MTA head coach difference-marker for commits

Mounties add two local commits and out out-of-province commit to their 2018 class.

Defensive lineman Reece Martin from Harrison Trimble High School and quarterback Hunter Sturgeon from Leo Hayes High School are already used to football in New Brunswick, but it will be a new experience for linebacker Dallas Cook from St. Joseph High School as all three join the Mount Allison Mounties.

Reece Martin

Hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick, Reece Martin is only a short drive from the university. “I chose Mount A because it is a very good school that’s close to home and it has the courses I need for my career path,” he said.

“I love the fact that they (the Mounties) are like brothers, like a big, football family and (I like) the community support,” Martin added. “I like the coaches because I’ve had most of them for Team New Brunswick.”

Martin spent three years with the Harrison Trimble Trojans (NBHSFL). He is a league all-star and was also defensive lineman of the year. The 6’4, 255lbs defensive end and defensive tackle is interested in sociology.

The Mounties keep getting bigger! Reece joins the Mounties from the HTHS Trojans where he was named Team MVP and D Player of the year. Martin was also named Conference DL of the year. Reece was a key defensive player for Team NB at the 2017 Football Canada Cup. #MountiePRIDE pic.twitter.com/mdZGuyJPYp

— Mounties Football (@MTA_Football) March 27, 2018

Hunter Sturgeon

Hunter Sturgeon has spent his entire career in New Brunswick and as such, the product of Noonan, New Brunswick, saw little reason to take his show on the road. “I chose Mount A because I can really relate to the mentality the team possesses, and because I wanted to represent New Brunswick in New Brunswick,” he said.

The 5’11, 180lbs athlete said he has known the Mounties’ offensive coordinator for many years. “I look forward to working with him and the new head coach seems to be the guy who can help get Mount A to the next level,” he said.

Sturgeon, who is interested in political science and public policy, has been playing for 12 years. After spending four years with the Leo Hayes Lions (NBHSFL), he spent a year with the University of New Brunswick Red Bombers (AFL). In 2015 and 2016, he was the Southwestern Conference MVP and the Lions’ MVP. With the Red Bombers, the AFL MVP helped lead the team to a comeback win in the championship game as a true freshman.

Another great addition from the AFL Champion UNB Red Bombers! Hunter was named 2017 POY in his rookie season and played high school for the Leo Hayes Lions where he was named Conference Player of the year 2x. Hunter was an integral part of Team NB in the 2016 FCC. #MountiePRIDE pic.twitter.com/2OMSrfXod1

— Mounties Football (@MTA_Football) March 27, 2018

Dallas Cook

It goes without saying that for Dallas Cook, football runs in his veins. His father and his grandfather played the sport with the latter playing on a national championship team. “I believe that’s where I got the passion for the game. I live and breath football,” he said.

Cook needed a school that reflected his own passion for the sport. “I chose Mount Allison because of its great reputation for school education and strong football history…I’ve been made to feel very welcome and the decision was tough, but I know I picked the right spot for me,” he said.

Coach Richard was the first Mountie to contact him. Cook said that Head Coach Fraser “sealed the deal talking to me and even my parents. Coach Fraser and Coach Richard have been awesome.”

On the academic side, Cook was impressed by the professor-to-student ratio. He is currently deciding between business or education.

The 5’11, 215lbs weakside linebacker played high school ball with the St. Joseph Guardians (SSSAD). There, he was a senior defensive MVP and was selected to the provincial Senior Bowl. In 2014, he won a CJFL national championship with the Saskatoon Hilltops. The following season he joined the Calgary Colts. In 2016, he played for the Winnipeg Rifles for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

“Football has always been in my blood and a passion since I was little in our Kinsmen Football League in Saskatoon. Football is huge in our family and I always wanted to play at the highest level. It is a passion for me and I am grateful I can live my dream,” Cook said.

“I love practice as much as game day. I’ve always been known to test myself and my teammates everyday in practice. Strap it on and so will I and we will see who is best. I love to test myself and my teammates and push myself to be the best every single day,” he added.

Cook’s passion is not only confined to the season. It encompasses the whole of the offseason as well. “I believe no one works harder than I do to be the best I can. Football for me is 12 months a year. If you don’t train 100% in the offseason, you can’t be dominate during the season,” he said. “I cannot wait to set foot on campus and start a new chapter in my education and football life. Proud to be a Mountie!”

Dallas Cook joins the Mounties after a very successful CJFL career. Cook is a former CJFL Champion. As a linebacker for the @WinnipegRifles. he finished in the top 10 in tackles in the PFC.. In High School, Cook was named D MVP and selected to the Senior Bowl. #MountiePRIDE pic.twitter.com/q59NSbeIPM

— Mounties Football (@MTA_Football) March 27, 2018