7 standouts, including 3 CFC TOP 100 newest recruits to join OUA Conference Champions’ 2014 class.
The Western Mustangs are please to announce their first wave of recruits for their 2014 class.
Seven recruits have committed to the Mustangs and come from the Ontario and Quebec. Three of the newest Mustangs are CFC TOP 100 ranked players – Philippe Dion, Mitchell Smiley and Zach Marcus. Additionally, Jordan Beaulieu, Mason Kett, Craig Hinschberger and Andrew Thurston will also be part of the Purple Reign in 2014.
“We are glad that these young men made the decision to join our program,” commented Mustangs Recruiting Coordinator Chris Bertoia. “All of these recruits will help our football program in our yearly goal to win the national championship.”
“We have secured commitments from two outstanding CEGEP players and five former Team Ontario members. This is a very good beginning to our recruiting class for 2014. They have all had successes both as team members and individually on their respective teams and at their respective positions. We want student-athletes that embrace competition, accept challenges, and want to work tirelessly at the task of trying to win football games. We’re extremely happy that they have decided to be students at our University and will be members of the Western Mustang Football Program.”
PHILIPPE DION:
The 5’11, 225 pound and CFC TOP 100 ranked linebacker from Blainville, Quebec gave credit to his friend and fellow Mustangs commit Jordan Beaulieu as to the reason he gravitated towards the London, Ontario campus.
“After my best friend Jordan Beaulieu talked to me about his first visit at Western, it caught my attention,” explained Dion. “When I went on a visit with Jordan in May, I had the same feeling I had when I visited Champlain-Lennoxville (my former team). “
“Western, like Champlain was a close family playing for one another not just individual players making plays for themselves.”
Additionally, the reputation of the football program, academics and atmosphere sold the Quebec linebacker on Western.
“I chose to commit to Western because, first of all, every year they have a dominant football team,” expressed Dion. “They have a really good reputation school wise, and I wanted to go to an English school.”
“It was very important for me to choose a program that I know the team spirit is an important factor in their success.”
The CFC TOP 100 linebacker joins the Mustangs after completing his CEGEP career with Division 1 team, Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars. In the 2013 season, Dion ranked fourth in CEGEP Division 1 for tackles as he registered 62 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, 1 quarterback sack and 2 batted down passes.
“Phil Dion was the leader on an outstanding defense at Champlain,” commented Bertoia. “He led with heart and passion as the Team Captain, but he also led by example on the field.”
“Phil led his team in tackles this past season, and is a physical presence who explodes on contact. He has an outstanding attitude and comes from a good family! He is driven to win and compete, we are excited that Phil decided to join our football program and pursue a degree at Western.”
JORDAN BEAULIEU:
The 6’0, 205 pound defensive back from Montreal, Quebec follows his best friend, CFC TOP 100 linebacker Philippe Dion at Western.
“Philippe and I had made a promise that we were going to play CIS together,” commented Beaulieu. “I am very happy to be experiencing this with my best friend – he and I on the same field is something special.”
It came down to a final decision between three schools: Western, Laval and Montreal. In the end, the Mustangs won.
“The facilities at Western are amazing – the main campus, King’s College, the sports complex and the stadium,” added Beaulieu. “The fact that Western was an English school was a positive for me.”
“I know the tuition fee in Ontario is way more expensive than in Quebec, but I told myself you can’t put a price to a good education and good football.”
Overall, the strength of the football program and academics sold Beaulieu on the London, Ontario campus. He wants to help the Mustangs achieve greater feats in future years to come.
“The kinesiology program at Western is very good, and I know I will be well supported to succeed,” said the Quebec defensive back. “Western is a winning program and it is an unfinished business for the guys after their tough loss against the Dinos.
“I know my future teammates are already hungry for next year. I know I will be in a program where the guys will work hard and want to go get a Vanier Cup and they will do everything to get it.”
Beaulieu comes to the Mustangs after completing his three year CEGEP career with Division 2 team, John Abbott Islanders. During his time with the team, the Quebec standout has played at the free safety, and outside linebacker positions. He was selected to the Division 2 All-Star Team in his final year and was named a Team Captain after his first season with the Islanders.
Prior to the Islanders, Beaulieu and Dion both played for Midget ‘AAA’ team Laurentian Wildcats. He has been playing football for 13 years.
“I am an aggressive player, I cover a lot of field quickly and I am very explosive,” added Beaulieu.
The Mustangs are looking forward to this new addition from the CEGEP ranks.
““Intense, tireless, and explosive are all words that can describe Jordan Beaulieu,” expressed Bertoia. “His work ethic is second to none.”
“He is a hybrid type player that can play free safety, boundary half, or Sam linebacker. He has a great attitude and is fun to be around. Jordan will be a great fit in our locker room, we have high expectations for him and are very happy that he decided to commit to Western.”
MITCHELL SMILEY:
The 5’11, 185 pound and CFC TOP 100 ranked running back from Sarnia, Ontario felt at ease when he visited the campus.
“I chose Western because it felt like home right away,” explained Smiley, who suited up for the London Jr. Mustangs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). “As soon as I went for my visit, I could tell I wanted to be a part of this program.”
“I’m happy about my decision and am looking forward to my future of being a Mustang.”
The Ontario running back’s high school season with the Northern Collegiate Vikings of the South Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SWOSSAA) prematurely ended this season after one game as he broke his collarbone.
“I am pretty excited to get back on the field,” added Smiley.
The Mustangs will benefit from Smiley’s playmaking abilities.
“Mitchell Smiley can take the ball to the end zone on any play, he has top flight speed,” assessed Bertoia. “He has track speed (10.92-100 m last year), but has developed into a running back that can run between the tackles as well.”
“I had the opportunity to watch him develop through our OVFL season with the Jr. Mustangs as well as on Team Ontario. He is a very coachable young player and we believe he has a very high ceiling. We’re excited to see what Mitchell can do in our offense and glad he chose Western to continue his education and football career.”
MASON KETT:
The 6’2, 220 pound linebacker from Sarnia, Ontario follows his former teammate on the Northern Collegiate Vikings of the South Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SWOSSAA) Mitchell Smiley to Western.
Kett said there were many reasons why he committed to the London, Ontario school.
“I chose Western because I had that “at home” feeling,” commented Kett. “As soon as I stepped on the field as a junior Mustang, I knew this was where I would want to continue my career.”
“I love the coaching staff and the overall all experience Western has to offer. I’ve talked to former players, now alumni and they had but only good things to say about the Athletic Department, let alone the school.”
This past July, the Sarnia running back represented his home province as a member of Team Ontario at the Football Canada Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick. He guided the team to a bronze medal finish at the tournament. Kett also suited up for the London Jr Mustangs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).
“Mason is a determined athlete, he is physically impressive for a 17 year old,” commented Bertoia. ” He is strong, athletic, and plays with a fire that you love to see in a linebacker.”
“He has a very good work ethic on and off the field. Mason will make an impact as a Western Mustang. His potential is great. We are pleased that he decided to pursue his education at Western, and that he will be a determined member of our football program.”
CRAIG HINSCHBERGER:
The 6’1, 185 pound defensive back will embark on his CIS career in his hometown of London, Ontario.
“I want to study business in university and Western obviously has an outstanding business program that most universities can’t compare with,” said Hinschberger. “Also, since my dad, Dennis Hinschberger is Western Mustang alumni, playing two back in the 1980’s, I have been going to their football events ever since I was a kid and love the Western environment.”
“Lastly, the facilities that Western has as well as the friendliness of the players were a big part in my decision.”
Hinschberger recently completed his high school career with Mother Teresa Spartans of Thames Valley Region Athletic Association (TVRAA). This past July, he guided Team Ontario to a bronze medal finish at the Football Canada Cup in Moncton, Ontario. For his exceptional play in the tournament, Hinschberger was selected as Tournament All-Star and will head down to south of the border in February as a member of Team Canada as they play Team USA.
“Craig is an outstanding athlete who possesses good football instincts,” said Bertoia. “He has excellent size and athleticism for a defensive back.”
“Craig excelled on both sides of the football during his high school career. He was a member of Team Ontario at last year’s Football Canada Cup tournament and was selected to the tournament all-star team for his efforts. We’re very pleased that Craig decided that Western is University for him. Craig is a great addition to our secondary and 2014 recruiting class.
ANDREW THURSTON:
The 6’1, 205 pound linebacker will also begin his CIS career in his hometown of London, Ontario.
“I chose Western because I personally believed it was where I was going to be most successful on the field as well in the classroom,” explained Thurston. “They have outstanding coaches which I fortunately got to experience a few of them first hand with the Jr. Mustang program and also they have an amazing academic help program setup to allow me to not fall behind in school and be able to graduate with a solid education.”
“Also, being able to play in front of my family and friends here is another amazing thing and being able to share this experience with them.”
Thurston comes to the Mustangs after playing high school football for the Saunders Sabres of the Thames Valley Region Athletic Association (TVRAA). Moreover, he suited up for the London Jr. Mustangs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). This past July, Andrew helped Team Ontario bring home a bronze medal from the Football Canada Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick.
“We are very happy that Andrew committed to Western,” commented Bertoia. “He is a bright young man that excels at school and on the field.”
“He was a work-horse for his high school team on both sides of the ball. He is a throw-back type player, tough as nails. He has great instincts at the linebacker position and on the football field in general. He is coachable and driven to succeed. We’re excited to see what Andrew can do as a member of our football program.”
ZACH MARCUS:
The 6’0, 190 pound and CFC TOP 100 ranked receiver from London, Ontario joins the Mustangs after playing for the St. Andrew’s College Saints of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA). Additionally, he suited up for the London Jr. Mustangs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).
“it would have been nearly impossible for me not to choose Western,” said Marcus. “I have been going to Western football games since before I could walk, and have always felt a strong tie to Western as both my parents went there and we are from the London area.”
“Academics were a big focus for me as well, and the business program at Western is top notch and will leave me with a great education. Football wise I know already going into the season next year that I am lucky enough to be part of a team with the best coaches in the country as well as some really great players that I will be able to learn a lot from. It has always been my dream to be a Western Mustang and now that it is official, i am ecstatic about my choice and cannot wait until the fall for my first CIS season.”
In 2012, Marcus represented his home province as a member of Team Ontario West at the Football Canada Cup tournament in London, Ontario.
“It’s great that Zach decided that Western was the place for him,” expressed Bertoia. “He had plenty of options, he is very good academically and he is a tenacious competitor on the football field.”
“Zach plays with an edge but has refined skills and a great football IQ. Not only has he played a lot of football, but as a coaches son has been around the game his entire life. Zach has always embraced competition, which we believe will make him excel at Western. We’re excited to see what Zach Marcus can do as a member of our football program.”
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
