Guelph an ‘elite school’ for commits

Guelph bring sin two southern Ontario commits to their Class of 2017.

The tales of their careers may be different, but for defensive back Tyler Hourie from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School and quarterback Kyle Simms from Medway High School, the reasons for joining the Guelph Gryphons are similar: it’s a chance to grow with a strong program.

Tyler Hourie

Courtesy of Tyler Hourie.

It didn’t take long for Tyler Hourie to adapt to his surroundings on his visit to Guelph. “I loved the atmosphere of the school the second I walked on campus,” he said. “I felt as though the University of Guelph was the perfect place for me to grow both academically and athletically.”

The future computer science student added that on his tour, he heard nothing but great things about the school and the team from some of the current players. It’s a fact that helped motivate him to become a Gryphon. Oh, and the coaches didn’t hurt either.

“The coaching staff was great. Everyone that I met was very welcoming and made me feel like I was apart of something from the very first day,” Hourie said.

Hailing from St. Thomas, Ontario, which is south of London, Hourie played with the London Jr. Mustangs (OVFL), the Forest City Thunderbirds and the St. Joseph’s Rams (Thames Valley Regional Athletics). The three-year veteran is 5’10, 170lbs and a two-time London District Catholic School Board all-star in 2015 and 2016. Two season ago, he was the Rams’ team MVP and this past season, the team’s offensive MVP.

“I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates from both St. Joes and the Jr. Mustangs for helping me get to where I am today,” Hourie said. “I’m very fortunate for the opportunity I’ve been given from the University of Guelph and I’m excited to show what I can do at the next level.”

Kyle Simms

Courtesy of Kyle Simms.

When Kyle Simms took his tour of Guelph, his initial response was simple: “It is an elite school for elite athletes.” And an elite school would have all the tips and tricks, no? Simms said that he committed to the school because of its academic support networks and the resources provided to the student athletes.

The future criminal justice and public policy student won’t have to navigate university alone. He has the support of the team’s bench bosses behind him. “The coaching staff is dedicated to helping every player continue to develop their skills throughout their time at Guelph while maintaining a focus on academic success,” Simms said.

At a towering 6’5, 210lbs, the product of Kilworth, Ontario, has been hitting the gridiron since the age of seven. He started his career the Saunders Rams (London Minor Football Association). He also spent one season with the Forest City Thunderbirds and started all five years with the Medway Cowboys (TVRA). This past season, he helped the Cowboys win their first championship in 33 years.

Awards
London Player to Watch 2013
Medway SR. Rookie of the Year 2014
Medway SR. Offensive MVP 2015
Medway High School Senior Football Award 2015
Will Rice Championship 2016
Medway SR. Scarlet and White Award 2016

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