Class 2012: Luke McQuilkin sets his sights on Queen’s (Video)

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on class 2012 star linebacker and recent Queen’s University commit, Luke McQuilkin. Luke began his football career in 2008.

Luke McQuilkin

Positions:
Linebacker

Height/Weight:
6’0, 215 lbs

Teams:
Corpus Christi Longhorns (high school: OFSAA)
Notre Dame Irish (high school: OFSAA)
Burlington Stampeders (junior varsity/varsity: OFC)
Burlington Braves (junior varsity: SCOFL)

Commitment:
Commitment to Queen’s University

Class:
2012

In grade nine, Luke started playing football for the Notre Dame Irish of the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association (OFSAA). That first season, the Irish won the junior Metro Bowl championship title. In the next year, the standout moved over to Corpus Christi Longhorns of the same league.

During his time with the Longhorns, the team won a Tier 2 championship, senior Tier 3 championship, and a senior Tier 2 championship. Luke contributed significantly in the team’s success during the four seasons he was there.

“In my thirteenth year we had the strongest team we’ve ever had,” comments the linebacker of this past season. “Unfortunately we lost in the championship to number one ranked Nelson 28-15.”

“While the loss was disappointing, the season’s performance ranked us number 14 nationally.”

Other teams Luke has played for include the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario FootballConference (OFC) and the Burlington Braves of the South Central Ontario Football League (SCOFL).

Moreover, he’s been recognized for his play on the field as he’s been a two time Golden Horseshoe all-star and a Halton Tier 1 all-star. As a leader, Luke has served as a captain on the both Longhorns and the Stampeders teams.

Luke says he has a couple of special moments he’s experienced during his amazing football career.

“My most memorable football moments would be winning the varsity OFC championships against the Twin- City Predators and beating Holy Trinity in the semi-final for Halton for my defensive coordinator Nathan Galoni,” says the standout.

Next up for the Longhorns linebacker will be suiting up for the Queen’s Golden Gaels. Most recently, he committed to the university.

“I have chosen Queen’s because I feel it is the best place for me to succeed athletically and academically,” explains the future Golden Gaels player of his decision to commit. “Queen’s has felt like home from day one and I am one hundred percent sure I have made the right choice for me for the next four to five years.”

There is something additional that Luke is looking forward to when he subsequently enters his third year of commerce studies at the campus.

“Queen’s commerce offers an international exchange program in third year,” comments Luke, who would like to pursue a future career in either accounting or finance from the educational experience he will gain at the school. “This is a unique opportunity and I am looking forward to studying and perhaps working abroad one day.”

Among the people who’ve shaped and influenced the Longhorns linebacker’s football career and life in general include his parents and coach Nathan Galoni.

“They have supported me and always pushed me to do better,” adds the star athlete.

As me moves on Queen’s next season, Luke will take all the things he’s learned from the gridiron thus far to reach more goals on and off the field.

“Football has taught me the principles of discipline and hard work,” explains Luke. “It has also has taught me the power of teamwork and how to work as a team.”

Video of Luke’s Football Highlights:

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