Gaels stock up on linemen, add three

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

Defensive lineman Anthony Federico from Saint Michael Catholic High School and offensive lineman Liam McGennis from Robert Bateman High School and Devan Dhindsa from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School will be bringing their size and skill to the lines of the Queen’s Gaels for the 2018 season and beyond.

Anthony Federico

From the moment that Anthony Federico stepped onto Queen’s campus, he was surrounded by what he called great energy. “I love the energy and attitude Coach Champagne brings to the d-line, also, the great alumni that rallies around the team,” Federico said. “(Queen’s has the) greatest coaching and recruiting staff in U Sports.”

The 6’4, 250lbs defensive lineman spent five years with the Saint Michael Mustangs (NRHSAA) and two with the Niagara Spears (OVFL) and the Hamilton Hurricanes (CJFL). In 2017, he was the Hurricanes defensive MVP and a CJFL all-star. He is interested in economics.

“This dream wouldn’t be possible without the amazing coaches I’ve had throughout all my years of playing football, from the amazing coaches I’ve had at Saint Michael, from the Niagara Spears and from the Hamilton Hurricanes,” Federico said.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere close to the player I am today if it wasn’t for my defensive line coach from the Hamilton Hurricanes, Coach Jay Braithwaite, and my d-line coach from St. Michael, Dave Lavey. These two men have guided me throughout my complete journey and continue to help me grow as a player, student and person,” he added.

Federico would also like to thank his coaches Brian Duguay, Brian Carter, Dominic Scozzafava, Jay Hayes and Mike Samuel “for the time and commitment they have put in to get me where I am today.”

Liam McGennis

Courtesy of Liam McGennis.

Liam McGennis has a long flight ahead of him to reach Kingston, Ontario. But, he has already seen a similarity between his hometown and his future city. “The education I would get in both academics and football were high, and Kingston itself feels like Abbotsford,” the product of Abbotsford, BC, said.

“The coaches seem like quite a nice group that can get serious when needed,” McGennis added. “Also, (they’re) very dedicated to this sport.”

The hulking 6’5, 292lbs tackle played for two teams spanning over three years while playing community ball. He also spent four seasons with the Robert Bateman Timberwolves (BCSSFA). In 2017, he was an east conference all-star. He is interested in becoming a history teacher.

With the new season fast approaching, McGennis said, “I really am looking forward to improving and getting the best experience possible.”

Devan Dhindsa

When Devan Dhindsa was reviewing schools, he narrowed it down to five universities. “Queen’s stood out football wise, academically and all-around I just felt welcome,” he said. “Coach Pat Sheahan has been there for a long time and has a history of producing great football players and overall it seemed like everything was very well organized.”

Dhindsa, who is interested in sociology, has been playing football for nine years. In high school, he suited up for the Holy Trinity Titans (HCAA). He is also a former member of the Burlington Stampeders (OPFL). The 6’1, 320lbs product of Oakville, Ontario, is a Halton all-star and was the Titans’ lineman of the year.

“Just like to thank Holy Trinity for five great years of football,” Dhindsa said. “And thanks to SST Oakville for consistently preparing me to compete at the next level.”

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