Glendale Gemini, John Paul II Jaguar now Waterloo Warriors

Waterloo brings in two southern Ontario commits to their team.

Logan Vandevyvere, a defensive back from Glendale High School, Pabeek Dhal, a fullback from John Paul II Catholic Secondary School, are heading up Highway 401 to reach their new team, the University of Waterloo Warriors.

Logan Vandevyvere

Logan Vandevyvere needs no introduction to his new coaches. While playing for the Twin City Predators in 2016, he was introduced to many of Waterloo’s coaching staff from Waterloo. “(It) let me see how the coaches did things,” he said. “My position coach for Team Ontario (in 2016) is the recruiter for Waterloo now. He showed me a whole new meaning to the game of football with intensity and passion for the game.”

He added that, “The coaches are some of the greatest coaches I have played for, showing the determination and mind set that they bring to the game. All around, the coaches show a type of passion and love for the game that I want to be apart in the future.”

With familiar faces on the field in the back of his mind, Vandevyvere was also drawn to Waterloo for the chances the team affords. “What appealed to me most about Waterloo was that you are given the chance to develop on the field and given the chance to come out and make an immediate impact on the field and also get a great education at the same time. Waterloo is well known for its academics,” he said, adding that he is interested in business or legal studies.

In his career, the 6’1, 185lbs athlete has also played with the Forest City Thunderbirds in 2014 and the Glendale High School Gemini (Thames Valley Regional Athletics). He is from Tillsonburg, Ontario, which is south-east of London. While with the Gemini, he won three back-to-back championships between 2013-2015 on undefeated seasons. In grade nine, he was named the most dedicated to self improvement.

Pabeek Dhal

Like his TVRA rival, Pabeek Dhal, knew that he wanted to be a Waterloo Warrior for quite some time. “The coaching staff really rubbed off well on me since I already had a cultural connection with the previous recruiter, Nial Both. But, Head Coach Bertoia and Darrel Adams really made me feel comfortable with this decision and they made me feel regardless of the situation I’d be in the right place for me,” he said.

Hailing from London, Ontario, Dhal felt that Waterloo could provide him the opportunities to showcase his talents and develop as a player while obtaining a quality education for his post-football life. “I am currently interested in the honors arts and business program since the world of business and sales as well as finance has always been so interesting and vast for me. I feel like that will put me to where I need to go in life,” he said.

Standing at 6’1, 245lbs, Dhal has played with the John Paul II Jaguars (TVRA). He was named to the TVRA all-star team for the defensive side and was a Jaguars’ team MVP.

While September is still a few months away, Dhal is bubbling with excitement. “I am excited to make my OUA debut and I’m hoping to come out dominant and hopefully make all-rookie first team and to also excel academically,” he said. “I am truly excited and blessed with this opportunity and by the grace of God, I’m hoping I can make my aspirations (come) true.”