – it has always been a lot of fun," Chapman said of his passion for football.

The seeds were planted early; he watched the game with his father, Peter, while his grandfather played the sport.

As a youngster he played other sports, including hockey, but he realized early on that his brightest future would be found in football.

Chapman donned the helmet and pads for the first time in Grade 5, and the rest – as they say – is history.

"The thinking part of the game really appealed to me," he offered.

And, Chapman added with a laugh, "I loved the physicality."

Like most young football athletes, he played both offense and defense.

"It was great having the chance to play a lot of positions," Chapman noted.

He described taking the field on both sides of the ball as the "nature of the beast."

When Chapman settled on playing offensive line, it wasn't a tough decision; he had always favoured that side of the ball.

"It requires a cerebral skill set," he said of its appeal to him.

After gaining experience and sharpening his skills at the minor football level, the then Grade 9 student secured a spot on the Team Nova Scotia U17 squad that attended the Spalding Cup in 2016.

One year later, Chapman returned to the national championship stage with the U18 provincial team. As part of that roster – one that kicked off in the Canada Cup at Acadia in Wolfville – he played for offensive coordinator Dave Van Den Heuvel, an Antigonish native, who now holds the same position with the STFX X-Men program.

"We see the game in the same way," Chapman said of the connection with his X-Men mentor.

Donning White and Blue

Noting how he received "great exposure" to X-Men football – and what it was all about – through that relationship, Chapman said that played an important role in the decision-making process when it came time to choose the right university.

"I thought it was a great fit," he offered of the approach taken by the STFX program.

Nevertheless, that connection served as only one element in his decision to don White and Blue.

"No ifs, ands or buts about it," Chapman said of the need for his university of choice to have a "strong" business or commerce program.

Because of "everything that he brought to the table," Van Den Heuvel thought the veteran student-athlete would be perfect for their program.

He added, "And, considering the person he is, it was a no-brainer."

As for what he brings to the field, X-Men head coach Gary Waterman pointed to his "high football IQ," describing how Chapman anticipates what is going to happen – on both sides of the ball – before it happens.

"Will has gotten better every season – he has become the anchor of our offensive line," the 2023 AUS coach of the year said, while crediting his veteran student-athlete for being "technically sound."

Waterman also praised Chapman for his relationship with younger student-athletes, including sharing his knowledge of the game; showing his leadership and mentorship abilities through both "actions and words."

Van Den Heuvel said, "His ability to process is probably his best asset," noting his knowledge of the "whole offense."

He added, of Chapman melding his aggressiveness, strength and unmatched football IQ, "It is a great combination."

Although it wasn't a smooth start on the football field for Chapman – the X-Men finished last in his freshman season, with a 2-6 record – it didn't take long for a turnaround, one that has included three unbeaten campaigns in the AUS and a potential three-peat as conference champions.

"It is a huge credit to the culture," he offered of the program's achievements in recent seasons.

Success has also come in the classroom for Chapman, including earning Academic All-Canadian status after each varsity season. He graduated with a bachelor of business administration degree – with an advanced major in finance – from STFX's Schwartz School of Business in the spring.

Taking a breath

A centerpiece of his Xaverian academic journey has been his relationship with the company that is now called Breathe BioMedical, which began as a summer internship.

"It has been an unbelievable experience," he said of working for a global leader in developing breath-testing technology that aims to help detect diseases such as breast cancer.

After his freshman year at STFX, Chapman joined the company as a summer intern. When it came time to go back to school for his sophomore year, he remained with the company on a part-time basis. In his junior year, he took on more responsibilities and again doubled his workload in his senior season.

Now, as a full-time employee, his schedule includes weekly round trips from Antigonish to Moncton, where he spends each Monday at the company's head office.

"Will is flexible, hard-working and has an eagerness to learn," company CEO Bill Dawes said.

He added that Chapman has played a "key role in the foundational development of our company."

During his time with Breathe BioMedical, he has worked on a capital raise to help bring in investors and is a key contributor to the preparation of the company's financial statements and budgeting processes. Chapman's role also includes being a member of the company's human resources function.

"You can plug him in anywhere," Dawes said of his versatility.

He praised Chapman for his ability to balance his professional, academic and athletic responsibilities as "impressive."

"Will is so eager to do whatever it take to reach his goals," Dawes offered.

Noting his "incredible level of maturity," he credited Chapman for being "collaborative, cooperative and willing to learn from others."

Everyone with the company looks forward to him joining them on site – on a full-time basis – in mid-December.

"Will has a bright future," Dawes said.

Steely-eyed focus

Waterman called Chapman the "whole package," while offering the word "impressive" to describe his veteran offensive lineman's accomplishments.

"I don't think there are many people who could pull it off," he added of his exhausting schedule.

Like his coaching colleague, Van Den Heuvel praised Chapman for his achievements, including as a mentor to his younger teammates; serving to everyone with the X-Men program as a perfect example of the consummate student-athlete.

"We are super lucky to have him," Van Den Heuvel said, describing his student-athlete as "so well-rounded."

He marvelled at his ability to focus on the task at hand, describing how, when Chapman is on the football field, he is only focused on football. He is a multitasker who is never distracted.

"If anyone could do it, we knew it was Will," he said of tackling such a demanding schedule.

Van Den Heuvel added, "We are all really proud of him."

'My biggest cheerleaders'

When it comes to that predicted bright future, Chapman said it would not have been possible without the great role models who have influenced his growth and development.

"They are my biggest cheerleaders," Chapman said of his "two amazing parents."

He explained how his father Peter – a former corporate employee of grocery giant Loblaws – has also achieved great successes as a consultant and a business owner, while his mother, Marie, has been integral, as its CEO, to the development of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 as a federal Crown corporation.  

"They are unbelievable examples," Chapman added of "successful professionals."

Along with his parents, family and friends, he credited people such as Dawes, Waterman, Van Den Heuvel, his professors and STFX business school dean Tim Hynes – just to name a few – for their guidance and mentorship; not to mention their flexibility and understanding.

"I have so many people to thank for helping me reach my goals," Chapman offered.

As for his alma mater, one that he noted has provided him with so many opportunities, "I don't think I could have done this anywhere else in the country,"

He added, of attending STFX, "I couldn't have made a better choice."

The next chapter in Chapman's unforgettable Xaverian experience will unfold on Saturday when the X-Men shoot for that aforementioned third consecutive Loney Bowl title and AUS banner when they host the Bishop's Gaiters at STFX Stadium.

Opening kick-off is set for 2 p.m. AST.

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