Morgan Fleck was in grade three when the Parkland Pirates youth rugby program launched.
Some of his friends decided to try it out and Morgan then gave it a go. Years later, the Pirates program is going as strong as ever and so is Morgan. From Dauphin, Morgan quickly fell in love with the game and come next month, he will be on one of the biggest stages in Manitoba sports competing in the Manitoba Summer Games.
The rugby competition will be played at KIN Field in Dauphin, which is home to the Pirates, the Clippers rugby program, and the Mavericks Rugby Club. Morgan is one of 12 players on the 17U West Team. It will be a team that has gold-medal aspirations. In past conversations with team coach Aaron Miner, the team has their eyes on the main prize.
"I love playing rugby, I love my teammates, and coaches," said Fleck. "It's a great sport and I have made so many lifelong friends playing it."
Morgan says the sport came pretty quickly to him when he first started playing in grade three. His passion and dedication to honing his craft on the field has allowed the Dauphin star to make a name for himself.
"I wouldn't say I'm an all-star on the field," offered Fleck. "With that said, I believe I can hold my own, I'm pretty confident in my abilities."
When asked how it feels to be getting the opportunity to compete in this historic week-long event, it means everything to him.
"I was thrilled when I found out," said Fleck. "I'm honoured to have this chance to compete on such a big stage with my teammates, it means a lot."
Fleck also plays on the high school team and enjoyed a solid season on the field with them which led the team to the provincial championships this past season. Off the pitch, Fleck has also been playing basketball for many years.
He has been playing the game since grade five which included playing junior high at Mackenzie Middle School and he's now been a two-year member of the Clippers basketball program, playing with the junior varsity team. Morgan will now advance to the varsity team next season.
Before that, he will show off his skills against the best in the province. Already set to play on the 17U rugby 7s team, Fleck has also cracked the roster for the 16U basketball team. Morgan practices with his teammates twice a week for three hours and loves every moment.
"It's awesome to be on the court with the guys," said Fleck.
Competing at the Manitoba Summer Games is something that has been in the works for years for Morgan. He is great friends with many of his teammates and come kickoff on the pitch and tip-off on the court, he's ready to represent the Parkland region.
"I have been playing with this same group of guys since grade three and five," offered Fleck. "We have a wonderful opportunity to show off the chemistry that we have built over the years."
It will be a week to remember as more than 1800 athletes from across the province, including many from the Parkland will battle for gold medals in 12 different sports. Host venues include Manipogo Provincial Park (sailing), Gilbert Plains Country Club (golf), Clear Lake (triathlon), and Credit Union Place (volleyball), to name a few.
It will be a great thrill for all athletes and families and 730CKDM will continue to provide extensive coverage leading up to and during the event.
"I'm looking forward to playing with a bunch of great athletes, staying in the athlete's village for a week will be awesome," ended Fleck.
