Championship ambitions (VIDEO)

Ontario offensive standouts newest recruits to join OUA team’s 2014 class.

Queen’s Golden Gaels offensive unit has added two Ontario standouts.

Brandon Tyrrell and Adam Black are the newest members of the team.  Both players will join the team for the 2014 OUA season.

BRANDON TYRRELL:

The 5’11, 170 pound running back/slotback from Oakville, Ontario led the Thomas A Blakelock Tigers of the Halton Secondary School Athletic Association (HSSAA) to an undefeated season en route to the Regional Championship last season as the team’s offensive captain.

“With 13 touchdowns, which included a kick-off return for a touchdown I could not have asked for a better year on the football field,” reflected Tyrrell. “Last year, my senior team made it to the playoffs and lost on the championship game. “

“At the start of the season, me and a few other senior players vowed to avenge the loss.  We started preseason workouts prior to the teacher-coaches and were prepared to do whatever it took to win.”

As for the Golden Gaels, the team is looking forward to welcoming a player with tremendous speed and playmaking abilities into the fold.

“Brandon is easily the fastest athlete in the 2014 recruiting class,” commented Golden Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan.  “I am excited about his big play potential and what he will add to the Queen’s offense with explosion plays.”

“He has all the makings of a CIS superstar receiver and kick returner with a legit 4.3 40 yard dash.  He will contribute to a much improved team speed in this year’s recruiting class.  He will be a great addition to our track team as well.”

Tyrell issued the following statement regarding his commitment:

“I was fortunate to be recruited by schools both for track & field, and football. Ideally, I wanted to be at a university where I could continue to compete in both.”

“In my home league I am noted for my sprint speed which at the end of the track indoor season in 2013 had me ranked by Athletics Canada as number three indoor nationally in my age grouping, and number 1 under 17 years  in Ontario.  I’ve qualified for OFSAA for track each year that I’ve been in high school.”

“Pat Sheehan, Queen’s Football Head Coach, shared my philosophy that continuing to run track during football off-season at the CIS level would benefit me on field performance.”
“Ultimately, I chose Queen’s because of its record of Vanier Cup appearances/wins and the excellent coaching staff.  One of the assistants was on staff with the Ti-Cats in 2013, and the Defensive Coordinator (Pat Tracey) just signed on with the Blue Bombers.”

“The entire coaching staff, most notably Ryan Sheahan (offensive coordinator) made me feel welcome throughout the whole recruiting process.  During my official visit, the Head Coach (Pat Sheahan) personally took me and my parents for a one hour tour of the entire campus and even sat down with us and the other players for lunch.  Afterwards, we had a one-on-one with Pat Sheahan and I quickly realized that he wasn’t like other coaches from big OUA programs.  It was impressive that he not only knew each player background, but the detailed backgrounds of the players’ parents too.”

“I’d like to get a business degree and go on to pursue an MBA, and Queen’s has a top-notch program for what I wish to do after football.  As an added bonus, it won’t be far for my family and friends to attend games.”

“What sealed the decision for me is that not only can I maintain being competitive in two sports, but in each of the four years that I am at Queen’s the team will be a legitimate Vanier Cup contender.  And I’m happy to contribute to that in any way possible.”

ADAM BLACK:

The 5’9, 190 pound running back from Mississauga, Ontario not only felt comfortable with the Kingston, Ontario campus but felt it was the place where he could achieve all his gridiron and academic goals.

“I chose Queen’s because it felt like home to me,” expressed Black.  “It clearly is a place where I can meet my goals and ultimately be a part of a possible Vanier Cup championship team.”

“A lot of my past fellow teammates also committed there so there was a comfort level with that too. The coaching staff was friendly and inviting definitely player oriented coaches. Queen’s also offers unmatched academics which will help me after football is over. The football program is known for having great success and I am excited to be a part of it. I am ecstatic and honoured to play for Queen’s next year.”

Black guided the Lorne Park Spartans of the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) to a league championship as well as a victory in the OFSAA Bowl Festival Series over the Frontenac Falcons. This past season, the offensive standout rushed for 1100 yards.

He began his gridiron career at the age of 12.  During his career, Black also suited up for the Mississauga Warriors of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and played at the atom, peewee and varsity levels.  The running back won a junior varsity OVFL championship and was also named a Warriors Offensive MVP.

“Adam is a prototypical Queen’s student-athlete,” added Sheahan.  “He is a high achiever in the classroom and a great all round athlete.”

“He runs well, he blocks well and he catches well. He is a great fit for the Queen’s offense. He was a key contributor on a championship team a Lorne Park.”

Black becomes the third Spartans player to commit to the Golden Gaels. He will be reunited with defensive back Justin Bowman and linebacker D’Antal Sampson.

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