Port Colborne tandem picks Gryphons (VIDEO)

Brothers receently join OUA team’s 2015 class.

The Guelph Gryphons have announced the signings of Mack and Colton Jones to their football program.

Both brothers will join the team for the 2015 OUA season.  They come to the Gryphons after completing stints with Lakeshore Catholic Gators of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association (NRHSAA).

MACK JONES:

The 6’0, 210 pound running back from Port Colborne, Ontario has also previously suited up for the Niagara Spears of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) as well as both the Welland Ti-Cats and Welland Raiders of the Niagara Region Minor Football Association (NRMFA).

“Guelph is starting to be known for its run game and we wanted to make sure that it stayed that way for years to come,” commented Gryphons Offensive Coordinator Todd Galloway.  “Mack Jones is a great addition to our running back family.”

“He combines speed and power that will help him compete early with the absence of fifth year senior Rob Farquharson.  We are very excited that he and his brother decided to continue their football careers together.”

For his part, there were several decisive factors which ultimately led Jones to commit to the Gryphons.

“I picked Guelph because from what I saw, big things are happening with their football program and I simply wanted to be a part of it,” elaborated Jones of his decision.  “The coaching staff was more than welcoming at all times and did a great job making my brother and I feel at home.”

“Wanting to be in the OUA was also a factor that led to my decision. My parents and family will be able to attend games and support me like they have from the very beginning. The facilities are state of the art and Guelph is a strong academic school. They really go out of their way to not only to help you excel on the field, but also in the class room. Everything reached my expectations and I thought it was a great opportunity for me.”

COLTON JONES:

The 6’1, 190 pound quarterback/slotback from Port Colbourne, Ontario also previously suited up for the Niagara Spears of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). This past season in four games, Jones completed 30 passes in 62 attempts for 465 yards and seven passing touchdowns.  Additionally, he racked up 135 yards on 18 rushes and three rushing touchdowns.

“Colton to us is one of the best all-around athletes and talents in the Niagara region this year,” assessed Galloway.  “Asked to play quarterback for his high school, he is more of a natural receiver.”

“At 6’1 and still growing we think he can grow into a great physical presence for us in our receiving core this year and years to come.  We are very excited that he and his brother decided to continue their football careers together.”

Jones issued the following statement regarding his commitment to the Gryphons:

“Guelph has always seemed to be the right fit for me. I’ve been up on the campus and around the football facilities many times and it gives off the right type of vibe that I was looking for while deciding which school I would like to attend. Even when I made my first visit to the university it gave me a home type of feeling, a place where I knew I would be comfortable.”

“The football program is all around outstanding as well. Not to mention that fact that they have a strong football team, but they have passionate coaches that not only care about their players as athletes but as individuals. At the end of the day it’s not only football they care about, but they care about your success outside of football. This is a great trait to have as a university football program because this pushes their student-athletes to prosper outside of sports.”

“Special thanks to Mr. John Casasanta, Coach Bernie Tessier, Coach Rich Vujasic, All Lakeshore Coaching Staff, Coach Brian Duguay, Frank Popoppoli and all of the Niagara Spears coaching staff, as well as all of the past players I’ve played with.”

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