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Mustangs draw in two local commits to their Class of 2018.

When it comes to the football community of London, Ontario, the world is just a little bit smaller for kicker/punter Brian Garrity and lineman Cooper Skellett from Catholic Central High School, who will be keeping their talents local after joining the Western Mustangs.

Brian Garrity

For the past three summers, Brian Garrity has been coached by members of the Mustangs coaching staff while on the London Jr. Mustangs (Ontario Provincial Football League). He said his experience with the staff was an appealing aspect of committing to Western.

“The coaches have been very welcoming and supportive of me during the recruiting process and I’m really looking forward to being with them the next few years,” Garrity said. “Plus, Western has a kicking coach, Darryl Wheeler, who has helped me so much over the past couple years to be the best I can be.”

Garrity’s connections don’t end there. He said that he already knows some of the older players on Western whom he is friends with. He added that, “I’m comfortable already being in my hometown, so it would be an easier transition to university. And, I know that Western would have an academic program available for pretty much whatever I end up choosing to study.”

While Garrity is unsure as to what he will pursue, he is currently looking into either accounting or business.

Standing at 5’8, 155lbs, he has been kicking for the Catholic Central Crusaders (Thames Valley Regional Athletic Association) for four years. In 2015 and 2016, he was the Jr. Mustangs’ special teams MVP. This past season, he and his team went undefeated and won the OPFL championship.

When next season rolls around, Garrity will graduate to be a full-fledged Mustang. “I’m really looking forward to being apart of the team and going to university next year,” he said. “Thank you especially to my mom, the rest of my family, my friends and my coaches who have supported me and helped me get here and have this opportunity.”

Who would’ve thought I’d end up playing university football #stangs #fam ??

A post shared by BG (@brian.garrity) on Oct 18, 2017 at 2:45pm PDT

Cooper Skellett

If there is anyone that would echo Garrity’s sentiments, it would be teammate Cooper Skellett. He has been a five-year member of the Crusaders and a two-time Jr. Mustang. Like his counterpart, he has had the chance to preview the Mustangs’ coaching staff already.

“I’ve been firsthand coached and taught by quite a few coaches… and they are hands down some of the most determined and skilled coaches I’ve had the privilege of working with,” Skellett said. “They seem to have the ability to make you put 100% into everything you do and they don’t expect anything else but that in return.”

He added that, “They’re like a fine-tuned unit and I can’t wait to get to know them more and continue to learn from them.”

Also a product of London, Ontario, Skellett said he has lived in London his entire life and he “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” With a love for his city that runs deep, there seems to be little reason for him to seek out new places.

“My main thought behind my decision was why would I leave my own hometown city that, in my opinion, has the best university in Canada? It was a very easy decision to choose Western,” he added.

Skellett is interested in taking criminology at King’s University College, which is a branch of Western University. “The education system is incredible and their (Western’s) football program is incredible,” he said, adding that King’s offers smaller classes, which is beneficial to him.

In 2015, the 6’1, 275lbs lineman has won a city championship and OFSAA bowl with the Crusaders. “It was a great year and we were led by a great group of Grade 13s,” he said.