Jessie Newman's Big Move from West Coast rugby to Sun Belt football

**NewsCopy** · February 9th, 2006, 03:55 am

CANADIAN MADE: Offensive lineman Jesse Newman is a long way from home. Originally from Powell River, Jesse is attending University of Louisiana on a football scholarship.

Former Powell River resident Jesse Newman changed sport and earned a scholarship to the University of Louisiana

Football in the United States is as big as hockey in Canada. One Powell River resident has gone south to experience it for himself. Jesse Newman is attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) on a football scholarship.

Jesse spent his formative years in Powell River. He played rugby for the Powell River Junior Otago rugby club. After a growth spurt, the six-foot four-inch, 305-pound teen looked for a way to play football.

Jesse's father, Robert Newman, who had played tight end for University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, encouraged Jesse to play. Jesse moved in with Robert's mother. "I'm sure he convinced her to take me in," says Jesse. "She was awesome. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be able to play football."

Jesse's grandmother, Sarah Newman, lived in Tsawwassen. Jesse enrolled in South Delta Secondary School and played strong tackle. "Most teams had a right and left side [tackle]. This team had a strong and a quick tackle."

Jesse made it to the Senior Bowl, in which all the top BC senior students get together for a game. "I was MVP [most valuable player] for the offensive line. It was a pretty nice start, for sure."

The rest of the story

Ted Durnin
Peak Reporter