Saint Mary’s announces Ben Rossong to join Huskies football team

Ben Rossong is coming back to Halifax.

The Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Huskies football program announced today that Rossong, a native of Sackville, Nova Scotia will transfer from Western University to play for the team. He is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation.

“It feels amazing to be joining a team with such a great history, I know growing up and watching several Vanier Cup wins that I’m coming to a program that wants to win, and expects to win every year,” says Rossong of his feelings about transferring to SMU. “The team surrounds itself with a great coaching staff and great football players year in and year out and that is something I look forward to being a part of.”

Rossong is a quarterback who had a successful high school career with the Sackville High Kingfishers of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). During his time with the Kingfishers, the pivot threw for over 6000 passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns and 26 rushing touchdowns.

While attending the Matt Light’s New England Patriots Football Camp during high school, Rossong was named top quarterback. Moreover, the pivot has received league rookie of the year honours, NSSAFFL MVP honours in 2008 and multiple all-star selections including a NSSAFFL first team all-star selection in 2008.

SMU Director of Athletics and Recreation, Steve Sarty comments that when he first spoke with the star quarterback, his thoughts were that Rossong was a “quality young man with great character.”

“He comes from a great family and we are happy to have him as part of our Saint Mary’s family,” adds Sarty. “His talents on the football field are obvious but I’m equally impressed with the intangibles that Ben possesses.”

“He is a proven leader and wants to be part of the future of Huskies Football and we are thrilled that he has chosen to attend Saint Mary’s University.”

While Rossong will have to sit out next season as per Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) regulations for transfers, Huskies head coach Perry Marchese says that the team will feel Rossong’s presence. Additionally, it will allow time for the quarterback to learn more about the team.

“We are thrilled to have an athlete like Ben coming to our football team,” comments the Huskies head coach. “Ben will have to sit out next year but having his leadership skills around the program is going to be great.”

“He will be able to learn the system next year and I know he will be extremely anxious to put on the maroon and white and play in front of his hometown crowd.”

For Rossong’s part, he is equally looking forward to the opportunity of working with the new Huskies head coach.

“I am very excited to work with Coach Marchese,” explains Rossong, the former Kingfishers quarterback. “I have talked to many players and coaches who have played for him and they have great things to say about his strong football knowledge and background, along with how he builds great relationships with his players.”

“I am happy to get a chance to learn from him and play for him in the coming years.”

The most exciting yet special part of this transfer for Rossong will be the opportunity to play at home in front of many loved ones and supporters.

“One of the most exciting parts of this move for me is that I will get to play in front of some of the best football fans in the country, in one of the greatest cities in Canada,” adds the quarterback. “To have my family and friends there is going to be amazing.”

“To come out to a hometown crowd in a new stadium and we will look to bring the city of Halifax a lot of excitement and a Vanier Cup.”

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)