Brandon University Athletics

Third-year defender Taylor Blue of the BU soccer team has earned Male Athlete of the Month accolades. This is the second time that Blue has been named Athlete of the Month after earning the award in the first month of his rookie season in September 2014.
 
This year, the Brandon co-captain has raised the leadership bar to another level. The up-and-coming Bobcats feature 11 rookies and Blue has backed the young core.
 
“The other players see his skill level on the field and they see how important he is to our team,” said coach Jesse Roziere. “He brings that intensity and without that intensity we would be a different team. He really sets the tone in that regard.”
 
Blue anchors the defence alongside three first-year freshmen including Adam Hay. Hay believes Blue has exceeded expectations for his play on the field and his determined demeanor off it.
 
“I can honestly say that every time I make a mistake he covers for me,” said Hay with a laugh. “It takes the pressure off me and makes it a lot more forgiving of a game for me in my first year. He is a great player and he leads by example.”
 
Blue and the Bobcats are near the .500 mark with a 2-3-1 record going into action this weekend at the Healthy Living Centre field. BU plays St. Boniface on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. and ACC at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Sunday showdown completes the Prowler Cup series between the cross-town rivals for Brandon bragging rights.