After two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Regina Thunder, Moose Jaw’s Sawyer Buettner is taking the next step in his football career.

Buettner announced last week that he will be joining the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees for the 2018 season.

“It’s another big step for me, both school-wise and football-wise, but I’m really excited about next year,” said Buettner.

Buettner starred for four seasons with the Peacock Tornadoes here in Moose Jaw, setting multiple high school passing records, before moving onto junior football with the Thunder.

After spending his first season as a back-up, Buettner took over the starters role in 2016 and put together two stellar seasons in Regina.

In his first season as a starter, Buettner connected on 65-percent of his passes for 2,231 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He improved on those numbers in 2017, completing 67.4 percent for 2,198 yards, 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions in one less game than 2016.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today with those two seasons with the Thunder, getting the opportunity to be on the field and play against high level competition, you can’t replace that with anything,” said Buettner. “I really enjoyed my three years with the Thunder, but it was just time for me to move on.”

The decision to join the Gee-Gees wasn’t an easy one for Buettner, who said that narrowed down his selection to four schools before ultimately deciding on Ottawa.

“I really enjoyed my visit out there, they’ve got a really good coaching staff — (head) coach Jamie Barresi has coached in the NCAA and CFL, so I feel that he can help me improve as a player — and then they’ve got an up-and-coming team that I’m really excited to be a part of,” said Buettner.

“Most Saskatchewan guys like to stay home and that crossed my mind a few times, but the situation in Ottawa was just the best fit for me.”

Buettner came away impressed when he sat down with the Ottawa coaching staff during his visit to the campus.  He said there were a few things that made the program a good fit.

“Getting an opportunity to compete to play; it’s in one of the most competitive conferences in Canada; and they like to throw the ball up too, which is a good thing because I enjoy that as well,” said Buettner. “School-wise, everything fit well too, and Ottawa is a beautiful place.”

With the decision on where he’s going to play settled, Buettner’s focus is on making sure that he’s ready on the field to make that jump to the next level.

“I just need to keep working hard, never be satisfied or complacent,” he said. “I’m going to a new league and a new team where nobody knows who I am, so I’m excited about that.

“I’m going to take these next few months to keep improving as a player, working out hard with Ryan Gottselig from Ignite Training in Moose Jaw and I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove, so I’m exciting for it.”

The U Sports football season starts in October.