Now a running back for the BC Lions, Andrew Harris is an alumni of the Eastman Raiders having played from Grade 7 through 9.

Harris says his time with the Eastman Raiders was a great experience which brought him into the game of football and gave him the confidence to springboard into becoming a football player. Harris notes he's thankful to have had the opportunity to play football in Steinbach and adds his time with the Raiders was absolutely crucial to where he is today.

Andrew Harris on the Eastman Raiders at the age of 12. (Photo courtesy of Raiders Days Event)"There was one guy in particular," explains Harris when asked about the influence his coaches had on him as a football player. "Barry McLean, he was actually one of the guys that found me. I was playing outside at a school barbeque, just throwing the football around and he came up to me and said, 'hey, let's get you out and play some football.' My mom was kind of reluctant because of how rough the game was but I was already playing hockey so the two kind of went together. But Barry McLean was definitely one of the guys who got me out to play this wonderful game and I definitely got to tip my hat off to him for seeing and seeking me out and giving me the opportunity to come play."

Harris says football teaches a player a lot of skills including discipline, work ethic and how to be both physically and mental tough. He adds the game of football is meant to be fun and encourages players this Raiders Days Weekend to have fun and enjoy every moment.

"Football is a fun game, it's meant to be fun. Sometimes you take it for granted, now that I'm a professional athlete, but it's still supposed to be fun for us. I miss those days when it was just about going out on the weekend, on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon, and just running around with some of my school mates. So just enjoy the game."