Bishop’s welcomes Filons RB, Nordiques OL

Gaiters’ Class of 2017 grows by two more.

Pierre-Giovanni Medjeber, a running back from Cégep de Thetford and Samuel Ducharme, an offensive lineman from Collège Lionel-Groulx, are ready to tackle the next stage of their football careers after sighing with the Bishop’s University Gaiters.

Pierre-Giovanni Medjeber

The place of your birth will always hold a special place in your heart, and if you’re Pierre-Giovanni Medjeber, it is still considered your home even after you have long since left it behind. He was born in Niort, France, and at the age of five, he moved to Avignon in Southern France. He said it’s like he has two hometowns now.

Now, after a stint in Thetford Mines, a small town south-west of Québec City, he will be calling Sherbrooke, Québec his home. “I chose Bishop’s University because it is the perfect school for me with the major I want to do, the atmosphere of a real community, the little size of the school, so teachers can take the time for you and the language, English,” he said, adding that he is interested in taking sports studies.

Medjeber, who suited up with the Les Filons du Cégep de Thetford (RSEQ Division 2), found that the Gaiters coaches made the choice to stay in Canada a little easier. “I really apricate the part of the coaching staff that I met. They made me feel at home, they are honest, serious and know where they want to go. They have always been interested in me and open. They showed they had some confidence in me,” he said.

Starting at the age of 14, Medjeber, who is 5’10, 182lbs, has played as not only a running back, but a slot back, defensive back and punt returner. He spent found years playing with the Avignon Warriors before joining Les Filons. He also played two international championships with the U19 Team France national squad.

In 2016, he was named MVP on the Gain Sports bus tough. He was an all-star running back when he won a Bol d’Or in 2015. In both 2014 and 2015, he was awarded as the team’s most improved player.

With a new set of teammates waiting for him in Sherbrooke, Medjeber said, “It’s an honour to become a Gaiter and I can’t wait to fight with my new team, my new family.”

Samuel Ducharme

Nestled in the forests north of Montréal is the community of St-Hippolyte, Québec, the hometown of Samuel Ducharme. He will now be heading into the southern part of Québec to reach Bishop’s University. “I chose Bishop’s because of the environment of the university,” he said. “The possibility to learn in English and to be in a good university, the possibility that the university game me in my football career and the excellent installations for the football players.”

The towering 6’6, 275lbs athlete has had the chance to interact with Coach Cherif and lineman coach, Coach Kyle, during his recruitment process and the encounter left him with a good feeling. “Both are friendly and very devoted to the program and they made me feel welcome to play for Bishop’s University. I think the coaching staff is good,” he said.

Ducharme, who is interested in human resources and administration, spent three of his cégep years with Les Nordiques of Lionel-Groulx (RSEQ Division 2). Prior to that, be played for one season with Les Cheminots du Cégep de St-Jérome (RSEQ Division 3). He spent five years in high school with Les Géants de la Polyvalente St-Jérome. In 2012, he won a championship with Les Géants after a perfect season. In 2016, he won a Bol d’Or with Les Nordiques. He said it was the best moment of his football life.

(The Bishops Gaiters now play in the AUS.)