Neumann's Notes: Chasing football players instead of chicken

CALGARY –  University of Calgary Dinos pure freshman defensive lineman Ben Haden has spent time chasing chickens. He is now focusing on chasing oppositing offensive players in Canada West football.

One of the youngest members on this year's team, Haden saw a regular turn in the defensive rotation in the Dinos' opening regular season contest against the University of Regina Rams, as well as seeing action on a variety of special teams. 

"Chasing and catching chickens was my job," stated Haden, who was employed by Mountain View Poultry in Okotoks, AB., where he grew up just south of Calgary. 

Defensive line coach Chris Anstey was impressed with the young newcomer's performance against established players in the conference and graduates of junior football Friday evening.

"Ben has the poise of a veteran player and has the physical characteristics," Anstey stated. "He is one of the top players to join our program and graded out very well in his first regular season game against older, veteran players in Canada West football and graduates from junior football programs."

Haden joined the Dinos directly from the outstanding program Matt Hassett runs for the Holy Trinity Academy Knights in Okotoks. Haden helped lead them to the Provincial 3A championship last year. He was also was a key member of the Alberta Provincial team that were bronze medalists at the 2024 Canada Cup tournament held in Regina. He was also on Team Alberta in 2023 and won a pair of provincial titles in rugby. 

Haden was heavily recruited, having numerous offers from U SPORTS schools before committing to Calgary. 

"I chose Calgary as I felt it was the best fit for me and I like the Calgary community," stated the 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end who made an official visit to the University of Regina and hopes to become an architect. 

"I had a bit of nerves to begin with but it was a lot of fun," stated Haden, who will celebrate his 18th birthday Friday evening when the Dinos host the University of Manitoba Bisons. "The biggest difference is the size," stated Haden, who played his youth football for the Foothills Eagles. 

Haden also acknowledges the play calling is more complex at the post-secondary level. 

"In high school, play calling is at the surface level. Here, everyone is expected to know a high level of play calling," Haden stated. 

Ben is wearing number 96. The last two players to wear that number both were drafted in the Canadian Football League as defensive ends. Matt Carson was selected by Toronto in 2018 and Josh Hyer by Hamilton in 2023.

Ben Haden is hoping to follow their footsteps chasing down opposing offensive players.