Bishop’s ‘heading in right direction’ for commits

Bishop’s brings in three commits from Québec.

There is a good chance that defensive back Samuel Lagloire-O’Connell and linebacker Dalton English from Champlain College St-Lambert are already quite familiar with one another and if not, they will have plenty of time to get acquainted, along with defensive back Samuel Mathieu-Cloutier from Cégep Limoilou, on the Bishop’s Gaiters.

Samuel Lagloire-O’Connell
After an unfaithful injury in his second year, Samuel Lagloire-O’Connell was facing the possibility of not being able to play his final season with the Champlain College St-Lambert Cavaliers (RSEQ Division 3). Half way through his second season, he tore ligaments and tendons in his shoulder.

“Yet, I continued to play till the end of the season not to let my teammates down,” Lagloire-O’Connell said, adding that he wasn’t able to receive surgery until late in the summer. “I had to work extremely hard, against the odds, and rehab like crazy to get back to play in the playoffs ahead of rehab schedule.”

His determination earned him two final games with the Cavaliers after sitting out for an extended period of time. “I didn’t get as much exposure as I would have liked. I am thus very grateful the Bishop’s coaches have trusted me into their team,” he said.

While he hails from Québec City, Québec, Lagloire-O’Connell decided on Bishop’s because it’s an English school with a team he said is on the rise. “With the change into the AUS, I feel like the Gaiters will be very good competitors each year,” he added. “Moreover, I feel that with the addition of the new coaches on the team, the program is on the right track.”

The 5’7, 165lbs halfback will be entering a double major in social studies and secondary education. Prior to his stint with the Cavaliers, he played at St. Patrick’s high school (RSEQ). In the 2015-2016 season, he was named an academic all-star and received the “Foundation des Athletes du Québec, Alouettes Bursary for Leadership.”

There is no questioning this young man’s heart. He said, “I hope to continue working hard to help the team any way I can.”

Hard working DB from the Champlain Cavaliers Samuel Lagloire-Oconnell joins BU football. https://t.co/iKapOQMGEQ pic.twitter.com/xxxI6dJqYq

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) March 8, 2017

Dalton English

Family is the theme for Dalton English’s decision to attend Bishop’s. His tale begins with the players he has encountered over the course of his career. In his time with the Greenfield Park Packers, the Cavaliers and the South Shore Junior Bruizers (QJFL), he has met quite a few people who he won’t soon forget.

“I chose Bishop’s because of my familiarity with the program. So many guys I’ve played against or with are on the team, so there’s a sense of family already brought to Bishop’s,” English said.

Originally born and raised in Montréal, Québec, the 11-going-on-12-year veteran soon moved to Greenfield Park, which is only across the Champlain Bridge from Montréal. The location of Bishop’s in relation to his home was highly appealing to English.

“To have the chance to play university (ball) in front of my family, my girlfriend and loved ones is something I’ve always wanted,” he said.

When the 5’11, 215lbs inside and middle linebacker joins Bishop’s, he will be in good hands. “Having Head Coach Cheriff take over the program was a huge bonus because he’s such a well-respected coach in Québec at the cégep level and now having the opportunity to play for him is something I couldn’t pass up,” English said.

“Coach Loranger is another coach who brings years of experience and respect to the table and having him as the defensive coordinator is going to give me the ability to learn form some of the best coaches in the province and the university level,” he added.

In his career, he has been a 2014 Cavaliers defensive MVP and a 2016 QJFL all-star linebacker and league champion. He is interested in going into sports studies with the dream of following in the footsteps of his new bench bosses.

“I plan on pursing a coaching career following the end of my playing career,” English said. “Also, (I’m) hoping to open a training company in hopes of developing the next generation of Canadian football talent.”

Good news. Championship winning MLB Dalton English from the Bruizers commits to Gaiters. #bleedpurple #gaiternation pic.twitter.com/784Y4x88VE

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) March 8, 2017

Samuel Mathieu-Cloutier

Like his fellow Québec City commit, Lagloire-O’Connell, Samuel Mathieu-Cloutier chose Bishop’s for the chance to learn English at a redemable university. His goal is to become an elementary school teacher.

Standing at 5’11, 165lbs, the cornerback played three years with Les Titans du Cégep Limoilou (RSEQ Division 1). All awards and championships that he has won were during his high school days.

Good day for our Air defence. DB from Cegep Limoilou Samuel Mathieu-Cloutier commits to BU. #gaiterfootball #bleedpurple pic.twitter.com/TqfZMqH3IA

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) March 8, 2017