Quest hampered by tendinitis

By Tim Switzer, The Leader-PostJuly 28, 2009

Reid Quest sported a Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco jersey on Monday before he stepped on the field for the Regina Thunder's training camp.

However, the 20-year-old pivot can probably relate more to his favourite NFL quarterback, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.

Like Rodgers took over from NFL legend Brett Favre last season, 2008 also marked Quest's ascension to the starting role, following in the footsteps of Deke Junior, one of the top quarterbacks in the Prairie Football Conference during his time in the league.

"I never really thought of it like that," said Quest, who met Rodgers two years ago when he travelled to Green Bay to visit his cousin, then-Packers punter Jon Ryan. "Deke was such a good player and getting to follow someone like that is pretty special."

This year, Quest has yet another obstacle to overcome. He is battling tendinitis in his right (throwing) shoulder that left him unable to take many reps during Thunder workouts in the last month. He is expected to begin taking reps today, but the setback has reignited the competition to be the starter between Quest and Wyatt Catley. Provided Quest's shoulder holds up through the week, both quarterbacks should see time in Saturday's pre-season contest in Brandon against the Winnipeg Rifles.

"We're very fortunate to have the two guys," said Thunder head coach Erwin Klempner. "Reid was the starter last year and has had a great off-season, but Wyatt has, too. Both quarterbacks are going to be in that leadership role. Reid was the guy last year, but we're lucky that Wyatt has committed to and is prepared to come in and compete."

Had it not been for the injury, Quest might have had a lock on the starter's job after a reasonably successful first season in 2008. For the season, Quest was 122-for-213 (a 57.3-per-cent completion rate) for 1,418 yards (good for third in the league) with eight touchdowns against five interceptions.

"I learned not to let the little things get under your skin," said Quest. "If you throw an interception or a bad pass, as a quarterback, you can't let that stuff stick with you. Each play is a new play and each play could be a touchdown."

With that and many other lessons learned, Quest is seeing a big difference through the first few days of training camp, despite remaining in the background.

"The game is starting to slow down a lot and I'm getting more confidence with my teammates," said Quest. "I'm looking forward to this year. Everyone's goal should be to win the national championship. We've all got that attitude this year."

Whoever ends up under centre for the Thunder this season, will have plenty of changes with which to deal. Three starters from the 2008 offensive line have moved on, as has star receiver Rory Kohlert.

Quest understands those are big pieces to lose, but doesn't doubt that their replacements have already been found.

"I was looking through the locker room and we've got (receiver) Kolten (Solomon) as a weapon -- (running back) Shohruh (Noraliev), another weapon," said Quest. "We've got playmakers on this team. I don't think we'll miss a step."

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