Capers add gifted midfielder to championship line-up

Jason Hartill primed for east coast athletic, academic adventure

By Corey LeBlanc

A dynamic midfielder from a picturesque Ontario hamlet – a highly-regarded student-athlete with a high ceiling – is one of the latest recruits to sign with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's soccer program.

"I am really looking forward to it," Jason Hartill says of kicking off his first training camp in late August with the winners of the past six Atlantic University Sport (AUS) banners.

CBU head coach Deano Morley describes signing Hartill, who grew up in Carleton Place – a town in eastern Ontario located just a half-hour outside of Ottawa, as "very exciting."

Noting his prowess as a goal scorer, the veteran Caper bench boss says, "Jason is a brilliant player."

Morley adds that the vision and tenacity of the 19-year-old are second-to-none.

"He can put the ball away."

When asked about the introduction to his beloved sport, Hartill speaks of continuing a family tradition of sorts – one shared with his father, Bruce (one of his first coaches), and older sister, Lisa.  

"We all love it," he offers proudly.

After playing the first four minor soccer seasons in his hometown, Hartill and his family decided that – for his U9 campaign – he would join the highly-touted West Ottawa Soccer Club.

"It was time to play at a higher level," he remembers.

The move also provided him with the chance to compete with his peers; in Carleton Place, Hartill consistently took the pitch with teammates and opponents at least two years older.

His association with the organization spanned the U10 to U17 classifications.

While playing U17 in the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL), he caught the attention of Toronto Football Club (TFC) Academy officials, who eventually offered him an invitation to a week-long March break camp. One week after that experience, Hartill received a permanent pitch from TFC Academy.

Hartill has also made the cut – at the U16 and U18 levels – with Team Ontario.

"I always watched it on TV – and I always wanted to be on the field," he offers when asked about his affinity for the sport.

And, with his father employed at a soccer dome, that connection only deepened; the younger Hartill was could frequently be found either kicking a ball around on the sideline or sharpening his skills on the field.

"I have never been far from the game – I have always loved it," he offers.

During his career, Hartill – for the most part – has patrolled the midfield.

"I like to get involved – be on the ball," he explains of his affection for the position.

Hartill points to his passing and vision as strengths of his game.

"I am pretty strong," he says of his "technical ability on the ball."

Although not "extremely fast," Hartill notes his "quickness" on the pitch, particularly in "tight spaces."

Considering the dynamic offensive talent that will be around him, Morley offers that the "highly-skilled" student-athlete should "blossom."

Describing him as "brave," he adds that Hartill "takes responsibility" for the chances that he takes on the attack.

Morley also praises his "desire to win the ball back," which he offers will serve the newcomer well at the university level.

As for his path to signing with the Capers, Hartill says he had been "looking at the east coast."

With his focus on pursuing his university opportunity "somewhere he has never been," Hartill notes that he had options in the U.S., but he decided heading south of the border was not his preference.

"Deano reached out," he remembers of connecting with Morley and the CBU program through a mutual acquaintance – one of his former coaches.

Even though "Obviously, I had heard about the [CBU men's] program," Hartill says he "explored further" and – the more he discovered – the more he liked what he heard.

"They have such a great championship history," he adds, which helped cement his desire to become a Caper.

As for what he needs to work on to prepare for his first university training camp in late August, Hartill talks about "finishing."

"Scoring more goals – I want to get as many as I can," he explains.

On the academic side, Hartill has enrolled in CBU's Sport and Physical Activity Leadership (SPAL) program.

"I haven't fully decided," he says of his career aspirations, other than pursuing any potential professional soccer opportunities.

As for options related to his scholastic endeavours, Hartill mentions areas such as coaching, strength and conditioning, and sports science.

"Jason is a very good student – someone with tremendous academic ability," Morley says.

He adds how "incredibly important" success in the classroom is when it comes to any student-athletes that are being recruited by the CBU men's soccer program.

Whether it is in the classroom or on the pitch, Hartill wants his first season in Caper orange to be a memorable one. His focus includes contributing to CBU's quest for a seventh consecutive AUS crown, not to mention a push for U SPORTS gold as national championship tournament hosts.

"I can't wait to get started," he says.  

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