Gaels sign local recruit

Ottawa linebacker joins OUA team’s 2015 class.

Queen’s Gaels have announced the addition of Kurtis Schaefer to their football program.

The 6’1, 215 pound linebacker from Ottawa, Ontario will join the team for the 2015 OUA season.

Shaefer has previously suited up for both Sacred Heart Huskies of the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) and Bel-Air Norsemen of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).

Among the honours he’s received during his gridiron career include Norsemen Team Captain, NCAFA Rookie of the Year, NCAFA All-Star Defensive MVP for All-Star game (caught two interceptions and scored two touchdowns in the game), Huskies Team captain and NCSSAA All-Star.

Additionally, Schaefer led the Huskies in tackles, interceptions, forced and recovered fumbles and touchdowns.

This upcoming May, Schaefer will participate in the Ontario Prospect Challenge as a member of Team East’s squad.

“Kurtis is a great catch for us from the Nation’s Capital,” commented Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan.  “We were very impressed by his performance at our elite passing camp last August and his senior year as a NCAFA midget player last fall playing for the Kanata Knights.”

“He has a number of talents and can play several positions. He is solidly built at 6’0, 210 pounds and moves extremely well. He can excel at either linebacker or DB. Kurtis is also a big hit guy with great range.  He is a dynamite special teams player. He attended Sacred Heart CHS and will be a Physical Education student at Queen’s.”

Following his commitment, Schaefer issued the following statement:

“I choose to commit to Queen’s because it has a combination of everything I was looking for in a university.”

“I know that football is not a lifetime job and with going to Queen’s I will be getting one of the greatest educations that Canada has to offer to fall back on whenever my football career is over.”

“This past summer, I participated in the Queen’s Elite Football Prospect Camp. Being around the coaches and some of the players for the week showed the how much of a family the team is and how amazing the atmosphere is.”

“As well, I feel in love with the campus and the atmosphere around the town.”

“Queen’s has been one of my dream schools since I was little kid watching the 2009 team on TV win the Vanier Cup. I am just honored and excited to be a Gael for the next four to five years.”

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