Gaiters commits eager to succeed

Bishops adds one international commit and one Québec commit to their 2019 class.

With a new beginning on the horizon, Félix Durand, a receiver from Cégep de Chicoutimi, and Ryan Oswick, a linebacker from Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, are looking forward to starting their U Sports career with the Bishop’s Gaiters.

Félix Durand

Félix Durand’s plans have changed. Originally committed to McGill, he said that, “after four months of preparation they revoked their offer for no apparent reason. That is why I am eager to succeed in my career with Bishop’s.”

Durand, who is originally from Caen, France, is playing in the Swiss first division with the Luzern Lions (AFC) before returning to Canada. He spent five years with Les Conquérants de Caen. He also played Canadian football with Les Cougars du Cégep de Chicoutimi (RSEQ Division 3) as a wide out and slotback. The 6’3, 185lbs athlete will be studying either political science or geography and the environment.

We are going intn’l today as French receiver Félix Durand who at CEGEP Chicoutimi has commited to the @BishopsGaiters ?. Watch his film here: https://t.co/enUPal0Cpn Felix intends to study environment and geography. https://t.co/Np1Njwlvr4 #bleedpurple #gaiternation pic.twitter.com/DoE6rX5Sab

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) February 6, 2019

Ryan Oswick

It is one thing to hear about a school and it is another to walk the campus and experience it in person. “The visit really motivated me. Coach Fabrice Raymond made me visit from the bottom to the top and made sure that I’ve seen it all,” Oswick said. “I really felt the dynamic of the school and it already felt like home.”

He added that, “What pushed me to sign at Bishop’s U is that they took the time to explain how I would fit in as a player and how they would see me in the future. Also, the fact that I’ll be suited up in purple next season with three of my boys really had an impact as well.”

During his visit, Oswick only had the chance to talk to Cherif Nicolas, the head coach, and Raymond. “I know that both of them have a good coaching background and have all the resources to win at Bishop’s,” he said. “As for the rest of the coaching staff, I am sure that they are all as motivated and dedicated as they are coming in the next season.”

Oswick, who is 5’10, 190lbs, is interested in sports studies.

Oswick played spent three seasons with l’Inuk de l’École polyvalente Lavigne (RSEQ) in his hometown of Lachute, Québec. At the age of 16, when he entered cégep, he stopped playing football. It wasn’t until his fourth year that he went to talk to the head coach of Les Cheminots of Saint-Jérôme (RSEQ Division 3).

“Coach Christian Audet gave me an opportunity to start everything back,” Oswick said. “This said, I’ve only played one year of college ball.”

Good news for our program hybrid defender Ryan Oswick commits to @BishopsGaiters ?. Ryan intends to pursue a degree in Sport Studies. #bleedpurple #GaiterNation pic.twitter.com/tOeVLiy3Xv

— Cherif Nicolas (@GaitersHC) February 5, 2019