He was born in the United Kingdom, spent his childhood in Ontario, and attended college in Vancouver.[1] Senst started his career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1970,[2] catching 22 passes for 393 yards, and was winner of the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy for Canadian rookie of the year in the west.[3] He played 3 seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, catching 25 passes for 352 yards and winning the Grey Cup in 1971.[4] He finished with 59 receptions for 933 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In 1973, he released The King of Mandragoras, which premiered in the Centennial Planetarium in Calgary.[5] Previously, he had contributed to poetry magazines in Alberta and had released the moderately successful Am I My Brother's Keeper.[1]