Queen’s made commits feel at home

Queen’s adds one local commit and two out-of-province commits to their 2018 class.

Already familiar with Kingston, Ontario, linebacker Johnathan Sherboneau from Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School could be the perfect guide for offensive lineman Kael King from Father Mercredi Community High School and receiver Matthew Balysky from Yorkton Regional High School as all three have signed with the Queen’s Gaels.

Johnathan Sherboneau

After Johnathan Sherboneau finished up a high school game in October, the Gaels recruiters approached him with an opportunity. “After seeing the football atmosphere at Richardson Stadium and meeting with the coaches after the game, I knew that Queen’s was where I wanted to be,” he said.

While Sherboneau was approached by multiple schools for both football and rugby, he said that “Queen’s felt like home and the football team and coaching staff felt like family…Living in Kingston my whole life, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what Queen’s is all about.”

For Sherboneau, he said some of the selling points were the school’s rich football tradition, prestigious academic reputation, state-of-the-art facilities and elite coaching staff. “The coaching staff was very welcoming, and all have great biographies, and I believe they are some of the best coaches to push me to my limits and reach my maximum potential on and off the field,” he added.

Sherboneau is interested in taking psychology. However, he will be entering his first year with an undeclared major.

The 6’2, 190lbs outside linebacker spent four years with Regiopolis-Notre Dame Panthers (KASSAA). In 2015, he was awarded the “Heart of a Panther” award, which is given to a RND football player who exhibits such qualities as character, skill, coachability and leadership. Sherboneau, who is a multi-sport athlete, has also won several awards in both rugby and hockey.

“I always dreamed of taking my athletic abilities to the next level,” Sherboneau said. “In my opinion, Queen’s is the best place to do so. Also, being from Kingston, there was the appeal of having family and friends at all my games.”

FOOTBALL ? Johnathan Sherboneau is GAELS COMMITTED!⠀

Out of Kingston playing at Regiopolis Notre Dame, Sherboneau is a multi-sport athlete in football and rugby. He is a KASSAA finalist in football and was also on the 2017 Team Ontario Rugby squad #LeadTheWay #GaelsCommitted pic.twitter.com/oK6tap8ViM

— Queen’s Gaels (@queensgaels) April 10, 2018

Kael King

Currently living in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Kael King is ready to experience Ontario living. “I chose to commit to Queen’s as I love the university town atmosphere. During my visit I felt right at home and felt like this was somewhere I can be for the next four to five years,” King said.

“Me and my parents loved the coaching staff,” he added. “Very welcoming and enthusiastic about having me aboard, giving me an opportunity to prove myself at the highest level of football in Canada. I’m looking forward to working with them.”

On top of athletics, King, who has been accepted into concurrent science, said that Queen’s is one of the top academic institutions in the country. “My program I got accepted into opens a lot of doors for me in the future,” he said.

King has been playing football since grade four. In those eight years, the 5’11, 260lbs center has played with the Father Mercredi Trappers (FMFL), the Fort McMurray Ravens (CDMFA) and the St. Albert Catholic Secondary School Skyhawks (MEHSL). In 2017, he was recognized as the Ravens’ lineman of the year. He was also the Trappers’ MVP in both football and rugby. In 2016 and 2017, he won a city championship.

As training camp nears, King said, “I’m excited to get out to Queen’s and start my career.”

FOOTBALL ? Kael King is GAELS COMMITTED!⠀

King is a 260 lbs centre from Alberta and was his club team’s lineman of the year and high school’s MVP in both football and rugby #LeadTheWay #GaelsCommitted pic.twitter.com/0DYJn8diFN

— Queen’s Gaels (@queensgaels) April 11, 2018

Matthew Balysky

Leaving home can sometimes be difficult, but Matthew Balysky from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, is up for the adventure. “Queen’s is quite a distance from home, but I see it as a great opportunity to be in a new part of the country and make new connections and friends in an unfamiliar place,” he said.

“I chose to commit to Queen’s because the school and team both have a rich history and it’s one of the best post-secondary intuitions in Canada,” he added. “I am able to continue playing football as well as obtain a great education there.”

Balysky, who is interested in nursing knows the Gael’s coaches will support him both in his athletic and academic pursuits. “They believe both football and school are equally important, which is something I believe,” he said. “They are also a very experienced coaching staff with Coach Sheahan in his 18th season with the team, along with the addition of Marcel Bellefeuille, who spent time coaching in the CFL.”

Balysky has spent four years with the Yorkton Raider Gridders (MJHSFL). Last season, the 5’10, 175lbs athlete helped his team with a MJHSFL championship. The team also was the SHSAA 3A provincial silver medalists. In 2016, Balysky was the Raider Gridders’ offensive MVP and he won an academic excellence award. The following year, he was the team’s defensive MVP and received another academic excellence award.

“I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates for all the seasons we spent together,” Balysky said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be the player I am today or in the position I am today.”

FOOTBALL ? Matthew Balysky is GAELS COMMITTED!

Out of Yorkton, Saskatchewan Balysky is a receiver and a 2017 Moose Jaw High School football league champion and SHSAA 3A silver medalist #LeadTheWay #GaelsCommitted pic.twitter.com/cIdfbsgKVq

— Queen’s Gaels (@queensgaels) April 11, 2018