2 commits now flying with the Gryphons

Guelph welcomes two southern Ontario commits to their Class of 2017.

It can be difficult to find a place that draws you in and welcomes you, but not for Scott Johnston, an offensive lineman from St. Thomas More High School and Simon Chaves, a quarterback and defensive back from Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, who have recently committed to the University of Guelph Gryphons.

Scott Johnston

“It felt like home on my visits to Guelph and I just saw myself continuing my academic and athletic career at the school,” Johnston said. “Guelph offers amazing coaching. Especially with Coach MacDonald. Guelph has recently has sent a lot of linemen to the pros and I feel that the coaching has a lot to do with that success.”

Johnston added that Guelph also appealed to him because of the recent success of the program and the academic support the university offers the students. He is planning on majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Policy while minoring in History.

Beginning in 2008, he suited up for a variety of Hamilton-based teams. Calling the city home, he has played with the Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL), the Varsity Tiger-Cats (OFC) and the St. Thomas More Knights (Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association). He has also suited for the International Bowl edition of Team Ontario U18.

“I would like to thank all the coaches over the years that helped me get to this point in my life. Also, I am thankful for everything the St Thomas More football team has done for me over the last five years,” he said.

“Of course, I would like to thank my family for pushing me to be my best not only on the football field, but also the classroom.”

Awards
HWCDSB JR Championship 2013
HWCDSB SR Championship 2014
OFSAA Golden Horseshoe Bowl Championship 2015
HWCDSB SR Championship 2016
QHAC Semi-Final 2016
OFSAA Championship 2016
OFC Championship (Varsity Tiger-Cats) 2016

Simon Chaves

Simon Chaves doesn’t need an introduction to Guelph. He calls the city his home already and has played with the Guelph Junior Gryphons (OVFL) and the GCVI Gaels (Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association). He said he chose to join the Gryphons because he grew up players on the team and it’s close to home.

Chaves also found a coaching staff that he can relate to. “They’re great,” he said. “They share the same thoughts as me.”

Standing at 5’11, 180lbs, he is interested in Criminology. He has won a D10 Championship this year and was the division’s MVP.