September 1999

(reprinted from the September 1999 issue of the National Football Events "Gridiron Gazette"
www.nationalfootballevents.com

Brad Haydu * #21 * DB/KR * Bellingham Eagles * age ? * 5'10" * 180 lb

1998 NWFL Third Team All-League Kick Returner
1998 NWFL Third Team All-League Punt Returner

Here's an unusual twist in minor league football. Two Canadians, Brad Haydu on the west coast, and Vince Kuziomko on the eastern end, cross the international border at lest four times a week to participate in American football for U.S. based teams. Three of the days are consumed in practices and the precious weekend is game day for these two highly motivated Canadians.

Haydu is from Vancouver and Kuziomko is from Montreal. In Haydu's case, after playing junior football in British Columbia, he tried out for the B.C. Lions in 1995. Considered too small by his hometown pro team, the Lions suggested he play in the States. So Brad decided to make the hour drive to Bellingham, Washington and play for the Eagles. He's been their wide receiver, defensive back, punter, and kick and punt return specialist ever since.

For both these men, it is more than playing football. These nuances that are not common with the typical player. For example, there is the border crossing. They have to be checked out. Haydu switched from a care to a motorcycle and that seemed to improve his presence. The guards began to recognize him with a smile and a

friendly wave of the hand. They even wished him luck. Brad would often leave tickets for his new found fans.

Haydu travels some 100 miles, which takes him about an hour. Before he switched to his motorcycle, he estimated that it cost him $50.00 a week in gas. Then, there is the time frame involved in football and his normal working day. Brad leaves Vancouver at 5:00 PM and then arrives home about 10:30 PM. At 8:00 the next morning, he reports to work at an automotive shop. When Brad tells you that he is sometimes tired, that is a true understatement. "I have an understanding boss". commented Brad. "He lets me sleep in on days after practice."

Traveling such distances has been good practice. "heck, I drove 26hours to get to the Casino Bowl (Las Vegas, NV)", responded Brad with the clincher.

What does the future hold for these two Canadians? "Well, I'm getting married in November". said Haydu. "I will have family responsibilities and that's my top priority. Football has been fun but I may continue with touch football in Canada."