Nova Scotia strong (VIDEO)

Nova Scotia standouts join local AUS team’s 2014 class

Five Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) standouts will commence their CIS careers in their home province.

Spencer Bennett, Daniel Sule, Spencer Wiechert, John Paul and Jay Hachey have all recently committed to the Saint Mary’s Huskies for the 2014 AUS season.

SPENCER BENNETT:

The 5’10, 205 pound linebacker from Halifax, Nova Scotia has opted to stay home for his CIS career. Bennett comes to the Huskies after guiding the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to two consecutive provincial Tier 1 Championships (2011, 2012 – historic five peat).

This past season, the NSSFFL recognized the linebacker for his exceptional play on the field as he was selected as the Nova Division’s Co- Defensive MVP and a First Team All-Star.

Additionally, he has suited up for the Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL).

“We are very happy to have Spencer join us at Saint Mary’s,” commented Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

DANIEL SULE:

For the 6’2, 210 pound receiver from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, signing with the Huskies is a childhood dream realized.

“I have always dreamt of playing at Saint Mary’s since I’ve played minor football,” expressed Sule.  “I made my decision to play football at the university because of their strong program over the years.”

“They have a great coaching staff and welcoming players. Saint Mary’s has a family atmosphere which I could adapt to quickly given the fact that I am playing the sport that is not far from home. I have the opportunity to play with my supporters nearby. This would include my family, friends, and past coaches who were always there for me each step of the way.”

However, football was not the only reason Sule decided upon the Halifax, Nova Scotia campus.

“On the academic side, the school has a great law program which would help me in my future endeavors,” added Sule.

The Nova Scotia receiver recently completed his high school career with the Auburn Drive Eagles of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Association Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). Moreover, he has also suited up for the Dartmouth Destroyers football organization.

Among the awards and honours Sule has received throughout his career include Offensive Player Award (2011), three consecutive NSSAFFL Scotia Division All-Star selections (2011-2013) and the Fair Play Sportsmanship Award (2009).

“We are very happy to have Daniel join us at Saint Mary’s,” commented Huskies Head Coach Perry Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

SPENCER WIECHERT:

There was a combination of reasons why the 6’3, 190 pound wide receiver from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia committed to the Huskies.

“St Mary’s University is a great fit for me because it offers a strong varsity football program as well as a recognized business program, a residence close to home, and substantial academic scholarships,” explained Wiechert.  “The superior academic scholarship program allows me to be able to live in residence.”

“This will increase my time to focus on my training and get involved.   I like that the football program also encourages player community involvement, supporting over 20 local charity programs.  I feel privileged to play football at this high level and fortunate that I can also participate as a role model.”

Moreover, Wiechert’s decision was further solidified once he arrived at Saint Mary’s for his official visit.

“I really enjoyed the recruitment process,” said Wiechert.  “Coach Perry (Marchese) and all players that I have met made me feel more than welcome and supported.”

“I see myself best succeeding at SMU because of the small, welcoming campus, with a city culture nearby.  I look forward to being a part of this SMU family and I hope to make an impact.”

Wiechert led the Prince Andrew Panthers of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Association Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to the Provincial Tier 2 Championship this past November.  During the playoffs at the linebacker position, the Panthers standout registered 10.5 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and caught two interceptions (including one that was returned for a touchdown).  In 2013, Wiechert amassed 706 receiving yards on 26 receptions (an average of 27.2 yards per catch) and scored 15 touchdowns.

For his stellar play this past season, he was selected as a Nova Division First Team All-Star at the receiver position.

The wide receiver has also suited up for the Dartmouth Destroyers football organization.  Wiechert represented his home province as a member of Team Nova Scotia at the 2013 Football Canada Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick.

“We are very happy to have Spencer join us at Saint Mary’s,” added Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

JOHN PAUL:

It was pretty simple why the 6’5, 345 pound defensive tackle from Eskasoni, Nova Scotia chose the Huskies.

“I committed to Saint Mary’s because I’ve heard a lot of good things about the school, the football program and I like that it’s not too far from home,” said Paul of his commitment.

Recently, Paul completed his high school team with the Sydney Academy Wildcats of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).  In July 2013, the defensive tackle represented his home province as a member of Team Nova Scotia at the Football Canada Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick.

“We are very happy to have John join us at Saint Mary’s,” expressed Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

JAY HACHEY:

The defensive lineman from Bedford, Nova Scotia guided the Charles P Allen Cheetahs of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to an undefeated regular season record (8-0) en route to the provincial Tier 1 Championship Finals.

For his exceptional play on the field, Hachey was selected as a NSSAFFL Nova Division First Team All-Star at a defensive line position.

In May 2012, Hachey led the Metro Mustangs of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL) to the inaugural Midget Championship title.

“We are very happy to have Jay join us at Saint Mary’s,” added Marchese.  “He is a great addition to the family.”

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