Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Goalkeeper Mason Perras is the lone member of the MacEwan Griffins men's soccer Senior Day class and will be feted following Sunday's contest at the Edmonton Scottish Dome.
Perras joined the Griffins as a walk-on in 2019, primarily serving as a backup but did see some action during the 2021 season, recording a 5-1 win over Lethbridge.
The Griffins will host Calgary on Saturday (12 p.m.) and Mount Royal on Sunday (12 p.m., both Edmonton Scottish Dome, Canada West TV).
Enjoy a Q&A feature with Mason Perras:
Mason Perras poses during MacEwan soccer's media day in August (Jefferson Hagen photo).
Adam Loga's Coaches Quote:
"As the program's first ever walk-on goalkeeper to win a match in Canada West, Mason has had an inspiring journey. He epitomizes dedication, self-belief, and his team first attitude. He earned his place while teaching us about character. His journey is just beginning, and he carries with him the values of perseverance and dedication, while he sets-off to pursue opening his own soccer related business. His commitment to this program is an inspiration."
Graduating with …
I'll be graduating this semester with a Bachelor of Commerce. I'm a double major in Business Law and Management.
Do you have a career goal in mind?
Probably open up a soccer store of some kind, hopefully.
That leads into my next question – do you have any future plans in soccer?
It will take a lot of my time, so I probably won't play as high a level, but I'll still definitely play as long as I live.
Over your time with the Griffins, do you have a favourite memory that stands out to you?
The comeback against Victoria for our first playoffs was definitely memorable even though we didn't go all the way. It was definitely an experience to travel with the team and see the comeback after going down.
Over your career, you've been in a backup role in the goalkeeper union, but you did see some action in the 2021 season. What do you recall about that experience?
Crazy nerves, crazy situations – almost desperation to hold on for those last games. Those were crazy to come on, knowing what was at stake. Just to be a part of it, regardless, even if I was in a backup role, was amazing. I love the guys. I think I added something, even in my backup role, so I was happy with it.
You got a win, being in for MacEwan's 5-1 win over Lethbridge that season. What do you remember about that game?
I remember we wanted to bounce back from the other game that we won't talk about. We came out of the doors firing. I think that's also a record for our highest scoring game, so it's definitely a good way to rebound.
In the classroom, you have been a three-time academic All Canadian (and could be five by the time you're finished). How much pride have you put into your work into your academics?
A lot. To be able to be a student-athlete and do well both on and off the field is admirable. Whether it's for me or somebody else, it's something you have to put a lot of time and work into – it's not something that comes naturally. To be able to do that and come out with that kind of thing for my future is amazing.
What do you think you're leaving as your legacy to the program?
I'm hoping a good dressing room atmosphere kind of guy and teammate – someone you can always talk to – help those other guys who might be struggling that don't get as much attention because they're not in that starting 11. Being that support character.
Anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?
I loved it. I loved being able to get this experience. I started late, so to come this far was amazing. I want to thank Loga for the opportunity. All our coaches through the years – we had some great coaches. I think that's one of the reasons the program's evolved so much is all the coaches we brought in, especially our goalkeeping coaches. A shout out to Darryl (Kaluzniak) – an amazing guy who's really helped me and Josh Stayko. He was a big influence on both of us, I know. A lot of credit to him.
