Acadia adds one local commit and one out-of-province commit to their 2019 class.
Ethan Sperling, a defensive lineman from Horton High School, and Adam Shoemaker, a quarterback from John. F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, are excited to be a part of the Acadia Axemen family.
Ethan Sperling
When Ethan Sperling chose the Axemen, he knew he would be rejoining some old brothers. “The Acadia football team is very welcoming and family-like,” he said. “I know many of the guys on the team and have heard from them that it is always a great environment to be in and that everyone is serious about getting better individually and as a team.”
Sperling added that he has dreamed of playing in front of his family, friends, and other people he knows. “I truly believe that it was the best choice I could’ve made and that it will be a great experience and opportunity for me in terms of football and schooling in the years to come,” he said.
Sperling, who will be taking biology, needs no introduction to the Axemen coaching staff. He said that the defensive line coach, Adam Melanson, is the son of his former coach, Steve Melanson. “So, I have known and been around him for quite a long time and know that he’s a very great and knowledgeable guy and I really look forward to working with him closely,” Sperling said.
He added that the head coach, Jeff Cummins, has been a staple in his community’s sports scene for years. “He is a very outgoing and friendly person who has extensive knowledge of everything football. I have played basketball and football with his son and have got to know Jeff well over the past few years,” he said.
“I am extremely excited to have him as a head coach in the years coming and to have all the coaching staff at Acadia help me become the best football player and person that I possibly can be.”
The 6’3, 210lbs defensive end has played with both the Valley Bulldogs (FNS) and Horton High (NSSAFFL) Griffins. Hailing from Kentville, Nova Scotia, he has played for seven years. In 2013, he was the Valley Bulldogs’ ‘defensive player of the year.’ Last season he was a Division 1 defensive all-star. He was also the Griffin’s co-MVP, 2018.
Adam Shoemaker
For Adam Shoemaker, it was the right time to join the Axemen. “I chose to commit to Acadia University because the situation seemed right and the coaches and players all seemed great when I went down for a visit. The campus and the views are beautiful, and everything seemed like the right fit,” he said.
“Everything I have heard (about the coaches) has been great,” he added. “The coaches seemed very nice and supportive. Coach Cummins seemed to provide a positive and great atmosphere while still pushing you to be the best player and student you can be.”
In university, Shoemaker will be taking psychology. He said he is going to see how he likes it.
Standing at 6’1, 195lbs, he has played for the John F Ross Royals (D10), the Guelph Jr Gryphons (OFA) and the Waterloo Region Predators (OFL). He was the Royals’ 2018 team MVP and a two-time D10 all-star in 2017 and 2018. Two seasons ago he played in the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge. The six-year veteran is from Guelph, Ontario.
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