Despite the step back that followed, though some may look at it as more of a sensible lateral move, Morgen Runge was one happy camper getting to sign with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders this past spring.
For the 25-year-old, 6’1″ fullback from Whitecourt, it was a continuation of moments he didn’t see coming, and a culmination of many years’ hard work and perseverance.
“Signing with the Riders was pretty crazy. They had floated some interest in me; I had been watching the draft, and ultimately, my name wasn’t called. That was disappointing, but immediately after the draft ended, I got a call from the assistant general manager who said not to worry and they were still interested. They secured my rights that evening and signed me as an undrafted free agent,” says Runge, an alum of Hilltop High School in Whitecourt.
“In high school, hockey was the main sport for me, and then in Grade 11, I started playing football. I then went and played with the Edmonton Huskies for five seasons, then the University of Alberta called me up and said they wanted me to play which was another surprise.”
All of that, signing on the dotted line included, was a, “total roller coaster,” he adds.
Runge, having signed with Saskatchewan as a fullback, attended 2023 training camp but didn’t make the roster. He then returned to the U of A where he still has two years of football eligibility.
Runge played one season with the Golden Bears, in 2021, playing both offense and defense.
On offense, he secured six catches for 43 yards and one touchdown. On the opposite side of the ball, he added three tackles over eight games.
Looking to major in computer science, Runge explains where he’s at football-wise.
“I didn’t play last year because I’d had a bad year academically,” he admits, adding he still joined the team for workouts, helped with scouting and preparing the team’s defensive line, on top of keeping in game shape.
“It was something I didn’t take as seriously as I should have when I first came here in 2019. I had started out doing engineering, then COVID hit, we were doing online classes, and I was forced to withdraw, which led to me being ineligible in 2022. This past year, between staying ready for football and getting my academics in line, I’ve gained a new appreciation for all of it.”
What that all means is he will, in all likelihood, suit up for the Golden Bears once again this coming season, with training camp starting August 11.
Whitecourt’s Morgen Runge carries the ball during the Hardy Cup semi-final on Nov. 13, 2021. (University of Alberta)
“Barring injury, I’ll be starting as a fullback and will be instrumental on the special teams side. The goal is to put some good film together and get another invite to the Roughriders’ training camp, then hopefully make that team next year,” he says, noting the CFL contract he signed was for two years with an option for a third.
“It’s a privilege to be able to play the sport at the highest level. I remember leaving high school and seeing some of the drive guys had, but not having had the chance to play junior like I had. Playing junior was a big part of my motivation to strive to be better and take the opportunities I’m presented with.”
For Kevin Babiuk, Runge’s coach at Hilltop, his CFL milestone was a big moment for all who previously supported him.
Runge admits he’s a CFL over NFL guy, but never had a favourite team. He’d gain a soft spot for the Edmonton Elks during his teenage years when they’d contribute 50/50 funds to local junior teams like his Huskies.
In retrospect, Runge says his big takeaway — perhaps his message for young kids — is to practice resilience.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing football for 10 years now. You see a lot of guys who are talented and have opportunity to play at higher levels, but they end up walking away early on, for whatever reason. You definitely need to work hard to develop skills and talent, and have the fortitude and character to stay in it, take challenges on, and decide to get back up when you get knocked down,” he says.
“With my academic struggles, some other guy’s might’ve just hung up the cleats, but I try to be open about it and hopefully it can inspire. I know that I can compete at the CFL level; I still have a long way to go and develop, but I’ve adjusted to different levels before, and I’m confident I can do so again.”
Runge suited up for two pre-season games with the Riders this spring.
The U of A Golden Bears start the 2023 season with the second annual Kalamalka Bowl, against UBC in Vernon, B.C. on August 23.
