Lancers announce 13′-14′ recruiting class

WINDSOR, Ont.– University of Windsor Lancers football head coach Joe D’Amore is proud to announce his 2013-14 recruiting class.

A total of 35 student-athletes will look to add talented depth to the core lineup of the Lancers, who are looking for their third consecutive post-season berth as well as more playoff success this upcoming year.

There are 10 Windsor-Essex standouts amongst this year’s class, which is headlined by local talent Beau Lumley as well as running back Nigel Applewhaite, offensive lineman Brett Boersma and defensive back Matt Gayer.

Lumley is a 6’0”, 190 pound local product who was named the offensive most valuable player at W.F. Herman S.S. where he scored an astounding five touchdowns in the OFSAA bowl game in Toronto. He also captured the Canadian Junior Football League’s (CJFL’s) rookie of the year honour playing for the local AKO Fratmen. With the ability to play multiple positions, including adding some spice to special teams on punt and kick-off returns, Lumley has the potential to be an immediate impact player for the Lancers.

“I told Coach D’Amore when I was in high school that this was the spot to go if I didn’t get anything (from the NCAA) and I followed through,” said Lumley. “I just want to come out and do my thing.”

Hamilton native Nigel Applewhaite was one of Windsor’s first 2013-2014 commits, and he led the Westdale S.S. Warriors to a city championship this past year. An incredibly explosive runner throughout his secondary career, Applewhaite averaged 13 yards per carry this past season while scoring a formidable 19 touchdowns. D’Amore believes the quick-footed 180-pounder at just under six feet could be poised to become the future running back of the Lancer program. Applewhaite is more than comfortable with his role coming into this fall.

“I have heard many good things about the coaching staff from various people I know,” said Applewhaite. “The coaching staff answered every question my family and I had as well as really giving me a good sense of where I fit into this football program.”

Dual-sport heavyweight Brett Boersma will bring more size and height to the Lancers offensive line, and is the second highly touted lineman to come out of Sarnia’s Northern C.I. for Windsor in as many recruiting seasons. Boersma will also represent the Blue and Gold on Windsor’s well-renowned track and field team this upcoming year.

While Boersma will look to provide some offensive protection for Windsor, Leamington native Matt Gayer will be bringing physicality and grit to the Lancers defence this fall. The Cardinal Carter S.S. product totalled 48 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and four interceptions on the defensive end this past season while rushing for 902 yards, racking up 223 receiving yards and recording 18 touchdowns as a running back in his senior year.

Gayer is excited about continuing both his athletic and academic pursuits at the University of Windsor. “Not only do they have a great football program, but the criminology program (at Windsor) is top flight,” he commented.

Gayer is one of six Essex Ravens athletes who are committing to the Lancers this upcoming fall.  Tarik Bonas, Robert Dundura , Clark Grace, Cody McCann and O.J. Sabageh will also don the Blue and Gold for Windsor this fall. Nick Niforos (Sandwich S.S.), Richard Veenstra (AKO), and Kellen LeClair (Brennan C.H.S.) round out the local mix.

The Lancers open the season at home on Sunday, August 25 when they welcome the Waterloo Warriors to Alumni Field for a 1:00 p.m. kick-off.

Windsor Lancers 2013-14 Recruiting Class
Name Position Height / Weight Hometown
Nigel Applewhaite RB 5’11 / 180 Hamilton, Ont.
Matt Gayer DB 5’9 / 180 Windsor, Ont.
Cody McCann RB 5’10 / 215 Windsor, Ont.
Connor Schell DL 6’3 / 240 Uxbridge, Ont.
Brett Boersma OL 6’5 / 260 Sarnia, Ont.
Tarik Bonas DB 6’1 / 170 Windsor, Ont.
Olalekan Idowu WR 5’11 / 165 St. Catherines, Ont.
Mario Chiodo LB 5’11 / 210 Whitby, Ont.
Josh Baird QB 6’2 / 180 King City, Ont.
Connor MacCallum WR 6’1 / 180 King City, Ont.
Fabian Nardone DB 5’7 / 160 King City, Ont.
Hunter Kobus DL 6’0 / 210 Utica, Michigan
Brock Cameron LB 5’11 / 210 Niagara Falls, Ont.
Edouard-Andrew Joseph LB 5’11 / 210 Montreal, Ont.
Marcel Ugoh LB 6’0 / 210 Brampton, Ont.
Beau Lumley ATH 6’0 / 190 Windsor, Ont.
Nick Niforos LB 6’3 / 210 Windsor, Ont.
Richard Veenstra DB 5’9/ 165 Windsor, Ont.
Malcolm Tibetts QB 6’3 / 195 Waterloo, Ont.
Max Fantuz FB 6’1/ 220 Chatham, Ont.
Jordan Russell LB 6’1 / 200 Toronto, Ont.
Kwaku Agyeman LB 5’10 / 210 Toronto, Ont.
Luke Imre  DL 5’11/ 245 Delhi
Clark Grace SB 6’2 / 220 Windsor, Ont.
Linus Kreuzhofen WR 5’11 / 170 Caledon, Ont.
Lester Ross DB 5’11 / 180 Mississauga, Ont.
Samuel Narkaj DL 6’0 / 275 Etobicoke, Ont.
Robert Dundara DB 5’11 / 180 Windsor, Ont.
Brent Shepherd WR 6’1 / 170 Ajax, Ont.
Jordan Silva LB 5’11 / 215 Kitchener, Ont.
O.J. Sabageh DB 5’11 / 180 Windsor, Ont.
Kevin Pera DB 5’11 /190 London, Ont.
Kellen LeClair DL 6’3 / 215 Windsor, Ont.
Mike Dubuisson DB 6’3/205 Montreal, Que.

Source:  Windsor Lancers Sports Information