There's no feeling quite like being on the field for Will Miner.
He wasn't sure how often he would think about it or want to play the game when he started nine years ago. Turns out, it's pretty much all he thinks about, and his drive is higher than ever. The Dauphin star started playing rugby nine years ago.
Throughout his journey, Miner has made a name for himself. Not only locally as one of the top players in the Parkland, but across the entire province. Miner competed with Team Manitoba at the Canadian Rugby Championships, the Alberta Rugby Championships, and also had the chance to try out for the national team in Vancouver. In 2022, also toured Ireland. The game has taken the Dauphin star all over the world.
He's a special player, and nothing has been handed to him. Miner has earned every opportunity and works tirelessly to become the best player he can be.
Earlier this month, Will found out he would once again compete on the national stage. This time, under some of the brightest lights in all of the sport at this age. The 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
"I was pretty ecstatic when I found out. It wasn't much of a surprise, I sort of knew I made the team coming in," offered Miner. "It was still an exciting moment."
Everything was set. The team, jerseys, and a charter flight to one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Miner was ready to show off his talents and compete with his teammates on one of the grandest stages of them all.
Excited to hit the field, the team struggled out of the gates. They dropped four straight matches in pool play against Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick. Heading to the consolation bracket, Miner helped Manitoba win their first game of the event. They crushed Yukon, 29-5. They looked to make it back-to-back wins to cap off the event; however, they fell against Prince Edward Island, 7-33.
It wasn't the result the team was looking for, but it was still an experience that Miner will never forget.
"It was really cool. You got the chance to check out the competition that you might play in future years. I thought I had been playing for a long time, but some of these guys have been playing since elementary," said Miner. "It's nice to hit the field and see what you can work on and see what others have been able to accomplish."
Miner says he made some mistakes, but he was pleased with his efforts. That's the type of player Will is. Will trusts the grind. Mistakes? They don’t shake him — they fuel him. With Will on your team, you know exactly what you’re getting: relentless work ethic, unwavering dedication, total commitment, and a passion that drives every play.
Will also had a chance to continue doing what he loves to do with five friends who are near and dear to his heart. Scott Gower, Matthew Zurba, Joseph Lopez, and Oliver Dandeneau were also on the team. The five Parkland stars proved that no matter where you come from, small or big, you can make it big with dedication and a ton of hard work.
"That was really cool. I've been playing with them for nine years, and we are great friends," offered Miner. "I've gotten really close with them over the years."
As Will looks back on his first Canada Summer Games, he's also reflecting on his time with the Dauphin Clippers rugby team. He played all four years of high school with them, and the results were incredible. Miner helped the team win three straight league championships and a provincial bronze this past season.
"I don't know if stepping stone is the right word, but it was definitely a launch off career-wise," ended Miner. "Over the four years playing with them, our team built some amazing chemistry, and the results showed."
Miner and the rest of the team will enjoy the next few days in St. John's before boarding a charter flight to return on Sunday.
