Commits feeling the love from Toronto Varsity Blues

The Varsity Blues welcome a trio of teammates to their Class of 2017.

Linebacker Cameron End, defensive back Matthew Vassos and receiver Nolan Lovegrove from St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic High School have had plenty of time to get to know one another, so they need no introduction when they carry on to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Cameron End

Prospect. That’s what drew Cameron End to a school he calls a world-class university. “They have brought in a handful of new coaches that look to be turning the program around and I love the opportunity I have to be a difference maker within the program to help bring back titles to the university,” he said.

It doesn’t hurt that End is a fan of the St. George campus, which is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The future criminology student said he committed to Toronto because it is unmatched in terms of schooling and facilities.

Originally from Aurora, Ontario, he has been playing for seven years. Standing at 6’0, 208lbs, his teams have been the St. Maximilian Kolbe Mustangs (York Region Athletics Association) and the York Simcoe Bucs, which is now called the York Region Lions. This past season, he was the Mustangs’ team and defensive MVP. He was also named the hardest hitter. In grade ten, he was defensive MVP and, on his rep team, he was named the most dedicated player.

Matthew Vassos

Fellow Aurora prospect, Matthew Vassos, echoes the sentiments of End. He said he chose Toronto because it best suited him as a student athlete. There is also a little thing about the coaches that caught his attention.

“I was able to see how much the coaches and staff were doing to put their program in the right direction,” Vassos said. “Their coaching staff is a staff that is set up to win. They know what they need to do and they get it done.”

Standing at 5’8, 160lbs, he has also played with the Mustangs for four years and the Bucs/Lions for five. The potential kinesiology student was the 2012 most improved player on the Bucs. Two years later, he was the team’s defensive MVP and a YRAA all-star. This past season, the Mustangs recognized him with a perseverance award. He was also given all-star honours again.

Nolan Lovegrove
There was a lot of buzz around Nolan Lovegrove, but nothing felt like it did when he met with the Varsity Blues. “In all honest, UofT showed the most love. I had a lot of interest from other schools, but I didn’t feel the same connection with them as I did UofT,” he said.

“The coaches were very welcoming and gave me that family atmosphere players look for. They are unbelievable. Words cannot describe my respect for them. They are honest and loyal, characteristics you don’t see in many today,” Lovegrove added.

With some new faces among the coaching staff, Lovegrove believes the team will be a strong contender for the Yates Cup in the coming years.

At 5’10, 175lbs, the slot back and wide receiver is interested in history or political science. While he calls Richmond Hill, Ontario, his home, he has suited up for the Mustangs and the Bucs/Lions. He has been playing the sport since the tender age of eight.

While with the OVFL York Lions, he was a 2016 offensive MVP and OVFL all-star. Prior to joining the Mustangs, he suited up for the Bill Crothers Colts (YRAA) where he was a 2015 YRAA champion and a 2016 offensive MVP. In 2017, the Mustangs gave him another offensive MVP award. He has also etched his name into the OVFL history books where he holds the records for most receiving yards, most receptions and most first downs in one game.