Image: Joanne Hewitt / G.W. Graham wide receiver Braeden Macdonald has been equally impacted by the abrupt cancellation of the Simon Fraser University football program, as Macdonald was on the verge of signing a scholarship with the Red Leafs. Macdonald had 39 receptions for 500 yards and 5 TDs in his senior year with the Grizzlies last year.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W. Graham receiver Braeden Macdonald

G.W. Graham wide receiver Braeden Macdonald equally devastated by SFU football closure

Apr 7, 2023 | 5:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — G.W. Graham standout wide receiver Braeden Macdonald couldn’t believe the news about the sudden closure of the Simon Fraser University football program when teammate Lucas Feaver dialed him up earlier this week.

Macdonald, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior wide receiver who had 39 catches for 500 yards and 5 TDs during the Grizzlies’ run to the provincial title game in 2022, was in disbelief to the point that he thought Feaver was pulling a fast one.

“Lucas called me telling me about how SFU no longer has a football program,” said Macdonald, who posted a 3.2 GPA. “I thought he was lying until I saw the post on Twitter. I was devastated.”

Like Feaver, Macdonald went to nearly all the spring camp practices, as well as SFU’s spring football game. Feaver had signed a scholarship and gained acceptance into the Beedie School of Business at SFU.

“I was super devastated and didn’t even know what to do,” Macdonald said. “I was about to sign the papers for the [scholarship] offer they gave me, which was an athletic scholarship.”

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His scholarship offer would have started at $3,500 and increased contingent on how well he played, he pointed out.

Macdonald says it would have been the ultimate experience to play alongside Feaver given their long history of being teammates.

“That would have been the best, since we have been playing together for seven years,” Macdonald said. “It would have been amazing to play with him at the next level. There are still opportunities in the future.”

Macdonald says he’s talking to a couple colleges. He tweeted on Thursday, April 6: “Recruitment open,” to indicate that he’s essentially free to sign with any college that shows interest in him.

His Hudl profile showing his season highlight remains open at: hudl.com/v/2Jjd1v.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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G.W. Graham wide receiver Braeden Macdonald equally devastated by SFU football closure

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