When Malcom Lee moved to the University of British Columbia to play for the Thunderbirds football team, little did he know that he’ll be the lucky charm en route to the coveted crown. Lee’s mom Ruth is a Filipina.
It seemed to have paid off for the 6-foot-3 Lee as he helped the Thunderbirds upset the much favored University of Montreal, 26-23, to capture the title in the recently-concluded College Inter-School (CIS) football championship.
The wide receiver was elated in his comeback to Canada to propel the Thunderbirds to the elusive Vanier Cup title this year.
“I’m truly proud to be a member of the team. It was combination of honor and satisfaction to play for UBC and I had lots of fun there,” says the 19-year-old Lee.
Before moving back here in BC, Lee, the third among the four siblings, had a brief stint as a freshman in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision playing for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack in 2014.
Lee during his stint in St. Thomas More Knights back in high school.
After finishing his secondary school in St. Thomas More, he received some letters of invitation both from football and track and field.
He was named MVP and was selected to participate in the Provincial All-Star game in 2013. He rushes for a total of 1,044 yards with 12 touchdowns while catching 25 passes for 331 yards and five touchdowns as a senior.
Lee came from a family of football players as his father Orville, was the first pick in the 1988 Canadian Football League draft by the Ottawa Rough Riders, now called the Redblacks. His dad led the CFL in rushing and was named Rookie of the Year.
His older brother Jamil Lee was signed by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL in 2009 and played three seasons for the BC Lions. He intends to major in Psychology.
Lee’s arrival to UBC did wonders to the Thunderbirds as he became instrumental in some of their wins leading to the championship.
Lee tallies for a total of 123 yards and nailed one touchdown for the Thunderbirds. His late splash to the team added some depth as he proved to be a worthy wide receiver.
Before playing for the Nevada Wolf Pack, Lee was one of the stalwarts for the St. Thomas More Knights back in high school.
His biggest game as a Thunderbird came against the University of Saskatchewan last September 26 where he rushed for a total of 77 yards and had one touchdown.
