Gaels’ rich traditions attracts two

Queen’s adds one local commit and one out-of-province commit to their 2018 class.

Get the pen and paper out, defensive lineman Kody White from Canada Prep and receiver Liam Yeldon from John Abbott College are ready to etch their names into the history books of the Queen’s Gaels.

Kody White

Although Kody White has been in St. Catharines, Ontario, playing with the Canada Prep Raiders, he is originally from Seeley’s Bay, Ontario, which is north-east of Kingston. β€œGoing to school in Kingston, I’ve always been exposed to the greatness of Queen’s. I’ve been interested in attending and playing for them since the first season I played football in grade ten,” White said.

Courtesy of Kody White.

β€œTo be able to be a hometown kid and play for my city and have those people who helped me and supported me be able to come watch is something I couldn’t get anywhere else, having my family be able to attend every game is something special,” he added.

There was much more about Queen’s that appealed to White, however. He said that the facilities are second to none and are some of the best in the country in his opinion. β€œAlso, the deep traditions and spirit that surrounds the university is something that you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.

White, who is interested in history, is excited to work with a coaching staff he called very experienced. β€œWith having many years combined, they offer a lot of knowledge that I couldn’t get anywhere else…I believe (they) can help me achieve the highest possible level of excellence,” he said.

β€œThey are incredibly nice and help with whatever I need. They made the recruiting process very easy,” White added. β€œI’m looking forward to playing for such a good group of coaches.”

In his career, the 6’4, 240lbs lineman has played with the Raiders, the La Salle Black Knights (KASSAA) and the Kingston Grenadiers (OPFL). In 2014 and 2016, he won a National Capital Bowl, the KOSSAA championship and the KASSAA championship. He also won a KASSAA championship in 2015. That year, he was a finalist in the NCAFA A championship. White has also been an OVFL finalist, was a 2014 defensive MVP, a captain in 2015 and 2016 and a OFSAA silver medalist in rugby.

β€œI would like to thank my best friend, Cisco Bower, for convincing me to transfer schools in grade ten to come play football. If it wasn’t for him, none of this amazing experience would be happening,” White said.

β€œAs well, I would like to thank all my past coaches, Tom Bell, Reuben Burnet, Kim Lats, and many more for helping me along the way,” White added. β€œFinally, I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me along the way and cheering me on from the sidelines.”

Liam Yeldon

When Liam Yeldon joins the Gaels, he knows he will be receiving much more than a new head coach. β€œHead Coach Sheahan is the best in the country, not only is he a great coach, he’s a mentor,” Yeldon said.

Yeldon, who will be taking global development studies, was also drawn to Queen’s rich history. β€œTradition at Queen’s is something that is going to be amazing to be apart of,” he said. β€œThey are a prestigious university and that’s something that appealed to me.”

Yeldon is from Hudson, Quebec, an off-island suburb of Montreal. He spent five years with the Loyola Warriors (RSEQ) before spending two with the John Abbott Islanders (RSEQ Division 2). The 6’3, 220lbs slotback and tight end won a city championship in 2015 with the Warriors. He was also awarded the Andy McGillis Endowment sports scholarship when he graduated.

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