After scoring the first major of his varsity career in week one against Vincent Massey last fall, senior St. Paul’s running back Dhevin Gajaweera put both hands up to the sky. It’s a celebration many players have used over the years, a way of showcasing their faith. But for Gajaweera, the moment, and gesture meant much more.  

A closer look shows that the Crusader ball-carrier had bunched up his left hand to flash the number three, alongside a single digit on his right hand. It was a tribute to his late friend Alex Samaniego, a reminder that every day is valuable.

Samaniego, Gajaweera’s best friend, passed away in August of 2020. An active member of the Manitoba basketball community, he was Shaftesbury’s 2019 MVP, averaging over 20 points per game.

He left a permanent mark on friends, family and coaches alike, including Gajaweera, who threw up 13, Samaniego’s basketball number, every time he scored.

The past few years had been difficult for the man who wore 24. The death of Samaniego, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had cancelled the upcoming WHSFL season, took its toll.

The following year, while preparing for his varsity debut, Gajaweera tore his tricep. It was a gruesome injury that required surgery, putting an end to the 5’8”, 175-pounder’s season before it even started.

It was a moment he didn’t forget, another reminder, much like the passing of Samaniego, that sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. The Crusaders were defeated in the Division 1 semi-finals in 2021, with Gajaweera forced to look on.

In times of trial, it can be easy to give up. In Gajaweera’s case, his career after high school was in question. Entering his senior year, he had no regular season varsity film or any meaningful snaps to speak of. On top of that, he’d lost his best friend.

Instead of giving up, he turned within.

“Rather than questioning it, I focused on how all these experiences gave me a story and a purpose,” he reflected. “It was a reason to make the most of my life.”

Gajaweera embraced his situation, using his pain as passion to fuel his comeback. Everything he did, he did with purpose, including his rehab.

With the help of those at Pan Am Clinic, along with help from SPHS Athletic Therapist James Schroeder, Gajaweera came back with a vengeance in 2022.

“I got surgery a month after [the injury]. It took ten months until I could finally hit upper body in the gym. It was a struggle. I couldn’t run for six months. I didn’t like it at all. I hated it, it was a terrible feeling having to watch, but we went to work.”

In week one, the reminder of Gajaweera’s injury was on his right elbow. It was taped up during the Cru’s 2022 season-opener against defending ANAVETS Bowl champ Vincent Massey, clearly visible after he hit paydirt and threw up 13 for Samaniego.

Gajaweera was visibly emotional after scoring. It’s easy to see why. After two years of emotional turmoil, he’d made it back.

‘I’m capable of achieving great things’

Gajaweera isn’t the biggest player at his position, but he thrives thanks to a stellar work ethic, and a relentless pursuit of greatness on every play. After everything he’s been through, strapping on the pads and laying down the leather is light work.

“I’m a player who has all the fundamentals in his arsenal and is never scared of contact,” he says.

“I’m someone who is dedicated and willing to put in the work to fulfill my potential. My motivation is proving to myself and to everyone around me that I’m capable of achieving great things, especially on the football field.”

A selfless player, Gajaweera contributed over 600 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns entering the playoffs. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry thanks to a combination of speed, vision and overall toughness, and was also used as a blocker for a well-rounded Crusaders passing attack. (Click here to view his highlights.)

Juniors Brandon Kubay and Johnny Vagianos combined for 731 yards, while quarterback Cole Anseeuw emerged as a standout, throwing for 1,387 yards. Additionally, Olu Akinola, the team’s lead back in 2021, moved all across the formation as a lethal slotback.

Meanwhile, Gajaweera finished every carry, reminding the opposition of his strength, while also making defenders miss in a phone booth. His body type and playing style draws comparisons to 5’8” NFL alum Maurice Jones-Drew and 5’10” Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Famer Fred Reid.

The ball-carrier’s breakout game came in week four against Oak Park.

He ran the rock just seven times, but had 145 yards and a score, averaging a ridiculous 20.7 yards per carry.

Gajaweera’s touchdown was one for the ages, as he made a man miss in the hole, and then out-ran five more players down the far sideline to give his side a four-score lead.

“After my first run, I knew they weren’t prepared for our run game, as it didn’t seem strong in the first weeks,” he noted. “Having said that, I was hungry for a great game.”

‘I knew it was going to be a big day for the run game’

Gajaweera and the Crusaders capped their season with a 15-11 win over the Dakota Lancers in the ANAVETS Bowl, the school’s first D1 championship since 2019. It was the third time the two teams faced off, after previously splitting two contests and was an absolute thriller that came down to the final possession.

In a contest that featured flurries and difficult footing, Gajaweera thrived. He had 40 of the team’s 111 yards in the first half, 32 of which came on the opening drive, as the Cru established the run early.

Then, with 3:45 to go in the third quarter, Gajaweera scored the game-winner, romping untouched from four yards out to give his side a 15-8 lead. It was his fifth carry of the drive, and he finished with 19 touches for 69 yards and the score.

His work was done in a variety of fashions, including toss and stretch plays to the outside. With the game on the line on second and four with 44 seconds left near midfield, his number was called again.

In textbook fashion, Gajaweera grinded for a hard five yards, using his strength to push forward and move the chains a final time. He was honoured post-game as the Offensive MVP.

“The weather played a factor for sure. It means more run game, in my opinion. I knew it was going to be a big day for the run game. Our team came prepared and we fought,” he recalled.

“None of us had won a high school ring, so this meant a lot. We fought and we worked every day.”

‘I’m still here’

After the game, the emotion was clear as Gajaweera let it all go. He had faced adversity down and come out stronger because of it.

As he winds down his high school career and prepares for the next step, he carries countless memories and lessons with him. He has aspirations of pursuing business as a degree, and is far from done playing football. Whoever lucks out and signs him is getting a relentless competitor with a will unlike most.

“I’m not going to act like [the last two years] were easy. No teenager is ever supposed to go through things like this. However, I’m proud to say I’m still here and still striving for more than just a participation award.”