Rick Brooks received a game-changing hand-off from Bradford council Tuesday evening.
Rick accepted the Sports Achievement Award from council on behalf of his son, Aiden Brooks, who couldn’t be present during the regular meeting of council this week.
Mayor James Leduc read a statement from the town in which he praised the 15-year-old football player for making his mark at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham.
“His teammates and coaches describe him as a true team player who values sportsmanship and teamwork above all. During practice, Aiden attempts to push his teammates to their limits and help draw out their true potential. For these reasons, his stellar performance as a quarterback, the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is proud to present Aiden Brooks with this year’s sports achievement award,” he said.
Rick took a moment to let everyone know that Aiden had since taken a scholarship and moved to play football at Kent School in Connecticut, which is why he couldn’t be present that evening.
When reached via text message, Aiden shared his appreciation for the award.
“It feels amazing to win this award. It just shows how the hard work I’m putting in is paying off. I can’t wait to progress throughout the next three years at Kent School and will make the town of Bradford proud,” he said.
During a phone interview, Rick said he was already "very proud" of his son’s accomplishments throughout his football career, which started when Aiden was just seven years old.
“He’s been working really hard to get to this moment. For him to be recognized and for us to accept it on his behalf was an honour,” he said.
Rick explained that because Bradford didn’t have a football program, Aiden attended high school in Markham, where he excelled as a quarterback to the extent that he was scouted by multiple U.S. prep schools, before deciding to attend Kent.
