Ontario offensive linemen join AUS team’s 2016 class
StFX X-Men have announced their first two commitments for their 2016 recruiting class.
Offensive linemen Kaelan Fraser and Chris Verheyen will join the X-Men for the upcoming AUS season.
“We are in the process of building something very special and sustainable here at StFX,” commented X-Men Head Coach Gary Waterman. “This past season, winning the Atlantic Conference and hosting the National Semi-Final (Uteck Bowl) was a positive step forward for X-Men football.”
“We are excited to have these two young men join our family.”
With these two commitments, the X-Men have addressed a crucial need on their roster.
“The line of scrimmage is of great importance to us, we really like these two student-athletes and think they’re a great fit for our program and our university,” said X-Men Offensive Coordinator Steve Snyder.
Fraser is a 6’1, 270 pound offensive lineman from Belleville, Ontario. Among the teams he has suited up for include Centennial Chargers of the Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics (COSSA) and Kingston Grenadiers of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). This past season, he was selected as an OVFL All-Star.
“I am very excited to be joining the StFX football program,” expressed Fraser of his commitment. “I believe it’s a great fit and I am committed to help build on the success from this year.”
Not only are the X-Men looking forward to having Fraser’s playmaking abilities, but also the intangibles he possesses which will be an asset to the team.
“Kaelan is joining our team after being named an OVFL All-Star this past season,” added X-Men Offensive Line Coach Dave Van Den Heuvel. “We’re excited to add a smart, hard-working offensive lineman who prides himself on being a good teammate and a technically sound player.”
“We’re happy to have Kaelan joining the White and Blue in the fall of 2016.”
As for Verheyen, he is a 6’3, 275 pound offensive lineman from Trenton, Ontario. During his gridiron career, he played for St. Paul Falcons of the Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics (COSSA) and Kingston Grenadiers of the Ontario Varsity Football League. In 2015, he was selected as an OVFL All-Star for his play with the Grenadiers.
Overall, the combination of academics and football made the X-Men a perfect fit for the Ontario offensive lineman.
“I chose STFX because it’s a small university with an excellent academic record,” elaborated Verheyen. “I have only been to smaller schools growing up and that was important.”
“The football team is like a one giant close family. I like what the team has done over the past few years reaching the AUS final twice and winning it this year. Also I like that there is a lot of former teammates of mine from the Kingston Grenadiers down there. I chose X because they give me a chance to play the sport I love while going to the best university in Canada.”
Van Den Heuvel sees tremendous upside and potential with Verheyen. Ultimately, he is looking forward to working with him in the years to come.
“I’m very excited for Chris to be joining our team,” exclaimed the X-Men Offensive Line Coach. “Chris has shown to be a physical player, who also uses solid technique and was named an OVFL All-Star.”
“Chris is a leader, and a great teammate. I’m looking forward to helping Chris with continuing his development as an offensive lineman here at StFX.”
With these first two commitments, it is only just the beginning of what is expected to be an exciting time for the X-Men when it comes to securing their future.
“Announcing these two line of scrimmage players is a great start to what promises to be another strong recruiting class at StFX,” expressed X-Men Advanced Recruiting Coordinator Gord Gallimore.
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