Panda allure

Caledon East defensive lineman recently joins OUA team’s 2014 class.

There were too many reasons that prompted Tevin Bowen to make his final decision on where he would begin his CIS career in 2014.

As a result, the 6’1, 265 pound defensive lineman from Caledon East, Ontario is one of the newest members of the Carleton Ravens.  Recently, he committed to the Ottawa school and had a list of factors that led to his decision.

“The fact that they are so player friendly and understand what recruits today are looking for,” explained Bowen.  “The relationship I had with Coach Bech (Defensive Coordinator Ryan Bechmanis) and Coach Sumarah (Head Coach Steve Sumarah) before the commitment, and the relationship I built with Coach Darrell Adams (Defensive Line & Strength and Conditioning Coach) during our car ride from Orangeville to Ottawa.”

“The honesty in the coaching staff was important as they let you know how it is and I respect that.”

Furthermore, Bowen was impressed with the facilities and level of support on the Ravens.

“The support systems they have in place for players especially first year players transitioning from high school to University,” said the Ontario defensive lineman.  “From the locker room to the weight room, I’ve yet to see a Canadian school put so much emphasis in making sure players were happy and comfortable.”

Coach Sumarah has this to say about the recent signing of Bowen.  “Tevin is a dominating player he brings speed and a physical presence to the defensive line.  Having coached him last year in Texas with the Ontario selects we saw the potential that he brings.  We are excited to have him in our program.”

Academics too played a role in his decision to commit to the Ravens.

“It is a great school for law which is what I want to study, and great opportunities to move forward with post-secondary and during my time as a student at Carleton,” added Bowen.

Ultimately, the opportunity to play with players he is familiar with and knowing the coaching staff tipped the scale in Carleton’s direction.

“The fact that I know majority of the players on the team helps because they could help me on the field with things as well as off the field,” expressed the Ontario defensive lineman.  “Probably, the most important thing is the hunger in which the players and coaches have here.”

“With seven full time coaches they legitimately DO NOT STOP, Coach Sumarah, Darrell Adams, JP Asselin (Offensive Coordinator), and Bech in particular are constantly looking for ways to improve the team and I respect that.”

This upcoming fall, he has one goal he wants to achieve with the Ravens.

“Getting that first win, that first Panda game win things like that are too alluring I couldn’t turn that down,” said Bowen.

The defensive standout comes to the Ravens after completing his high school career with Robert F. Hall Wolves of the Region of Peel Secondary Schools Athletic Association (ROPSSAA).  In July 2012, he captained Team Ontario West to a bronze medal finish at the Football Canada Cup in London, Ontario. As a lineman, Bowen plays at the tackle and end positions.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)