Bishop’s; different roads, same destination for commits

Bishop’s adds one provincial commit and two out-of-province commits to their Class of 2018.

Kicker Noah Laursen from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, wide receiver Nicholas MacKenzie from Auburn Drive High School and fullback Oliver Quinn from John Abbott College have taken different roads to reach the same destination, the Bishop’s Gaiters.

Noah Laursen

Noah Laursen has always been surrounded by sports. While he played soccer and hockey for most of his life, it was football that stole his heart. “I ended up finding football and having a true passion for the game,” he said.

Now, the product of Calgary, Alberta, will be heading to La Belle Province to see new lands. “I wanted to go somewhere other than my hometown to study and learn a bit more about other parts of Canada. It will allow me to explore my interests outside of just business,” Laursen said. He added he picked Bishop’s for its small class sizes and the school’s liberal art component.

The 5’10, 145lbs athlete was welcomed wholeheartedly by the Gaiters’ coaches. He said they were very welcoming and informative. “I’m very excited to have a coach that is strictly focused on kicking,” he added.

Laursen played with the Bishop Carroll Cardinals (Calgary High School Athletic Association) for three years. He was a captain on the team this past season. He also was part of the school’s athletic adversary comity.

Talented Kicker from Calgary Noah Laursen commits to @UBishops Football. #comewritethefutur #GaiterNation #bleedpurple pic.twitter.com/jYf2tvJi3c

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 18, 2017

Nicholas MacKenzie

Currently situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when Nicholas MacKenzie reaches the Gaiters, he is confident he won’t feel alone. “I chose to commit to Bishop’s due to the family aspect of the team. Football is all about family and I see a lot of bond in the program,” he said.

“The coaches are great,” he added. “They made me feel extremely comfortable with my decision and were there 24/7 to answer any questions I had.”

MacKenzie, who is interested in sociology with a minor in criminology, spent four years with the Dartmouth Destroyers (Nova Scotia Football League) and three with the Auburn Eagles (Nova Scotia Schools Athletic Federation). He was offensive player of the year in 2012 and 2014. He is a four-in-a-row provincial champion and a NSSAF all-star in 2017. Last year, the 6’0, 165lbs athlete played for Team Nova Scotia.

Talented receiver from Halifax, Nicholas Mackenzie, commits to @UBishops Football #comewritethefuture #gaiternation #bleedpurple pic.twitter.com/zMHwDVRILE

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 18, 2017

Oliver Quinn

Oliver Quinn will not be the first member of his family to attend Bishop’s. “I chose Bishop’s because it’s a close-knit school that boasts impressive student satisfaction numbers. I’ve had family members go to BU and it was clear that I would fit in with the community,” Quinn said.

During his recruitment, Quinn said that the coaching staff has been thoughtful and courteous. “They have well-set plans for success in upcoming years,” he said. “Head Coach Nicolas provides a ton of knowledge on the game and I’m excited to get going with the rest of the staff.”

In Quinn’s 13-year career, he has played with Alexander Park Football, the North Shore Lions (North Shore Football League), the North Shore Mustangs (NSFL) and the John Abbott College Islanders (RSEQ Division 2). While in high school, he received the Steve Murphy Award for the best student-athlete at Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School in 2015. Standing at 6’0, 250lbs, Quinn, who is from Pierrefonds, Québec, has been accepted into the secondary education drama program.

Next up. Throwback player adds character and physicality to @BishopsGaiters as Oliver Quinn from John Abbott College commits to our football program. https://t.co/1kDUXNFO3x #comewritethefuture #bleedpurple #GaiterNation pic.twitter.com/q4mFBWpSlL

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) December 20, 2017