Reinvigorated energy

New Brunswick All-Stars recently join AUS team’s 2014 class.

Two New Brunswick offensive standouts will be moving provinces for their CIS careers.

Kyle McCluskey and Pete Alexander recently committed to the St. Francis Xavier (St.FX) X-Men for the 2014 AUS season.

KYLE MCCLUSKEY:

With his signing, the 6’0, 180 pound wide receiver from Riverview, New Brunswick has realized a gridiron and academic dream.

“I’ve been putting a lot of thought into ‘X’ and always wanted to take the Kinesiology program there, even before I started football in the tenth grade,” explained McCluskey.  “I got multiple opinions and feedback on the school, the good and bad from students, alumni, and ones that didn’t even go to the university.”

“For me, the pros outweighed the cons.”

Not only was his decision solidified during his official visit, but X-Men Defensive Back Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Gord Gallimore played an instrumental role in McCluskey’s decision. Additionally, the New Brunswick offensive standout likes the direction as well as the promise the team has shown recently.

“After visiting the campus and meeting the coaches and players, I knew 100 percent that this was the place that best suited me,” expressed McCluskey.  “Coach Gord (Gallimore) also played a big part in my decision.”

“After a 15 minute talk on the phone, I realized that these guys really make you feel a part of their family, which is what a championship team needs. Another important reason why I chose ‘X’ was because I found out that the team is in their rebuilding stage. This alone is something special to be a part of; also it gives me a better chance to stand out to the coaches.”

McCluskey recently completed a stint with the Riverview Royals of the New Brunswick High School Football League (NBHSFL).  This past season, he amassed 39 completions, 916 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, 216 rushing yards on 13 carries, three rushing majors.  Additionally, the New Brunswick standout had 493 yards on 27 returns, four touchdowns off returns, 1,625 all-purpose yards on 79 completions and 18 touchdowns.

For his exceptional play on the field, McCluskey was named NBHSFL 12-Man Eastern Conference Player of the Year and selected to the league’s All-Star team at the receiver position.

This past July, McCluskey represented his home province as a member of Team New Brunswick at the 2013 Football Canada Cup in Moncton.

“Riverview has a great track record of sending quality people to StFX,” commented X-Men Head Coach Gary Waterman.  “We think Kyle is a perfect fit for our university and our football program.”

Echoing the sentiments of Waterman is X-Men Offensive Coordinator Steve Snyder.

“Kyle is a player who has wanted to play football at StFX for a long time; he has great experience with Team New Brunswick at the Canada Cup and is a decorated high school player,” added Snyder. “Kyle will be enrolling in Human Kinetics here at X”

“This is a high quality student athlete that we wanted here at X; we are excited about his commitment to the X-Men family.”

PETE ALEXANDER:

The 6’4, 260 pound offensive lineman from Saint John, New Brunswick comes to the X-Men with a wealth of experience.

Alexander recently suited up for his high school team, Saint John Greyhounds of the New Brunswick High School Football League (NBHSFL).  This past season, the NBHSFL recognized his play on the field as he was named the league’s 12-Man Southwestern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year as well as league All-Star at an offensive line position.

Moreover, he represented his home province as a member of Team New Brunswick at the 2013 Football Canada Cup in Moncton this past July.

“Pete’s a very athletic lineman who we think has a great opportunity ahead of him here at X,” commented Snyder.  “We were very impressed with Pete’s maturity as well as his physical attributes, he has a great frame to work with and we see him developing into a very good offensive lineman here.”

“Pete seemed excited about what we are doing here at X, the new energy in our program and the focus of our staff and our players is something Pete is interested in becoming a part of. The Blue & White are thrilled about the addition of Pete Alexander.”

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