Letter from Future Declan

Dear old Declan Cross,

Well, Declan, I’ve almost made it. I’m currently finishing up my last year of University at Waterloo, with outstanding marks in my Engineering studies. The first few years were tough, and I need to warn you, Declan… if there’s one thing that you remember for when you enter your first year of University, it’s “Manage your time.” I have devised this chart for you, after much trial and error on my part, so that you can allocate your time commitments properly. Follow this to a “T”, and you will succeed.


168 hours in a week
- 56 hours for sleep / week
112 hours left
- 21 hours for eat / shower / grooming
91 hours left
- 30 hours for classes / week
61 hours left
- 30 hours for studying
31 hours left
- 21 hours for football
10 hours of free time / week


Yes, that’s right, old Declan. You only have 10 hours per week to do what you want. That’s substantially less time that what you’re used to now, so make sure you’re prepared for this.


Equally as important, my football career is booming! I came in to Waterloo, and was moved around between running back and slotback, before finally being named the starting running back as well as team captain first year. That was an honour in itself, but I ended up thriving. The family environment we have here really helped to make me feel comfortable with everyone, and I developed much faster because of that. I workout with my linemen every morning, and the great relationship we have encourages them to block even harder for me. Now, in my fourth and final year as a Waterloo Warrior, I already hold the school record for rushing yards, and I’m third in all-time receiving yards as well. I’ve already been talked to by almost every single CFL team, and I have also received camp invites to the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Miami Dolphins. So, keep working out and keep training hard. It pays off.


Aside from University life and football, I’m also considering where I want to start my working career if I don’t end up actually playing professional football. During two of my co-op semesters, I worked at a hydro power plant, and I will most likely work there once my schooling ends.


In closing, Declan… remember one thing. Time management. That chart above will save your hide in University. A football coach actually went through that with me and helped me manage my time with that chart, so take this very seriously. But not too seriously. All work and no play makes you less black.


- Declan “Hollywood” Cross (that’s the nickname I’ve been given in football)