Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's fourth installment during the 2019-20 season. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.Ian Noble: LawyerIan Noble knows all about the pressure to win, being enthralled by challenges and the road to adventure.
Just like many student-athletes who have taken a similar path, Noble appreciates the strong probability that stories will prevail about their experiences, indelible moments and times of dealing with dilemmas.
For him, a multi-sport athlete who came from a family of basketball enthusiasts, Noble made the choice to take the road to football.
It didn't start off well for him back at West Vancouver High School – which, in those days, had trouble putting together victories on the gridiron throughout his four years at the school.
While times were a bit rocky back then in football, Noble persevered. When his grade school days had come to an end, he just had to get away from the comfort of home.
So, he went shopping for a small school, one that had the community feeling, sound academics and, oh yes, a reputable football program.
“On my visit to Laurier, it had the package for me and it just felt right,” he said. “The family atmosphere, the academics, the coaches, and football were one of the top programs in the country.”
A quarterback, trying to take advantage of opportunities, Noble couldn't dislodge the incumbent and spent that first year on the scout squad – a group of players who made the team, but didn't suit up for game action other than in extenuating circumstances.
That first year, Noble recalls, is when Laurier won the Yates Cup and later, National bragging rights - the Vanier Cup.
“It was a bit awkward, being at a school that won those titles, I received rings, but didn't actually play,” he said. “What I took away wasn't just the excitement, but the learning experience and knowing that I would get my chance.”
He did just that after becoming the starting pivot in 2007.
Noble also remembered that special game against Windsor, one for the personal highlight reel when he completed 86 per cent of his passes, was 25-for-29 (including 15 consecutive pass completions) for 385 yards, and led an offense that piled up 657 yards in a 48-17 win.
“That year, 2007, was a high point for me on the (Football) field,” said Noble. “But the next year, I lost the starting quarterback to someone else. That was a tough time for me. You're upset, but you learn how to cope with disappointment and it helps you in life.”
Chosen an academic all-Canadian at Laurier, Noble would go on to graduate with a Degree in History and Political Science. He had known, too, that his future leaned towards becoming a lawyer. For him, law school meant a trip to Western in London, Ont.
“I knew, as a Canadian quarterback, that there wasn't much opportunity to play in the Canadian Football League,” recalled Noble, who earned a spot in an East West Bowl game, one that showcased talented players from each Ontario university.
“Playing football and having a unique experience, I really believe, opened up lots of doors and allowed me to get in to law school,” said Noble. “I owe a lot to Laurier football. One of the biggest takeaways (from Laurier) was the friendship, while I was there.”
Working in Toronto, Noble is now a lawyer, focusing on commercial transactions and negotiating corporate deals, for a major international firm.
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