Laurier is ‘best place for me’

Laurier adds Ontario commit to their Class of 2018.

It took Noel Franklin, a wide receiver from Saunders Secondary School, a while to get into football, but when he did, it didn’t take long for him to catch the attention of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.

When Franklin started his career with the London Minor Football Association, football was more of a time filler than anything serious. He said he played football on the side and after soccer. It wasn’t until grade 12, after he transferred from Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, that he began to dedicate all his time and energy to the sport.

After taking an extra year in high school, Franklin is primed and ready to begin his university career. “I believe Laurier is the best place for me to develop as a player and truly enjoy my university experience,” Franklin said. “I really enjoyed the school’s environment and it was unlike any other university I’d ever been to.”

On his visit, the product of London, Ontario, had the pleasure of meeting with Coach Cameron and Head Coach Faulds. He said that Coach Cameron was always a nice and funny guy to talk to regardless the situation. As for the head coach, “he was a very nice, welcoming guy who was very friendly and excited to have me down at the university,” Franklin said. “He was a very down-to-earth guy and I’m honoured and excited to be getting coached by him for the next four to five years.”

Franklin, who is interested in communication studies, played football with the Mother Teresa Spartans (Thames Valley Regional Athletics) in grade ten. He was the school’s male athlete of the year that season. In grade 12 and 13, he suited up for the Saunders Sabres (TVRA). He was the Sabres’ MVP and the school’s athlete of the year in his first year there. He was also named to the all-star team as a wide receiver and kicker. In grade 13, he was offensive MVP and an all-star. He also played with the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC).

Prior to his switch to football, the 6’0, 180lbs athlete was a provincial-level soccer player. He travelled to England where he was given a tryout with the Stoke City FC. He was also speaking to NCAA division one universities for soccer.