For UofT commits, academics, coaches were main attractions

Toronto adds two GTA commits and one northern Ontario commit to their Class of 2018.

When it came to recruitment, it was academic prestige that drew offensive lineman Mohammed Alhamzawi from Abbey Park High School and running backs Djuwa N’Galamulume from St. Charles College and Ron Boshoer from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Mohammed Alhamzawi

Being a student athlete in university can be tough, but Mohammed Alhamzawi is confident in the Varsity Blues’ support systems. “I chose to commit to UofT for a couple reasons. First of all, it is the top university in Canada academically. Secondly, the facilities the school has are amazing and a lot of resources are available to help student-athletes get through school,” the potential life sciences student said.

“The coaching staff definitely had an influence on my decision,” the 6’3, 290lbs tackle added. “Coach Mullen was really welcoming and helpful. I think the coaching staff is great.”

Alhamzawi spent four years playing with the Abbey Park Eagles (Halton Secondary School Athletic Association) in his hometown of Oakville, Ontario. In 2016, his team captured the Halton championships.

Djuwa N’Galamulume

Before anything could be made certain, Djuwa N’Galamulume needed to convince an important person in his life that this was the best place for him. “What really set it off was once my mother realized that this would be a good fit for me,” he said.

“Since my first visit I loved the environment. I already know how competitive it was at the school and it’s one of the best academic schools in the world, so that was a factor,” the potential humanities or business student added.

It was the Varsity Blues coaching staff that set the tone of the school. “I love what their staff was doing with their facilities…all the players I’ve talked to only said positive things about them. They’re very accessible to talk to if you have problems and that’s a great aspect to have for me,” N’Galamulume, who is 5’10, 205lbs, said.

“They’re out-going and will push you, which I love to play for coaches like that (who) strive for greatness and academic excellence and that made (me) feel like this was the spot for me,” he added.

N’Galamulume, who is in grade 13, has suited up for the St. Charles College Saints (Sudbury District Secondary School Athletic Association) since grade nine. He has also been a Sudbury Gladiator (OFC) since 2014. He was the Gladiators’ 2014 offensive MVP and the Saints’ offensive MVP in 2014 and 2017. He is a two-time city champion with the Gladiators in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, his team won the conference championships.

Blues are excited to sign RB Djuwa N’Galamulune (@djuwa) from Northern Ontario! He will Brung much needed toughness the Blues next year #northernblues #6ixontherise

A post shared by Varsity Blues Football (@varsitybluesfootball) on Feb 3, 2018 at 3:38pm PST

Ron Boshoer

Accustomed to life in the north part of the GTA, Ron Boshoer from Richmond Hill, Ontario, will be heading into the heart of Toronto for the 2018 season and beyond. “I chose to commit to UofT because I really like the campus. It really spoke for itself,” he said. “The facilities were (also) very impressive and I love the heritage that UofT carries and I’m very excited to be apart of it!”

When Boshoer met with the Varsity Blues’ coaches, he said they were friendly. “They’re a great group of coaches. They are very knowledgeable in the game and will be able to help me develop as a football player,” he added. “They bring a family-first mentality with all the teammates and really made me feel at home when I went down for my visit and in the communication process.”

In 2015, Boshoer was a member of the York Simcoe Bucs (OVFL). Since 2016, he was played for the York Region Lions (OVFL). In high school, he played with the St. Maximilian Kolbe Mustangs (York Region Athletics Association).

This past season, he participated in the 2017 OVFL all-star game. He was also the recipient of the ‘Mustang Man’ award, which is awarded for excellence on the field combined with excellence in the classroom. In 2016, he was the Mustangs’ rookie of the year and the Lions’ team MVP.

Bosher, who is 5’8, 172lbs, is interested in taking kinesiology.

Another outstanding athlete from St.Max in Aurora. Welcome to the family @ronguyy! You look great in Varsity Blue! #6ixontherise

A post shared by Varsity Blues Football (@varsitybluesfootball) on Feb 7, 2018 at 7:45pm PST