By: Stephen Johnson
Photo: Scott Grant
If you saw a 6’2, 295 pound cyclist riding along the pathways of Ottawa this summer, it was probably just Keith Shologan going to work. “My wife and I only have one vehicle right now,” said the Ottawa REDBLACKS defensive lineman. “Ottawa-Gatineau is an amazing place to cycle with all the bicycle paths. We live close to the pathway so I just bike to and from practice.”
As a child, Shologan did not dream about playing football. “I was in grade four and a friend asked me to come out and play,” remembered Shologan. “I was too young for the age limit but when the coach saw how big I was for my age, he wanted me to play. I thought, why not, and loved it.”
Shologan credits football for helping to provide guidance growing up. “Before, I started playing football, I didn’t really excel at much. I started to get good at football and that gave me confidence in all aspects of my life. I went from not doing well in school to becoming an honours students. I attribute that from the confidence gained playing a sport I loved.”
Shologan would transition a successful high school football resume into a football scholarship at the University of Central Florida. “It was incredible to be playing in front of 45,000 people. We were a Divison I school so we played against many of the top university teams in the country.”
After university, Shologan would have a very brief career in the NFL. “I was signed by the San Diego Chargers and was with them for about a half cup of coffee,” joked Shologan. “When I was cut by San Diego, I immediately signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.”
Shologan would have a successful career with the Roughriders appearing in three Grey Cups. “I say that I am glad we won one Grey Cup, was awarded top Canadian in another and learned how to count in my first Grey Cup – (In reference to the infamous too many men on the field penalty Saskatchewan received in the 2009 Grey Cup. This penalty would contribute to them losing the game, 28-27, to Montreal.)”
When the REDBLACKS drafted Shologan in the 2013 CFL expansion draft, Shologan was not even in the country. “My wife and I were visiting her family in Austria. At first, I was quite surprised but became excited to become part of something brand new.”
So far, Shologan has loved his time with the new franchise in Ottawa. “It would be nice to have a few more wins but I feel like we are putting together the building blocks of a winning team. Everyone from the management to the coaches have been first class. I must also mention the support from the fans. Coming to Ottawa, I did not know what the reaction would be like but the fans have just been incredible. They have made it a fun experience.”
When Shologan is not playing football, he is still very busy. He is married with one child with another on the way. He also enjoys being active in the community. “When I was with Saskatchewan, I spoke at schools about the importance of setting goals and participating in sports. I was also active with the Red Cross for their pink shirt day which emphasizes anti-bullying and making the right choices. I look forward to being involved in the Ottawa-Gatineau community when the football season is done.”
With the REDBLACKS having recently re-signed Shologan to a one year extension, he will continue to have the opportunity to make an impact on and off the field in Ottawa-Gatineau.
