High school move proved Wise choice for receiver

This was never meant to be a showcase.

Good thing, because the final tally — 76-0 — reeks of mismatch over every square inch of turf.

The friendly probably seemed like a grand idea. After all, the Peace River Pioneers had a bye in their 2013 high-school football schedule, so why not test themselves against a provincial powerhouse?

Calgary’s Henry Wise Wood Warriors obliged.

And the Pioneers absorbed that terrible hiding.

Yet, somewhat impossibly, one of the youngest players intrigued the Warriors.

Kelton Bailey’s performance was not particularly gripping — three catches, he thinks — but, apparently, his pre-game routine was. One of the Wise Wood staffers told the Grade 10 kid: “Even watching you warm up, we could tell you were a special athlete.” Really? Really. “I’ve always been the kind of person to prep the best I can — start earlier, do my own thing," Bailey says. “I guess they noticed it. We got to talking. One of their coaches said, ‘Have you ever thought about moving?’ ” Far-fetched? Hardly. Bailey was indeed considering the possibility of changing schools to facilitate his football career.

“Always something that was in the back of my mind,” he says. “Once my parents (Hugh and Tanna) realized how serious I was about it, they were on board. They said, ‘Play your Grade 10 year here. After that, we’ll figure out what’s best. We’ll do our best to get you to a better situation.’ ” Wise Wood fit the bill. Bailey made it happen, leaving Peace River — five hours northwest of Edmonton. He lived with a family friend for Grades 11 and 12, ramping up a receiving resume that now includes 2015 Calgary Division 1 player of the year.

“Looking back on it, I couldn’t imagine the type of person I’d be without that move,” the 18-yearold says.

“Being on my own so early and being around so many great mentors and coaches and players … they had such great influence on me in how I grew both as a man and as a football player.

“Without Wise Wood, I don’t think I’d be nearly at the level I am right now.”

Not surprisingly, schools on both sides of the border showed interest. This served as validation for his abilities, for his decisions. It was never a distraction. “I set this goal when I was in the ninth grade. I always kept my head down and worked toward it. It didn’t put any added pressure on because I always expected it to come. This is what I worked for, this is what I wanted. So when it finally came, it was just another step of the process, right?”

There were nibbles from Eastern Washington University — Bailey twice attended summer camps in Cheney — and enthusiastic pleas from Canadian schools, which he pared to two: McMaster and Calgary.

In January, he committed to the Dinos.

“I wanted to be around something that was almost like a family,” Bailey says during spring camp’s opening day at McMahon Stadium. “They put more than just football first. “You’re best friends with those guys — they’re your brothers. I wanted to be around a program like that.

“The other thing? Going to an excellent program, one that’s proven itself and competes well every year. Calgary, in my opinion, not only was it the best program in the Canada West (conference), regardless of what happened last year, it was also a great atmosphere.”

Some universities made enticing pitches — like ensuring a starter’s role — but that kind of perk doesn’t register with Bailey.

“I feel that I’m the type of person and the type of athlete that can come in and compete right away … and give myself an opportunity to play.”

Friday marked the first day — in pads and helmet — with the Dinos. For Bailey and the rest of the recruits — including, tellingly, a handful of fellow Warriors — this means it is real.

“It starts to sink in … it’s actually finally happening,” says Bailey, 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. “It’s been a long process, over the last two years, of picking a school and getting into the program. Now that it’s finally come, it’s extremely exciting.”

Now he’s steeling himself for freshman classes in fall and the burden of expectation on the field — starting right now.

“Even (Friday), I did feel somewhat under pressure just because there’s a certain degree (of responsibility) to perform. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted — the position I’ve wanted to be in. I am nervous, I am under a little bit of pressure, but I think that’s common. It only helps — I honestly and truly believe that.

“I’m excited for whatever comes.”