Class 2012: Andrew Richards finds comfort at Wilfrid Laurier

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 defensive end and recent Wilfrid Laurier commit, Andrew Richards. Andrew started playing football in grade nine for Richview Collegiate Saints.

Andrew Richards

Positions:
Defensive End

Height/Weight:
6’5, 235 lbs

Teams:
Richview Collegiate Saints (high school: TDSSAA)
Etobicoke Eagles (junior varsity/varsity: OVFL)

Commitment:
Commitment to Wilfrid Laurier University

Class:
2012

Andrew has enjoyed tremendous success on the field while playing for the Etobicoke Eagles of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and his high school team, the Richview Collegiate Saints of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA).

During his time with the Saints, the defensive end experienced the highlight of his football career.

“My most memorable football experience is when we won the city championship for Richview in 2010,” says Andrew. “It was a hard fought game, but in the end we came out on top.”

The defensive standout has been previously selected to the OVFL all-star and the GTA Rising Stars team. Recently, Andrew was chosen to the GTA team that will take part in the all-star game on May 6th at McMaster University.

Next season, the defensive star will continue his football career at Wilfrid Laurier University. From the moment he stepped foot on the campus for a visit, he felt right at home.

“I decided to take my talent to Laurier because I felt a true sense of family there,” explains the future Golden Hawks player. “When I went up for my visit I really liked the atmosphere and coaching staff.”

“I also felt that I would be able to excel as a student and also as an athlete by going there.”

Andrew tries to emulate the play and character of NFL defensive star, Justin Tuck.

“In terms of football, a player that I look up to is Justin Tuck,” comments the Saints graduating defensive standout. “He always works hard and is my favourite player to watch.”

On the sidelines, Andrew’s biggest supporter and motivator is his father.

“He’s at every single one of my football games and is definitely my biggest fan,” adds Andrew.

While at Wilfrid Laurier, the defensive end will study kinesiology with the hopes of becoming a physiotherapist in the future. No matter what he does on the field or in the classroom, Andrew will continue to use the work ethic that’s brought him success thus far.

“Something that I learned from football is to always work hard,” says Andrew. “On the football field you have work hard to win the game.”

“Where as off the field, you have to workhard to achieve your goals in school.”

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