Local recruits commit to Lancers

Head coach Joe D’Amore is pleased to announce the addition of two more local recruits to the Lancer Football program. Linebackers Rik Van Espen and Matt Chamberlain have committed to the Blue & Gold for the 2014 season.

The duo are teammates with the Essex Ravens of the OVFL, while Van Espen hails from Sandwich Secondary School and Chamberlain played high school football with Leamington District High School.

This past summer, Van Espen had an outstanding season on the field. The 6’1, 215lbs LaSalle native was the team captain for Team Ontario at the 2013 Canada Cup, and was listed as one of the top 100 players in Canada. He was also named an OVFL all-star with the Ravens, who placed third overall in league standings.

Van Espen has also had an outstanding high school career. In ninth grade, Vna Espen was named team MVP, named the defensive player of the year in grade ten, and the offensive player of the year in grade eleven.

“As one of the top defensive players in the OVFL and Essex County, Rik is an outstanding addition to our program,” said D’Amore. “His physical play and football IQ are what make Rik stand out, and these are two characteristics that are very important at the middle linebacker position. We think he can be a future leader with this football program.”

Van Espen will join his two older sisters in what has become a family tradition of wearing the Blue & Gold. His sister Lisa is a current member of the Lancers track & field program, while his eldest sister Adinda is a former pole vaulter with the track & field team.

At 6’2, 215lbs, Chamberlain has excelled at the linebacker position for Leamington District High High School. He was named a first team MLB in the Arnott division, and in 2012 was named the most outstanding defensive player in the division.

Also that year, the Leamington native was named the the Essex ravens most dedicated athlete and received an HK Book Award from the University of Windsor.

“What we love about Matt is his length and athleticism. At this size he has the ability to take on blockers but is also athletic enough to drop into coverage,” commented D’Amore. “He has shown ability to get after the quarterback and we feel he will add versatility to our defensive scheme.”

Both Van Espen and Chamberlain will study in the Faculty of Human Kinetics next fall.

Source:  Windsor Lancers Sports Information