Versatile Solie getting his kicks doing double duty for Hilltops
Talented kicker brings new element to offence when he lines up at receiver
The Saskatoon Hilltops filled not one, but two needs, when they welcomed David Solie into the fold.
They got a placekicker to boot field goals and converts. They also got a clutch receiver. Call it a pigskin bonus.
“We were certainly excited about the special teams (play) that he brings, but he brings a different element to the offence, too,” says longtime Toppers head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team, already 2-0 in the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference, heads to Winnipeg this weekend to face the Rifles (1-1).
“We’re only going to explore that and use that (offensive) skill more.”
Solie has seven catches for 106 yards through two games. He’s added three field goals on five attempts.
“It’s tough, at times, because you’re running up and down the field (as a receiver) — you’ve got to calm yourself down for the kicks — but Sarge has been very good about that,” said Solie. “If he knows a kick is coming, he’ll take me off for a play, just so I get a breather. I can go back in and kick. Other than that, it’s phenomenal.
“It’s two of my favourite things. Being able to do both is special to me.”
Solie, at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, is in his second year of eligibility after transferring from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Solie admits he wasn’t on any sort of academic path. No direction. No focus.
“I was taking classes just for the sake of taking classes so I could play football,” he said.
“And my brother plays there (U of S), so I was hoping to play with him.”
Solie says there was a lot of stuff going on in his Grade 12 year that proved to be tough, mentally.
“I went to university not exactly knowing what I wanted to do. When the time came, I was’t really motivated for the school aspect, so I took a step back from school and I asked Sarge, and he said, sure, I could come and try out and see if I could find a space to fit in.
“I took a step back from school and decided to play Hilltops this year.”
Solie’s older brother, Jacob, is a defensive back with the Huskies.
Their dad, Greg, also played Huskies football. Their cousin, Ben Solie, is a former Hilltops defensive back and uncle Dale Solie played linebacker for the Toppers. Football’s in Solie’s blood, but young David began with that other football.
Soccer was his calling.
“I started really young and I had to make the choice, whether it was football or stick with soccer,” said Solie, who played for Eastside and went through the Whitecaps Academy program under Bryce Chapman.
“I had to make the decision and I chose football.”
Solie, who began playing Kinsmen Football League in Grade 7, played both sports for a few years before settling on the gridiron game.
Sargeant, for one, is happy for that decision.
“First things first, when I had the pleasure to meet David, what stood out is that he’s just a real character individual who’s got some passion for the game of football and obviously some talent,” said Sargeant.
“When he kicks the ball, there’s a different sound there. The sky’s the limit for his potential as a kicker, but what really stands out — and we knew we were going to have an outstanding offence this year — is how he’s really complemented our offensive package.
“Boy, he’s great after the catch. He knows how to high-point the ball and use his body effectively. He brings a dynamic energy on special teams to the offence.
“We really respected and appreciated his game and we believe we can help develop him more to becomes more of a prime-time player for the Saskatoon Hilltops.”
Solie, who played high school football at Holy Cross, represented Canada at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas as a member of the national under-19 team.
The sky’s the limit for his potential as a kicker, but what really stands out ... is how he’s really complemented our offensive package.
These days, he’s a high-stepping Hilltop and loving it.
“I’m used to play high-calibre football, but, coming out here, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into. Tom has run this team for I don’t know how many years now, and he’s done a superb job. Every one in the locker-room is getting along, and on the field calling the plays. I give props to Coach Sargeant.”