By Drew Wilson

Rybinski plans to conquer football world

May 25, 2011 | 6:22 AM

David Rybinski of Kinistino has been named to Team Canada for the World Football Championships July 8 to 16 in Austria.

paNOW's Drew Wilson spoke with the three-year veteran of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies about the upcoming international event and what led up to his placing on the National team.

Wilson: “When did you get the indication from Football Canada that you are going to be playing for your country at the World Championships?”

Rybinski: “I was at work at Kal Tire..it would have been at the end of April and I just got a call from a number I didn't know, from Ontario I guess, and on the other end of the line was Larry Haylor the Head Coach of Team Canada informing me I had been selected to the roster.”

Wilson: “Was it a surprise?”

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Rybinski: “It wasn't so much of a surprise, I was just really excited because I was confident in what I had accomplished here at the U-of-S under the coaching of Brian Towris and the incredible coaching staff that I knew had the ability to play at that level. I was just hoping I would fit the agenda they were looking for…the type of player and I guess I did. They said they were really excited and that made me really excited because I was just blown away that I am going to play for Team Canada.”

Wilson: “As a Defensive Tackle what do you think it was that caught their attention?”

Rybinski : “I believe that for my size at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, I still run an under-5.1-40 (40 yards in just over 5 seconds) I'm quick, I'm strong with a maximum bench press of 475 pounds and I can get the opposing O-Lineman moving and I can sometimes jump around him and get to the quarterback, at the same time with my frame I fill gaps and I've been effective in helping the team stop the run in my football career so I think that really caught the coach's eye.”

Wilson: “David how did you get interested in the game and how were you able to develop in a small community?”

Rybinski : “I never really got the opportunity to play in Kinistino because there was no program there, but I can remember as a kid going to a Labour Day Classic game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and just thinking…yes… this is what I want to do, and although I was from a Hockey town and played Hockey through to my Junior years I developed a love for Football…a passion for Football, and I can remember I think the summer after grade 8 was the longest summer I ever had because I finally got the opportunity in grade 9 to play Football with the Melfort Comets and that summer just crawled by. I can remember having a football with me every single day just waiting for it and when it came it was just incredible and I just fell in love with the sport and it carried me through to Junior with the Regina Thunder and then I was fortunate enough to be caught on the recruiting radar of Brian Towris and wound up here with the Huskies.”

Wilson: “Are you going through similar feelings right now awaiting the start of the World Championships?”

Rybinski: “Oh yeah… I'm definitely counting the days and just waiting…trying to do everything I can to to put myself in the best position come the tournament opener in July”.

Wilson: “Do you have pro aspirations?”

Rybinski: “Most definitely, this is a great opportunity for that. I know that it's being announced (team roster) across the country and hope my performance at the world's and next season with the Huskies (4th season) will help show the CFL scouts I've got what it takes to play at the next level.”

Wilson: “Who would you like to thank or do you have any parting comments?”

Rybinski: “I'd just like to add that playing for Team Canada in all honesty is just a dream come true. I've always been a huge fan of the World Junior Hockey Championships and when I gave up Hockey in favour of Football I thought I would have to give up that dream too and with the opportunity it's been great for me, my morale, my confidence and it's been exciting for me, my family and all the communities I've been involved with and I would just like to thank everyone for their continued support as I go forward in my Football career.”

dwilson@rawlco.com