Axemen bring in CFC100, 3 other commits to team

Acadia welcomes their first four commits to their 2017 class.

The Acadia Axemen brotherhood has just gained a few members after the commitments of Zach Cormier, a defensive lineman from Tantramar High School, Andrew Holmes, a linebacker from St. John Cahtolic School, Chris LeBlanc, a defensive back from Bernice MacNaughton High School and CFC100 Isaac Melanson, a defensive lineman from the Guelph Gryphons.

“We are extremely excited to announce the first group of 2017 recruits. These players are exactly the types of student athletes and people we want as members of the Axemen family,” Head Coach Jeff Cummins said.

“Their on-field success is extremely impressive with defensive MVPs, players of the year and all-star awards, team captains and a former CFC100. They have made a decision to become one of Acadia’s first wave of recruits and have chosen a great place to compete for championships and get an incredible degree. We are very excited about this group and cannot wait for August so we can see them perform on the field.”

Zach Cormier

Zach Cormier makes the tackle. Courtesy of Zach Cormier.

Zach Cormier knew something was right when walked onto the Acadian campus. “I chose to commit to Acadia because I felt like it was the best fit for me overall. It has great academics, a beautiful campus and it just felt like home,” he said, adding that he is interested in kinesiology. “I love the coaching staff. They are all super friendly and great people overall. They are also amazing coaches.”

The 6’2, 220lbs athlete is from Amherst, Nova Scotia, which is near the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border. He started his career with the Cumberland Wolfpack (Moncton Football Association). In grade nine he joined the Tantramar Titans (New Brunswick High School Football League).

In his six-year career, Cormier has been a 2015 and 2016 league all-star. In the same years, he helped his Titans to back-to-back provincial championship wins. In 2016, he was also defensive lineman of the year.

Andrew Holmes

Courtesy of Andrew Holmes.

Andrew Holmes isn’t from the east coast. Instead, he is a product of Smiths Falls, Ontario, which is outside Ottawa. But, it probably won’t take him too long to acclimatize to the east. “Once I met the coaching staff and the team, I felt right at home. But, also the atmosphere of the school was a big reason why I committed,” he said. “(The coaching staff are) crazy nice people and very welcoming. They expect you to do your job and to help the team win.”

Standing at 5’10, 200lbs, Holmes has played with the Myers Riders (OVFL), Kanata Knight (National Capital Amateur Football Association) and the St. John’s Spartans (Lanark County Interschool Athletic Association). In 2013 and 2015, he was the Spartans’ MVP. In 2014, he won a coaches’ award on the Spartans. In 2015, he was the Knights MVP. He was also a captain on the Riders.

Holmes has won his fair share of accolades. Now, he is ready for the next level. He said, “I’m very excited to play in the U Sports league with the Axemen for the next few years.”

Chris LeBlanc

Courtesy of Chris LeBlanc.

Chris LeBlanc will be travelling across provincial lines from his hometown of Moncton, New Brunswick to reach Acadia University. But, he won’t be without familiar faces in his new home. “I chose to commit to Acadia because I have many friends who already attend and I know a lot of people there. Also, Wolfville and Acadia itself are both beautiful,” he said.

What appealed to him the most, however, ere the coaching staff and the sporting facility. “The coaches that I met are awesome. They all seem to know football and what it takes to get to the next level considering where they have played in their careers. I can’t wait to be playing for Head Coach Cummins and the rest of the coaches next fall,” LeBlanc said.

Courtesy of Chris LeBlanc.

The 5’11, 180lbs running back and defensive back played with the Bernice MacNaughton Highlanders (New Brunswick High School Football League). He will be majoring in politics. “Acadia’s a great school and place and I’m going to enjoy being there next year,” he said.

“I would just like to say it’s an honour to be playing for the Axemen and under a coaching staff who is so educated in football! Its going to be a great journey and I can’t wait for it!”

CFC100 Isaac Melanson
Isaac Melanson will be returning home to Wolfville, Nova Scotia after transferring to Acadia from the Guelph Gryphons. In high school, he played with the Horton Griffins (Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Football League). He has been named as an NSSAFFL lineman of the year and an all-star defensive end. He is 6’2, 235lbs.

 

 

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