Well-travelled Bodunrin thrives at BU

T.J. Bodunrin finally found his fit. Most in his situation would have given up long beforehand.

The Winnipeg product left his hometown five years ago to pursue his soccer dreams, first in Lethbridge, Alta., with a few stops before landing at Brandon University.

And even last season, Bodunrin’s time with the Bobcats was far from positive when he spent most of the season on coach Segun Edward’s bench.

But now, under Diego Rodriguez Jr., the powerful striker is thriving. Bodunrin recorded his first multi-goal game in a 6-0 victory over Canadian Mennonite University on Saturday, then netted the game-winner as the Bobcats beat the Assiniboine College Cougars 3-1 at the Healthy Living Centre field on Sunday.

“It’s exhilarating. It’s one of those things where I always tell people, it may not come today, it may not come tomorrow, it might not even come this year but if you do all the right things, eventually you’ll get the rewards,” Bodunrin said.

“I’m just thankful. I can’t thank anyone but family, God and everyone that keeps cheering me on to be better.

“It wasn’t the year I wanted last year, I expected more playing time but it doesn’t always go that way. With perseverance and overcoming some trials and challenges, I’m here now this year to make a difference … I’ve got time to make up.”

Bodunrin initially was offered a scholarship to the University of Lethbridge but said academic issues led to him not playing for the Pronghorns before heading to Lethbridge College.

His residence was much closer to the university than the college, he didn’t have a vehicle and he suddenly had to make ends meet. So he picked up a job at a nearby Tim Hortons and woke up by 5 a.m., each day to work until noon then walk more than an hour each way for class and practice.

“That year was a struggle for me,” Bodunrin said, adding he was motivated to make it through.

“There’s a lot of people that have an opportunity to go somewhere out of Winnipeg and it didn’t end up right. I didn’t want to be another guy that went out there and did nothing … went out to Alberta, got an opportunity and came back with nothing to show for it.”

Following the 2021-22 season, Bodunrin transferred to Lakeland College in Lloydminster, Alta., and played three games in 2023-24.

He said it was a good learning experience, as well as the season that got him into the best shape he’s been in. However, he still wasn’t seeing a big role on the pitch.

“I didn’t gel very well with the coaches, things like that. It happened, I moved on from there, now I’m here and all the work I’ve been doing is finally showing up,” Bodunrin said.

“One of the biggest things I was told I needed to work on last year was tenacity and wanting it more. I believed I always wanted it but maybe I didn’t show it as much.

“This year … I’m going after every single loose ball, every single challenge there’s even a chance I can win, I’m going after.”

Since Bodunrin emerged as a regular starter, the Bobcats (7-2-0) have rocketed into first place in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference standings.

Rodriguez Jr. is certainly glad to have the striker alongside his brother, Camilo Rodriguez, who added three goals this weekend to stay in the league lead at 12.

“I’m not too familiar with what happened last year, I just came in with a fresh page and a lot of the guys did too. I think that was a good thing for (Bodunrin),” Rodriguez Jr. said.

“He was able to come in with a fresh mindset, a positive attitude and since the beginning of the season he’s been working hard, getting his spot in the starting 11 … taking the chances he’s getting.”

Bodunrin has no shortage of praise for his coach and team either.

“This group is amazing. They support me. The coach here this year is the most supporting guy I’ve ever had. He wants me to be better, every single day he’s holding me to a standard,” Bodunrin said.

“I love the people here. I’ve gone to three different schools and I always get judged because I’m an intense guy, definitely an interesting personality but I’ve been welcomed here by pretty much everybody that I’ve met here.

“They welcomed me like I’m a brother, that I’ve been here my entire life and it’s amazing. Every single day here is like a party and I love it.”

Meanwhile, the Bobcat women beat the Blazers 7-0 and the Cougars 10-0.

Brogan Henry netted a hat trick against CMU, while Bien Van Berkel and Keashae Masters each scored twice against AC.

The Bobcats’ last home game of the regular season is next Sunday against the St. Boniface Les Rouges.

The Cougars host Les Rouges on Saturday and visit the Providence Pilots on Sunday.

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