Head coach describes defender as 'integral' to X-Men soccer program

By Corey LeBlanc

Blake Fenton has left an immediate and lasting impact on the StFX X-Men soccer program.

Since donning the White and Blue for the first time in 2017, when he garnered an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) first-team all-star selection – not to mention a spot on the U SPORTS all-rookie squad, the Halifax native has been a key to Xaverian success on and off the pitch.

"Blake has been an integral part of our program since his arrival," veteran X-Men head coach Graham Kennedy said of his prized student-athlete, one that he described as a "modern day fullback."

That Xaverian success – now in its fifth year – almost didn't materialize.

"It wasn't on the radar," Fenton remembered of StFX when he was going through the university selection process as a high school senior.

Although he had his sights set on joining the AUS rival UNB Reds in Fredericton, a recruiting visit to the Antigonish campus of what soon will be his alma mater changed everything.

"I felt at home right away," Fenton said, noting that has never changed.

He credited Kennedy and his coaching staff – along with the X-Men players – for treating him so warmly.

"You got the feeling – right away – that everyone had your back."

That connection – what Fenton described as a "togetherness" – is one of the reasons that he developed an incredible passion for the sport.

"I have always enjoyed that," he offered of the importance of "relying on each other," in order to be successful in soccer.

As for his beginning on the field, Fenton noted that he "started a bit late."

"I followed them," the then nine-year-old recalled of joining his friends.

Quipping that he loved "kicking the ball," he said that key aspect – one unique to few sports – appealed to him.

"And I loved being able to show off my speed," Fenton offered, in explaining how soccer became his athletic choice.

Early on in what would become a long association with the Halifax City Football Club (FC), the youngster started to receive positive feedback.

"People thought I was pretty good," Fenton offered, with a laugh.

After his first season, many in local soccer circles were encouraging him to attend try outs.

"I kept making teams," he noted.

That interest – and his talent – only continued to grow as he began his association with Soccer Nova Scotia.

One of the highlights of his career with the provincial program came at the U14 level – when he and some of his friends were invited to a national identification camp.

"It was really great – a whole lot of fun," Fenton said of suiting up for Team Nova Scotia a couple of years later at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Describing his team as "underdogs," he noted that they battled Team Ontario, which won gold, to a shootout loss in round robin action.

"It wasn't meant to be," Fenton offered of that defeat.

Along with having the chance to compete with the best players in his age group from across the country, he fondly remembered watching athletes in other sports compete.

"Everything was awesome," Fenton said.

That Games' experience served as a springboard to his highly-successful freshman varsity campaign that kicked off a few weeks later.

"Blake can change games with his pace and his ability to get forward to join the attack. He can penetrate into the opposing penalty area to cross, create cut-backs or score," Kennedy said of the skills that he has brought to the X-Men.

He noted that the veteran student-athlete has also worked tirelessly on his game since joining the White and Blue, including 1-v-1 defending, which the X mentor said has "improved substantially."

"Blake can shut down the best wide players in the league. I especially admire how he defends and wins possession without leaving his feet, and this makes him a tremendous transition player," Kennedy added.

When it comes to highlights of his varsity career, Fenton – not surprisingly, considering his reputation as a team-first player – pointed to the X-Men's 2019 berth in the U SPORTS national championship tournament, the first for the program since 1997.

"It was such an awesome experience," he said, even though – according to him – he didn't play as well as he had hoped during that campaign.

Coming off the high of reaching that level, the X-Men – like countless other programs – had to deal with the disappointment of having the 2020 season wiped out by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Nevertheless, Fenton has been able to put a positive outlook on that unprecedented experience.

"It was so great to train with them and get to know them," he offered of spending time working with his new and returning teammates.

As for the most recent AUS campaign – one in which the X-Men garnered first place in the regular season – it was challenging, with illness interrupting the start and a fractured ankle shelving him down the home stretch.

"It was a tough one," Fenton agreed.

Being bitten by the injury bug didn't stop him from supporting and helping his teammates, upholding his reputation as a key contributor to the X-Men program – both on and off the field.

"Blake is an absolute character who loves to laugh and his innocent enthusiasm adds considerably to our dressing room," Kennedy said.

And, as his head coach noted, Fenton's Xaverian story is much more than his accomplishments – albeit impressive – on the pitch.

"It has been great to have those opportunities," the student-athlete offered of volunteering and giving back to the community.

Along with marching in the annual Antigonish Christmas parade and having a fun-filled evening with youngsters as part of the X Athletes for Charity fundraiser, Fenton has worked with student with disabilities and spent time teaching soccer skills to Syrian refugees.

Even though he has dedicated a lot of time to athletics and community service, Fenton hasn't neglected the academic side of being a student-athlete; he will graduate this spring with his Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in sociology and political science.

"It has always been very appealing," he said of his plan to continue his studies in education – hopefully, at StFX – next fall.

As a teacher, Fenton looks forward to giving back to students – whether in the classroom or as a coach – while providing them with "someone to look up to," which meant so much to him growing up.

"Everyone has always been amazing," he offered, when asked about the challenges he has faced – if any – as a Black athlete.

Fenton appreciates deeply how fortunate he was not to have faced discrimination, something that remains all-too-prevalent in sports.

He noted that – because of the diversity of Halifax City FC – the players of color were sometimes the majority.

And, even if they weren't, it didn't matter; coaches and parents were always supportive of everyone – no matter their skin color. Everyone received equal treatment.

After his time at StFX – whenever that is for the proud Xaverian – Fenton is eying teaching, possibly overseas, and – of course – playing soccer, if the opportunity arises.

"We will see how it goes," he noted of professional opportunities.

No matter where his path leads, Fenton agreed that StFX will always hold a special place in his heart.

"It has been incredible – I have had such a great time."

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