Western dip into local recruit pool, pull out four commits.
It’s a tale of twins and rivals, of how one team now unites them, strengthening bonds and forging new ones. It’s the story of linebackers Jacob Zynomirski and Zach Zynomirski from Saunders Secondary School, of defensive end Brandon Thompson from Catholic Central High School and of wide receiver Justin Nickson from St. John Paul Catholic School, who have all since committed to the Western Mustangs.
Jacob Zynomirski
Jacob Zynomirski (left) and his brother Zach (right) after signing with the Mustangs. Courtesy of Jacob Zynomirski.
Jacob’s football career has spanned over a decade, having suited up with his hometown London teams, the Saunders Rams (London Minor Football Association) and the Saunders Sabres (Thymes Valley Regional Athletics). Now the 6’1, 210lbs football player will be joining the Mustangs. “I chose to commit to Western because they have one of the best football programs in the country,” he said.
He added that, “Western is known for their great academics. Western appealed to me because of the Bachelor of Management program and the strong reputation of the football program.”
The coaching staff also drew Jacob to the Mustangs. “The coaching staff at Western is very well experienced and was a big deciding factor on why I committed.”
In his career, Jacob has acquired numerous accolades. In 2013, he was the Sabres defensive MVP and in 2014, he was awarded the team’s special teams award. In 2015, he was the Sabres team MVP and the TVRA defensive MVP. He gained another defensive MVP award this year with the Sabres.
Zach Zynomirski
Zach Zynomirski makes the tackle. Courtesy of Zach Zynomirski.
Jacob will be joined by his twin brother and fellow linebacker, Zach, in the Western locker room. Zach has also had a decade-long career with the Saunders Rams and the Saunders Sabres. Standing at 6’1, 205lbs, he also plays as a longsnapper. He said he committed to the Mustangs because of their strong football program, which has a winning tradition, and the school’s academics. He will also be entering the Bachelor of Management program.
When asked about the coaches, he said, “They are a well experienced coaching staff, very knowledgeable, and they will push me to become a better football player.”
Like his brother, Zach has had an accomplished career. In 2013, he was the Sabres junior defensive MVP and in 2014, he was the team’s senior rookie of the year. That same year, he was named to the TVRA Central A Tier AII rookie team. In 2015, he was the Sabres special team player of the year. This season, he was named as a Sabres defensive MVP.
Brandon Thompson
Brandon Thompson runs down the field with the football. Courtesy of Brandon Thompson.
Brandon Thompson found something in the Western locker room that he had encountered with his high school team, the Catholic Central High Crusaders (TVRA). “At CCH, there was always a sense of family. We seemed more like brothers than a football team. I see and feel that same feeling at Western,” he said.
The future kinesiology student added that, “Western is a fantastic school and often taken for granted living in London. Their academics are amazing and they have a very prestigious football program.”
In his playing career, the 6’2, 210lbs Thompson has spent five seasons with the Crusaders, was a London Jr. Mustang (Ontario Varsity Football League) in 2014 and a Westminster Wolverine (LMFA) in 2011. “Going to CCH and playing on the junior stangs, I have always been around the Western coaching staff. They have helped me grow as a player and as a person,” he said.
“They have always been friendly and very welcoming to new people. The staff is the best in the country and they offer an amazing support program. They have believed and shown interest in me from the start and I appreciate all they have done for me,” Thompson added.
Brandon Thompson and his teammates celebrate their OFSAA win. Courtesy of Brandon Thompson.
Thompson has a notable football resume, starting with a defensive line MVP award in 2013. In 2015, he was an London District Association champion, a Western Ontario Secondary School Athletics Association champion and an Ontario Federation School Athletics Association champion. In that same year, he was a defensive all-star and defensive lineman MVP.
The young football player has had his fair share of successes and has some advice for anyone in the sport. “Always work hard and push yourself. Your hard work and work ethic will carry on for more than just football. Football builds character both on and off the field,” he said.
Justin Nickson
Justin Nickson of JPII defends against a errant pass thrown to RMC’s Jordan Ronald.
The John Paul II Jaguars ran roughshod over the Regina Mundi Titans during the first game of the United Way football games at TD Stadium in London, Ont. on Monday September 15, 2014.
Mike Hensen/The London Free Press/QMI Agency
The 5’11, 170lbs Justin Nickson, who also calls London his hometown, will be joining the Mustangs from the St. John Paul II Jaguars (TVRA).
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