Queen’s University is ‘second to none’

Gaels welcome out-of-province commit to their 2019 class.

CFC100 Kasten Wayken, a quarterback form Salisbury Composite High School, has finally come to a decision, and that’s to continue his career with the Queen’s Gaels.

During his time playing in the United States, Wayken had a lot of recruiting interest. He first began speaking with Queen’s in the spring of 2018.

“At the time a lot was coming at me and I felt a bit grounded being contacted by a few schools in Canada,” he said. “I was also contacted by Coach Snyder and the Western Mustangs, so when he joined Queen’s, I knew I would be on solid ground heading into the season.”

He added that, “The coaches have been great…I am pretty excited about working with the coaching staff. I am keen on getting to the next level and I think this program and coaches can get me there. I have five years to prepare and with Queen’s coaching staff, this goal can be achieved.”

It wasn’t only Canadian schools that approached Wayken. He said he had the chance to speak with many NCAA Division 1 and 2 schools, as well as some other Canadian universities. “I must say that Queen’s is second to none. It’s amazing how we have this kind of university in Canada,” he said.

“The hype is always on USA schools (Division 1) and I feel we need to look in our own backyard,” he added. “Players, students and parents really need to educate themselves and look at their goals and objectives.”

Wayken is interested in sociology and criminology with the post-grad goal of law school. He said that Queen’s programs are very, very good in comparison to the numerous programs he looked at. “I managed to speak with one of the current students while I was on the visit and that really helped solidify my decision,” he added.

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Wayken, who is 6’3, 205lbs, has been playing football for nine years from atom up until high school. He started with the atom Sherwood Park Broncos (CDMFA), the peewee Sherwood Park Bulldogs (CDMFA) and the bantam Sherwood Park Rams (CDMFA). He had a six-month stint with IMG Academy. He was invited back after a three-week summer camp in 2017. He then returned to Sherwood Park, Alberta, where he played with the Salisbury Sabres (MEHSL).

He has won several awards during his career, including MVP, coaches award and the most dedicated player. He is a three-time high school MVP and was a Carr Conference all-star.

“I have been fortunate to have trained with many great coaches even outside of the teams I have played for,” Wayken said. “I spent a lot of time early on with CFL’s Calvin McCarty, Matt Nichols and even an offseason with Kavis Reed.”

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Wayken will be brining all of this experience with him to the Gaels. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to pursue my football career through Queen’s University,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting the new team members and I can’t wait until we hit the field in front of fans in August. I see some great recruits coming in and some very well-seasoned players on the team. Let’s get it.”

Excited to announce that I have committed to Queens university! Would like to especially thank my parents and coaches for helping me become the man and athlete I am today! Lets get it! ?? #ChaGheil @ShoWill33 @SteveSnyderQ @chatfootball @KatieBurtCFC @salprospects pic.twitter.com/I56y9w0wAo

— Kasten Wayken (@KastenWayken) January 23, 2019