4 commits ready to add talents to Windsor Lancers

Windsor brings in three Ontario and one American commit to their Class of 2017.

It was the charisma and knowledge of the University of Windsor Lancers’ coaches that drew in linebackers Ricky O’Rourke from Ursuline College and Josh Kita from St. Clair Secondary School, along with defensive back Daniel Stirling from St. David’s Catholic Secondary School to the school for the 2017 season.

Brenden Jackson, a linebacker from L’Anse Creuse High School, will be heading to Canada to join Windsor.

Ricky O’Rourke

For a student athlete, academics is just as important as athletics. But, you don’t have to tell that to the Lancers’ coaching staff. “I chose to commit to the University of Windsor because the coaching staff were extremely friendly and really seem to care about the players and making sure that the students’ education is put first and football second,” Ricky O’Rourke said.

“It was something that I really looked for while choosing a school,” he added. “The players, as well, seem very friendly and welcoming and the school community seems like a family and extremely welcoming.”

O’Rourke, who will be taking Social Work and Disability studies, wasn’t merely impressed with the coaches’ position on academics. “The new defensive coordinator, Peter Fraser, and Head Coach D’Amore really seem to know what they’re doing and seem to be ready to take Windsor football to the next step,” he said.

During his visit, O’Rourke had a preview of what the defensive playbook has to offer, courtesy of Fraser. “You could tell he is prepared for the upcoming season and I’m very excited to be apart of it,” O’Rourke said. “The entire coaching staff seems committed to making the football team better and stronger.”

The 5’10, 205lbs middle linebacker has spent his entire six years playing in his hometown of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, which is near the Windsor-Detroit border. He has played with the Chatham-Kent Cougars (OFC) and the Ursuline College Chatham Lancers (Lambton Kent Secondary School Athletic Association). He is a three-time defensive MVP, former rookie of the year and a coaches’ choice player.

“I have not won any championships, but I’m sure that will change while being at Windsor,” O’Rourke said. “I’m very excited to get started with such a great program and continue to develop my game with such great coaches.”

Josh Kita

Josh Kita grew up on the shores of Lake Huron in the city of Sarnia, Ontario. Already familiar with the border, he will be simply moving down closer to Detroit to join the Lancers. “I chose Windsor because it’s where I felt most at home,” Kita said. “It was a place I could see myself growing as a person and a player.”

The 6’3, 210lbs St. Clair Colt (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) liked what he saw at Windsor and wanted to be apart of it. “The coaches and players seem like a family. The coaching staff were personable and welcoming. They really made the decision easy,” Kita said.

The future Human Kinetics student understands the importance of a good coaching staff. During his time in high school, he took his hand at coaching house league football. In his four years as a defensive coordinator, he won two championships.

His own playing career has been just as fruitful as his coaching. He has also played with the Sarnia Sturgeons, the Chatham-Kent Cougars and the Great Lakes Wolfpack (LKSSAA). He is a four-time defensive MVP with St. Clair, a 2016 LKSSAA 8-Man champion and a OFC defensive line all-star.

Daniel Stirling

Daniel Stirling will have little bit of a hike to Windsor from his hometown of Waterloo, Ontario. But, moving to the border city will probably be an enriching experience.

“I chose to commit to Windsor because Head Coach D’Amore was a genuine guy who really helped me realize that I wanted to spent the next few years in the City of Windsor,” Stirling said. “The staff were all very accommodating. They were all very friendly, but made it clear that when it’s time to practice, we are there to get better.”

The future nursing student spent his high school days with the St. David Celtics (Waterloo-Cambridge Secondary School Athletics Association) where he was a defensive MVP from 2014-2017. He also captured a D8 high school championship this past season.

In 2015, he was the Twin City Predators special teams player of the year. The following season, he was the team’s defensive player of the year. This summer, he will join the Cambridge Lions (OVFL). He is currently on the Principal’s Role for having a 90% average and above in his high school courses this year.

Brenden Jackson
After spending his time on the opposite side of the line, Brenden Jackson will be crossing the river from his hometown of Chesterfield, Michigan. The 6’0, 215lbs middle linebacker played with L’Anse Creuse North High School.