Golden acquisitions (VIDEO)

Ontario and Quebec standouts newest recruits to join OUA team’s 2014 class.

Three Ontario standouts as well as a Montreal linebacker are the newest additions to the Queen’s Golden Gaels.

Nelkas Kwemo, Wes Mann, Michael Moore and Chris Mackey have all recently committed to the Golden Gaels and will join the team for the 2014 OUA season.

NELKAS KWEMO:

The 6’2, 225 pound linebacker from Montreal, Quebec wants to achieve great feats on the field and in the classroom.  Ultimately, Kwemo felt the Kingston, Ontario campus was the best place to thrive.

“My goal in life is to become the best possible version of myself, both athletically and academically along with enjoying an outstanding college experience,” explained Kwemo of his decision.  “I strongly believe that Queen’s University can make all of the above happen for me.”

“I’ve heard from current and past members of the team about their experience and how  it has changed them in the best of ways and that’s exactly what I wish to take from this experience I am blessed to be a part of.”

Kwemo recently played at the outside linebacker and tight end position for Kent Hills Huskies, a United States prep school team in Maine.

“This year, my team was scheduled for an eight game season; however, I only took part in three of those games due to a knee injury that occurred early in the season,” added Kwemo, who has honoured with the Coach’s and Sportsmanship Awards  as well as being named October’s Athlete of the Month.  “I was able to rehab and come back in time for the last two games of the season.”

“I led my team in tackles for all three of the games that I played. I also had the best game of my life back from my injury with 150 all-purpose yards in my first half back.”

Previous to the Huskies, Kwemo suited up for the College Sainte Anne Lachine Dragons.

As for the Golden Gaels, the team is thrilled to have Kwemo join the fold.

“Nelkas reminds me of Leroy Blugh all years ago,” commented Golden Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan.  “He is another outstanding all-round athlete who has come into his own in terms of size and muscle mass.”

“He currently stands 6’3 and weighs in at 228 lbs. He too, has a wide range of skills and will very useful here at Queen’s. He is big enough to play linebacker and agile enough to play defensive back. He could even be an edge rusher for us next year. He also does a great job executing the zone read as an option quarterback. He is a great runner and a great returner. There may be a coach’s meeting or two in the future to discuss where he will fit in!”

WES MANN:

Academics as well as the strength of the football program were the decisive factors in the 5’11, 183 pound defensive back from Almonte, Ontario.

“I chose to attend Queens because it is such a well-rounded school, with great academics and has an extremely good football program with great coaches,” said Mann of his commitment.

Mann comes to the Golden Gaels after playing for the Almonte Thunderbolts of the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA). He was a running back and safety during his time with the team.

The Golden Gaels are looking forward to having a versatile, yet talented player on their roster.

“Wes was the best all round football player in the Ottawa Valley this past year,” added Sheahan.  “He excelled as a running back and a free safety, punted, place kicked and returned.”

“He has great body control and possesses lots of skills. He is a big play guy and is always around the football. I think he has a tremendous upside and is a great acquisition for Queen’s this year.”

MICHAEL MOORE:

History, tradition and reputation is why the 6’1, 230 pound linebacker from Mississauga, Ontario chose the Kingston, Ontario school.

“I chose Queen’s University because of its academic and athletic prestige,” expressed Moore.  “It has a long an illustrious football history and also great academics.”

“When I went for my visit and meeting with the coaches it really solidified the decision, seeing everything the University had to offer me.  The football program at Queen’s is rich in its history.   It’s filled with outstanding coaches who all have tons of experience and it has numerous amounts of players coming out of Queen’s every year doing big things at the next level. I’m excited to be a part of this program and hope I can make a positive impact for the team.”

Recently, Moore played for Philips Academy Big Blues, a US prep school team in Andover, Massachusetts.  This past season, he guided the team to the New England Championship.  Additionally, he was selected to the All-New England Team.  In nine games during the 2013 season, he led the league with 114 tackles, 78 solo tackles, recorded seven sacks and caught three interceptions including one which he converted for a touchdown.  Offensively, Moore racked up 205 yards on 30 carries (an average of 5.86 yards per carry).

Previous to the Big Blues, the linebacker suited up for St. Michael’s Kerry Blues of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA).  In his senior year, he was awarded Team MVP and also served as captain.

Not only is Moore a linebacker (middle), but he has also played at the fullback position.

“Michael Moore is another great addition to the Queen’s defense,” added Sheahan.  “He is a downhill middle linebacker with good mobility and toughness.”

“He is physical and agile with very good lateral movement and excellent change of direction skills. He is also an outstanding special teams player who understands leverage and field position. Michael stands 6’1 and weighs in at 230 pounds. He has good hands and is very good around the football.  He’s a great get for Queen’s.”

CHRIS MACKEY:

The 6’2, 190 pound wide receiver/defensive back from Oshawa, Ontario recently played for Sinclair Celtics of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA).

“Chris is another big name player in this year’s recruiting class,” commented Sheahan.  “Highly sought after by a number of OUA schools, Chris will be a commerce student at the Queen’s School of Business next year.”

“He is tall (6’3) and weighs 200 pounds. He is fast and athletic and he is very physical. He has great skills as a DB and as a wide receiver. He is physically imposing and will be great addition to the Gaels.”

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