There were many reasons the Mounties reached a new level of success in 2010 but without any question one key factor was the inspired play of offensive guard Mike Filer, who was recently chosen as a second team All-Canadian after being chosen the tops at his position by the Atlantic University Conference (AUFC).
"When I got the phone call from coach Jeffrey telling me the news I was so excited I dropped the phone," said the 295-pound powerhouse from Brantford.
"I was an All-Conference choice in 2009, second team All-Canadian in 2010 and will be aiming for a first team All-Canadian selection in 2011, as my goal is to one day be a starter with a CFL team."
Filer visited Mount Allison in January 2008 weighing 240 pounds and was told he should put on some weight before training camp was to open seven months later.
His response was a true indication of his commitment to football and his new team.
"I was in the weight room every day and arrived here for camp weighing 280 and now tip the scales at 295, which is what is necessary for success at this level."
Coach Kelly Jeffrey describes Filer as having a tremendous level of commitment to training and as someone "who works hard on his techniques, and he was a big part of the success we enjoyed this season.
"We had a really solid line that made it possible for us to use the running game with success and Mike's physical gifts and attitude made him a leader. Sometimes it takes a couple of years for a player to mature and this young man has excelled in his third campaign.
Meanwhile, line coach Gaetan Richard says Filer has lots of tools and already is as good as any lineman he has coached and is a most coachable young man with loads of talent.
Filer is a graduate of Brantford Collegiate Institute, where he played three years as centre and guard, becoming a serious player in his final season.
"Mount Allison was one of the first schools to talk to me, explaining I would be a good fit in the program and after my visit here I was sold."
He says he was escorted around the campus by Scott Sheffer, an outstanding defensive lineman, and he immediately decided it was here he wanted to come.
With Richard as his coach and veteran Aaron Harper as his mentor he feels he improved at a fast pace, helping his team to their best record in a dozen years. He also notes that another teammate, Chris Munn, offered some helpful hints and he is grateful to both his mates along the line.
Asked why any player would choose to perform on the offensive line – the one position that fans never notice – Filer said it was a love of the game and the respect a person receives from his teammates and especially by the quarterback and running backs.
"We do all the "grunt" work without a whole lot of recognition," he said, "and occasionally the backs will show their appreciation by treating us to a meal."
It is recalled that Eric Lapointe would sometimes take the entire offensive line for dinner to show his appreciation after gaining 290 to 310 yards in a single game.
Under the direction of Richard, Filer has become one of the strongest men on the team and recently squatted 615 pounds three times. And he says the muscles are still developing, which gives him confidence that some day he will be able to play at a new level.
"Each summer I work out regularly with several CFL players from our region and this has been a turning point in my career, although it has been the guidance of coaches Richard and Jeffrey that have improved my play.”
Returning to the weight room following a few days break at the end of the season, Filer says the next immediate goal is to win an AUFC championship.
"If you want to be better you must work harder," he explained.
A one-time hockey player in Brantford, the move to football came early as his body development hampered his skating and maneuverability on the ice. And he says it was one of the best moves he ever made and if he had it to do over again he would still be at Mount Allison.
"Kelly Jeffrey has done a phenomenal job with the football program here and is proving to be a blessing as he puts so much work into his job and now it is time to go out and get him the championship. Pierre Arsenault, the athletic director, is also making a major contribution as he demands nothing but the best from everybody."
Asked which opponent gives him the most problems, Filer didn’t miss a beat in naming Acadia defensive lineman Jake Thomas of Douglas, N.B.
"He is a well skilled athlete who never gives up and we even competed against each other at the national camp to which we had been invited."
Filer said neither he nor Thomas remained with the team, as it would cost $2,000 to play with the club.
As Jeffrey and his staff continue to "shake the bushes" for blue chip talent for 2011 he will do so with confidence that his offensive line, featuring Filer, Munn and Harper, need little adjustment.
Congrats Mike!