Newest Golden Hawks (VIDEO)

Ontario & British Columbia standouts sign with OUA team.

The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks have announced that five recruits have signed with the team for the 2014 OUA season.

Johnathan Gatewood, Adam Kirkpatrick, Patrick Jones, Mack Bell and Keenan Godden are the newest additions to the Golden Hawks.

JOHNATHAN GATEWOOD:

The 5’10, 165 pound defensive back (cornerback) from Toronto, Ontario wanted to be part of a tradition of excellence both on and off the field.

“I made the decision to sign with Laurier because the program has been known to produce both excellent players on the field and outstanding individuals off the field,” explained Gatewood of his decision.  “Laurier’s has been known to produce defensive backs of a high-caliber and I felt that their program would allow me to improve the most as a player.”

“I’ve lived in the city most of my life and fell in love with Laurier’s university-town atmosphere upon arrival to sign my letter of intent.  Its smaller campus seemed like a perfect place for me to pursue my degree while at the same time enabling me to meet new people and have a great time socially.”

For Gatewood, it was not an easy decision but with the Golden Hawks, he found the perfect fit.

“Laurier was in contention for my commitment, amongst York University and St. Francis Xavier University in the AUS,” added Gatewood.  “York was to close, St. FX was too far, and Laurier was perfect.

“I knew that going to Laurier would push me as I’d be in competition with some of best defensive backs in the CIS. This didn’t deter me as competing against the best would in turn make the best I could possibly be.  In summation, it was the great atmosphere of the university combined with a great football program that led me to choose Laurier’s University Field as the next place I would be lacing up my cleats come August.”

The Ontario defensive back recently completed his high school career with the Northern Redknights of the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA).  Other teams he has suited up for include the Toronto Jr. Argos of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC), Metro Toronto Wildcats of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and the Toronto Oxmen.

As for the Golden Hawks, the team is thrilled to have a player with tremendous playmaking abilities join the fold.

“Johnathan is a physical and aggressive defensive back and an excellent open field tackler with good ball skills,” assessed Golden Hawks Recruiting and Special Teams Coordinator Dwayne Cameron.

ADAM KIRKPATRICK:

The 6’2, 255 pound defensive lineman from Lindsay, Ontario was sold on signing with the Golden Hawks after his official visit to the Waterloo, Ontario campus.

“I committed to Wilfred Laurier because after visiting the school and meeting the coaches and players I immediately felt comfortable,” recalled Kirkpatrick.   “Coach Faulds had a long talk with myself and my parents about the school and what would happen as a freshman both in the classroom and on the field and I felt even more sure that this was where I wanted to go.”

“The school offers the program I wanted (BSc Bio and Physic) and the school is small enough that I won’t be another number.   The football program itself also impressed me from my first visit practices are very organized and run with precision the stadium is fantastic as is the training facilities and the coaching staff is second to none and I look forward to working with them in the coming months. I am proud to call myself a Golden Hawk.”

Kirkpatrick joins the Golden Hawks after playing for the Lindsay (LCVI) Spartans of the Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics (COSSA).  This past season, the defensive lineman registered 24 tackles and recorded five sacks.

“Adam lives in the weight room and has an incredible work ethic,” commented Golden Hawks Head Coach Michael Faulds.  “He makes us a stronger football team and we are excited to see him compete for an interior defensive line spot in camp.”

PATRICK JONES:

The 6’2, 260 pound defensive lineman from Etobicoke, Ontario went upon the advice of a friend and teammate about the Golden Hawks and was impressed by the interest that the OUA team had in him.

“I was recommended to the Laurier coaches by a teammate of mine. Dayvon Love,” explained Jones.  “I committed because it was close to home and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the school and their football program.”

“Coach Cameron showed a lot of interest in getting me to commit and was completely honest with me.”

Among the teams Jones has suited up for include the Don Bosco Eagles of the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA) and Metro Toronto Wildcats of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

“Patrick will come in and compete at the three tech spot,” added Cameron.  “He is a solid run defender, with a high motor.”

“He is versatile having played both end and tackle in high school.”

MACK BELL:

The 6’2, 260 pound defensive lineman from Coldwater, Ontario join the Golden Hawks after completing his high school career with Park Street Collegiate Trojans of the Georgian Bay Secondary School Association (GBSSA).

“Mack has a great frame and is a tough defensive lineman who just won five awards at his school’s athletic banquet,” said Faulds of the newest addition.

KEENAN GODDEN:

The 6’1 185 pound wide receiver from Abbotsford, British Columbia will make the move out east to begin his CIS career.  Godden comes to the Golden Hawks after suiting up for the WJ Mouat Hawks of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).

“We are excited about the addition of Keenan to our receiving core and offense,” commented Faulds.  “He immediately adds speed to that position and has the ability to be utilized as a returner on special teams.”

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)