Anthony Coombs played high school football at Sturgeon Heights before being recruited by the University of Manitoba in the spring of 2010 and was a redshirt during his freshman year with the Bisons. Coombs got his first taste of CIS football on Sept. 3 against a formidable opponent, putting up some impressive stats and tying a Bison football record.

In the Canada West season opener against the No. 4 ranked Calgary Dinos, the Winnipeg native rushed 15 times for 62 yards and one touchdown, and also hauled in three passes for 101 yards. Most of those receiving yards were earned in one play, when Bison QB Khaleal Williams hooked up with Coombs late in the third quarter for a 90-yard TD reception, tying the record for second longest pass completion in Bison history. Coombs was also busy on special teams, returning five kickoffs for 51 yards.

For all his hard work, Coombs was named the Canada West Offence Football Athlete of the Week for the week ending Sept. 4.

The Manitoban: What sports did you play growing up?

Anthony Coombs: Basketball, football and played a little hockey as well.

M:
Who was your childhood sports idol?

AC:
I liked RB Marshall Faulk. He’s a quick guy and from my favourite team, the St. Louis Rams.

M:
Which sports do you watch/follow now?

AC:
Currently I’m following football [and] basketball, which isn’t much because the NBA is locked out now. Basically football, CFL [and] NCAA.

M:
Are you excited about the return of the Winnipeg Jets?

AC:
Yea, I am. I think it’s really cool that my hometown can get some national recognition. I’m not a really big hockey fan, but I’m excited for the city.

M:
Academically, your focus of study is . . .

AC:
Right now, I’m not really sure. I’m getting really good grades in science, so I’m probably going to go down the road of something science related.

M:
What’s your favourite book/movie?

AC:
I like Transformers. I think it’s so cool how they do all the special effects.

M:
If you could be any type of animal, which animal would you be and why?

AC:
A cheetah because they’re fast. It hunts down its prey and its speed cannot be matched.

M:
If you could play mini-golf with anyone in the world, it would have to be . . .

AC:
Dave Chappelle. He’s a funny guy and I think it would probably be
the best time of my life.