Promising future with UofT Varsity Blues theme among commits

UofT brings in an out-of-province commit and two Ontario commits.

Anticipation, excitement, hope. These are all the things that defensive back Caleb Zigby from John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, offensive lineman Zachary Bouvier-McKay from Evan Hardy Collegiate and defensive end Ben Cowman from Nelson High School are feeling as they get set to join the Toronto Varsity Blues.

FPC Caleb Zigby

Caleb Zigby has a feeling that the Varsity Blues are on the upswing. “I feel as though Toronto will be the team to beat three or four years down the road,” he said when explaining as to why he committed to the school.

“The university has awesome coaches who are very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming, making my decision very easy,” he added.

But it’s not only sports that impressed this future kinesiology student. He said, “I chose to commit to UofT as it is a world-renown school as far as academics are concerned.”

The 5’11, 170lbs two-time all-star has been playing football for 11 years. His entire career has been with the Guelph Junior Gryphons and the John F. Ross Royals (District 10). In 2013, the product of Guelph, Ontario, won a D-10 championship.

Zachary Bouvier-McKay
When Zachary Bouvier-McKay when on his tour, it was an instant connection. “When I got to visit the school and meet the team and the coaches, I knew that’s where I wanted to play,” he said. “The coaching staff is amazing and (are) great people. Coach Gary is a great guy.”

Hailing from Cole Bay, Saskatchewan, the 6’1, 300lbs right guard wants to go into education and become an elementary school teacher. The school’s academics were another perk that drew Bouvier-McKay in.

Prior to playing with the Niagara Raiders (CJFL), Bouvier-McKay played with the Evan Hardy Souls (Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate).

Ben Cowman

Like his fellow commits, Ben Cowman sees a bright future ahead for him and the Varsity Blues. “I feel this school gives me the greatest opportunities as a student and as a football player. It is an up-and-coming program with a promising future,” he said.

Entering into Rotman commerce, Cowman said the coaches were honest and real with him during the recruitment process. “They are all knowledgeable about the game of football and I’m looking forward to learning a lot from them,” he added.

Standing at 6’3, 230lbs, the eight-year veteran has suited up for the Burlington Stampeders and the Nelson Lords (Halton School Athletic Association). This past season, the Burlington commit captured a Golden Horseshoe Bowl win with the Lords.

In his own personal collection, Cowman received the Smitty Award, a scholarship awarded to a student who excels in math and physics while displaying an interest in a non-academic hobby. In 2012, he won a junior leadership award.

While the new season is still a few months away, Cowman’s anticipation knows no bounds. He said, “I am excited beyond belief to start the next phase of my life as a Varsity Blue.”