Guelph welcomes 4 Ontario commits

The Gryphons continue to grow their 2017 class.

The University of Guelph Gryphons have had a busy winter and will look to welcome their most recent commits, Luke Williams, a receiver from South London Colligate, Braedon Ashford, an offensive lineman from Slatefleet High School, Stuart Allan, an offensive lineman from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School and Ben Lack, a defensive back from Nelson High School.

Luke Williams

Luke Williams has been in and around football for twelve years. But, when he stepped onto the Guelph campus, he was taken back. “The environment you walk into as a Gryphon is unbelievable. The football program takes so much pride in helping their players excel both scholastically and athletically,” he said.

The 6’3, 180lbs member of the London South Lions (Thames Valley Reginal Athletics Association) was also thrilled with the coaching staff. “The coaching staff is essentially everything I look for in coaches. They’re fun and always love the have a good time, but when it’s game time, they’re all business,” Williams said.

Coming from London, Ontario, he has spent his career playing with the Lions, the London Jr. Mustangs (OVFL), the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC) and the Westminster Wolverines (London Minor Football Association). He has won a 2014 OVFL championship with the Jr. Mustangs and an OFSAA Independent Bowl with the South Lions.

While his future aspirations lie in kinesiology, Williams said he will begin in social sciences in order to get a feel for the university.

Braedon Ashford

Braedon Ashford was focused primarily on school when he committed to Guelph. “I chose Guelph strictly on academics. The football team is a plus. Their business program is fantastic,” he said, adding that he is interested in marketing.

When Ashford suits up for the Gryphons, he will be looking improve under the guide of the coaches. “The coaching staff at Guelph is fantastic. I think coach MacDonald & Coach MacNeill can really benefit me in my growth as a football player and a man,” he said.

The Hamiltonian has won three consecutive Division 2 champions with the Saltfeet Storm (Hamilton-Wentworth Intercollegiate Athletic Association). Standing at 6’3, 265lbs, he also spent time with the Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL).

Excited to announce my commitment to Guelph University #GoGryphons ???????? pic.twitter.com/QhRjXel34i

— Braedon Ashford (@braedonashford) December 16, 2016

Stuart Allan

Stuart Allan can best be described as a giant. He is 6’7, 338lbs and was a member of the 2016 edition of Team Ontario. “I chose to commit to Guelph because it had a home feeling. On top of that the people are very welcoming and it made me feel like I belong,” he said.

Allan, who played with the Holy Trinity Knights (Halton Schools Athletic Association), added that, “The coaching staff are great! What I have noticed is that they really care about the players and want to help them succeed in any way possible.”

The young student athlete would like to take computer sciences. He calls Oakville his hometown and has played with the Oakville Titans (Oakville Minor Football). He has a Football Canada Cup bronze medal and a silver medal in the Halton Tier 1 Division.

Proud to announce my commitment to the University of Guelph. I smell a Yates cup in the near future! #gogryphons

— Stuart Allan (@StuartAllan70) December 19, 2016

Ben Lack

Ben Lack has had Guelph listed high on his list for a while now. “It’s because of their commitment to developing their players on and off the field. I went for another visit a couple weeks ago and it sounds cliché, but I really just got a good feeling being on campus,” he said.

The Nelson Lord (Halton School Athletic Association) has suited up for Team Ontario U18. He said that, “I’ve known some coaches at Guelph for a while because I’ve played for them while I was in Winnipeg for Team O. All the coaches are dedicated to helping their team succeed. I really like the way they coach and I’m excited to play for all the other coaches too.”

The 6’1, 170lbs, eight-year veteran has played with the Burlington Stampeders (Burlington Minor Football Association). This year, the product of Burlington, Ontario won the Halton championships and the OFSAA Golden Horseshoe Bowl with the Lords. He added that he is interested in either science or engineering.

Before he sets off on his new path, Lack has a few people to thank who have gotten him this far. He said, “I’d like to thanks all my coaches past and present that helped me get here. They’ve helped me develop so much as a player and a person.”