Laurier ‘felt like home’ for commits

Laurier welcomes two southern Ontario commits to their 2019 class.

Teammates for most of their career, defensive back Pawel Szymanski and FPC running back Tanner Nelmes from St. James Catholic High School will be continuing on together when they join the Laurier Golden Hawks.

Pawel Szymanski

When Pawel Szymanski visited Laurier, he said it felt like home, and that has made all the difference. “Coach Eaket of the Predators told me, ‘Why look for a house when you already have a home?’ I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life as a Golden Hawk,” he said.

“Laurier is an awesome school with a unique history. The amazing coaches on both sides of the ball and the programs offered at Laurier really drove me to want to commit to this university,” he added. “The coaching staff at this university is filled with influential coaches that I believe can bring my game to the next level.”

Szymanski offered an example: “Coach Cameron was very truthful and honest with me and let me know right away the role that I would have on this team.”

Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, Szymanski is interested in studying sociology. His goal is to become a police officer.

In his seven-year career, Szymanski has played with the St. James Lions (District 10) and the Waterloo Region Predators. He helped the Lions win their first-ever D10 championship. He was also a D10 all-star. While with the Predators, the 6’3, 195lbs back was named as a defensive MVP.

Tanner Nelmes

Like his classmate, Tanner Nelmes felt at home with the Golden Hawks. “Laurier really was the best fit. The school and coaches gave a very welcoming feeling as if you were at home. Most importantly, the school has a good policing course and strong athletics,” he said.

Nelmes added that “Laurier has a great coaching staff under Head Coach Faulds. Faulds is very passionate and knows how to hype everyone up.”

He said that other great coaches include Dwayne Cameron, Aaron Rudland and Jackson Yahchus, “who have made this experience as special as it is.”

A fellow St. James Lion, Nelmes also played with the Waterloo Region Predators and the Guelph Jr. Gryphons (OFC). The product of Guelph, Ontario, was a member of the Lions’ team that won their first D10 championship. He was also an MVP at the 2016 Spaulding Cup and was the 2017 Senior Athlete of the Year.

Excited to add 6’0” 195lb RB @NelmesTanner and 6’2” 205lb LB @PaulSzymanski5 from @StJamesLionsFB in Guelph to the 2019 @LaurierFootball recruiting class. #TakeFlight2019 @519sportsonline @DarrenStevenson @WLUAthletics @StJamesAthletic pic.twitter.com/FDMyFo77Fx

— Michael Faulds (@MichaelFaulds) December 8, 2018