Halifax wide receiver joins OUA team’s 2016 class.
Marko Xidos is heading to Kingston, Ontario to begin the next chapter of his gridiron and academic career.
Recently, the 6’2, 190 pound wide receiver from Halifax, Nova Scotia signed with Queen’s Gaels. Xidos will join the Gaels for the 2016 OUA season.
Ultimately, there were several factors which prompted the offensive standout to opt for the OUA team.
“I have several friends from Halifax who are going there including two who are on the football team,” explained Xidos of his decision. “Obviously, Queen’s is one of the best academic schools in the country and they have a great football program and a very experienced coach in Pat Sheahan who won a Vanier Cup with with the Golden Gaels back in 2009.”
“I kind of wanted to get out of Atlantic Canada, but not too far away that I couldn’t get back home in a few hours and my parents could come to visit and see a game occasionally.”
During his recruitment process it came down to the Gaels and Vanier Cup Champions, University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds. While it wasn’t an easy decision, Xidos is satisfied with the overall outcome.
“I was also considering UBC; another great school and Blake Nill’s reputation speaks for itself, including a Vanier Cup last year, his first year with the team,” expressed the wide receiver. “It’s just so far away from home!”
“But Coach Nill was great to deal with during the recruiting process. Even though I didn’t end up going there, he was very helpful in helping me define my decision making criteria. I really got the sense he was interested in what was best for me, regardless of where I ended up going. Most importantly I think, Queen’s made the investment in my football and academic career that I was looking for. Picking a university is a huge personal and financial decision, and their commitment to me means a lot to me and my family. It was a mutual commitment!”
Xidos helped the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) win two c onsecutive Provincial Tier 1 Championships (2014, 2015). He was named as an NSSAFFL All-Star.
Additionally, the offensive standout represented his province in the past as a member of Team Nova Scotia’s under-17 and under-18 teams. Previously, he participated in both the Spalding Cup and Football Canada Cup. He was named Offence MVP.
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