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Th ursday, September 7, 2017 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • 23Serving your community since 1856 Waterloo ChronicleVoluntary Pay Contribution Program We ask you to consider contributing $30 per year towards delivery of your Community Newspaper. Many of our Readers have made the decision to show their support for the Waterloo Chronicle. It is our pleasure to provide the Waterloo area with a Community Newspaper. 630 RIVERBEND DRIVE, UNIT 104, KITCHENER, ON N2K 3S2 fOR MORE INfORMaTION Call 519-623-7395 ext. 260 Yes! I would like to contribute to the Waterloo ChroniclePlease find a cheque for $30 enclosed for a 1 year contribution. Signature: _________________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________________________ address: ___________________________________ City:___________________ Postal Code: ____________________________ Phone #: _______________________________ We Appreciate Your Support! A culture clash Laurier's Kahlon hoping to change the perception of who can play football By Dan Polischuk Special to the Chronicle As process-driven as Laurier Golden Hawks o� ensive line-man Sukhneet (Sukh) Kahlon is, there's no way he would reverse the fast-forward on his OUA career of winning the Yates Cup in his rookie campaign. That said, even as he became the � rst walk-on player in at least a decade to make the jump to starter for the team's season-opener, Kahlon's cel- ebration was quite reserved. "� at's just the beginning of it," said Kahlon, who is also Sikh. Breaking down his expectations as becoming a "starter, all-star and then champion," his mindset is simply that "you can't sit back and relax." "For me, I had the two or three min- utes where I was happy, but then it was back to work." Growing up in Brampton but hav- ing moved to Oakville in tenth grade, Kahlon realized he didn't have the height for basketball or the speed for soccer -- more traditional sports in his culture. "I came to my senses and I liked hitting people," he said with a chuckle, adding, "I gave (football) a shot and ever since then I just had a passion for it. "I was good at something." Designated to the o� ensive line by his coach at the time, Kahlon took to the game quickly -- even if his parents were slower to warm up to it. "Typical to our culture, they just wanted me to study, go get my degree and get a job," said Kahlon. "I wanted to do something differ- ent." As his skills developed with the Halton Cowboys, he joined a Laurier squad which touts former CFLer Irv Daymond as its o� ensive line coach. With Daymond's tutelage came fur- ther progression in Kahlon's play, to the point where he was able to call his mom to share the news of his impend- ing start at home against the Toronto Varsity Blues last week. "From the time I came in, the technique takes some time but you just need to buy in to what Coach Irv is teaching. It pays off," said Kahlon, whose parents, friends and high school coach were in attendance as the Gold- en Hawks cruised to a 39-0 win. With the � rst step in his career pro- gression complete, his parents' enjoy- ment of the sport has grown to the point where "they're excited to watch me play because they know how much I care about football." The passion for the sport extends beyond the sidelines at Knight-New- brough Field though, as Kahlon is also hoping to break a few stereotypes. "Hopefully I'll set a precedent for other kids in my (Indian) community that you just don't have to study and get your degree," he said. "Do that too, but you can play sports and succeed." � e Golden Hawks return to action this weekend against the Carleton Ravens. Game time is 7 p.m. at University Stadium. For more information visit www.laurierathletics.com. SPORTS WATERLOO CHRONICLE SUBMITTED PHOTOS Sukhneet Kahlon approaches the line of scrimmage in game action against the Toronto Varsity Blues last week. He is trying to shake stereotypes as a Sikh football player, and open the game to other kids in the South Asian diaspora. Sukhneet Kahlon enjoys a moment on the sidelines against Toronto.