Class 2012 : OL Jean-Michel Girard will pursue career with Rouge et Or

After a dominating CEGEP career, Offensive Lineman Jean-Michel Girard joins one of the best football programs in the nation, The Laval Rouge et Or.

Jean-Michel began playing football when he was 14 years old in his hometown of Jonquiere, Qc. Jean-Michel played for the Bleu et Or (Arvida) until it came time to head to CEGEP. He was recruited by 3 colleges. His options where Les Jeannois d’Alma , Les Cougars de Chicoutimi and Les Gaillard de Jonquiere. He made the decision to head to Chicoutimi to play for the Cougars where he stayed for the 2 years. Jean-Michel had a hard time adapting to his new city as the cougars finished with a combined recored of only 2 wins and 16 losses. He made the decision to not finish his career with the Cougars and obtain his release to play for les Gaillards de Jonquiere. Jean-Michel informed me that it was a decision that he will never regret.

The 6’4, 290 lbs Offensive lineman went on to be an All Star in both of his seasons with the Gaillards (CEGEP Div 2). Jean-Michel quickly became a dominant force in the Gaillards Lineup and was on numerous recruiting boards across Quebec. After being recruited by all of the university’s in the Quebec conference, He made the decision to head to the Laval Rouge et Or. He also added that Jonquiere offered a higher coaching level and he believed it played a big part in him reaching the CIS.

Jean-Michel added that his best football moments came playing under the lights on Friday nights in Jonquiere. The moment he remembers the most is playing his former team because it was a big rivalry.

“Having over 2000 people in the crowd playing Chicoutimi is something il never forget, the atmosphere was amazing” said Girard.

Girard added that he owes alot to the Gaillards coaching staff. He says that without them, he never would have made it to the CIS and he is thankful for everything they have done for him.

“Eric Paquet and Francois Laberge were just like fathers to me in Jonquiere, they took care of me and all other players on and off the field, they have been a very big insperation in my CEGEP career”

He also added that his fitness coach Joel Desgagne prepared him for the next level and showed him how be healthy.

Jean-Michel will be enrolling in September 2012 and will be studying Criminology.