Sense of brotherhood

Waterford offensive threats & Guelph District 10 standout first recruits for OUA team’s 2014 class

Three Ontario standouts are the newest additions to the Waterloo Warriors.

Lucas McConnell, Justin Nadofsky and Cage Maracle have all committed to the OUA team for the 2014 season.

LUCAS MCCONNELL:

The 5’11, 155 pound quarterback from Waterford, Ontario decided that Waterloo was the perfect fit for him for academics.

“They are one of the top schools when it comes to student success,” explained Lucas of his decision. “Their co-op program is world-renowned.”

“For the career I want to pursue, they have the exact fit with regards to courses of study that I need and want.”

Moreover, McConnell felt at ease with the entire football team, including the coaching staff.

“Since the very first time, I met the coaches they made me feel like a part of their family,” said the Waterford pivot.  “They have a lot of pride in their program and their players.”

“I was able to spend some time with the players and get to know a bunch of them and they made me feel welcome and like I was already a part of the team. I feel I have been given the opportunity to be a part of something great and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

McConnell joins the Warriors after completing his high school career with Waterford Wolves of the Norfolk Secondary Schools Athletic Association (NSSAA).  This past season, the quarterback had 71 completions in 101 attempts for 1897 passing yards (completion rate 70 percent), 23 touchdowns and one interception.  Additionally, he racked up 86 rushing yards on seven carries and one touchdown.

Additionally, McConnell suited up for the Twin-City Predators of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

JUSTIN NADROFSKY:

The 6’4, 290 pound offensive right tackle from Waterford, Ontario was sold on the school after an official visit to the Waterloo campus.

“I showed up for a recruitment event and simply fell in love with the school itself,” commented Nadrofsky on his decision.  “Then, came the overwhelming sense of being included; feeling like not just another player.”

“The coaches there are absolutely fantastic and have treated me with kindness and respect and in my books that goes a long way. As for the football program there, I’ve met the team for the most part and from what I understand the talent they possess is incredible. Every member of that team would give the shirt on his back for the guy next to him. That’s what made me commit. Knowing the guy playing next to you would go to the end of the earth and back for you is simply unparalleled. That feeling alone is the one I was looking for.”

Nadrofsky comes to the Warriors after suiting up for his high school team, Waterford Wolves of the Norfolk Secondary School Athletic Association (NSSAA). He began his gridiron career with the Brantford Bisons of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) in 2010.

By virtue of his commitment, Nadrofsky joins former Wolves teammate and recent Warriors commit Lucas McConnell.

“Going back to that sense of brotherhood, I get that with my team here in Waterford and to feel that feeling again with Waterloo, it’s what keeps me motivated,” said Nadrofsky. “Not only do I do my best for myself, but for the people counting on me all around.”

CAGE HYSLOP -MARACLE:

The 6’6, 210 pound defensive lineman from Hamilton, Ontario knew after his official visit to the school that it was where he wanted to begin the next chapter of his gridiron and academic career.

“After my last visit up there in September, I just knew it was home,” explained Hyslop-Maracle of his commitment. “My first step on campus just gave me the most amazing feeling and that is when I knew.”

Ultimately, the academic and gridiron experience he could possibly have at Waterloo was too good of an offer to pass up.

“I chose Waterloo University because overall it is a great place to be,” expressed the Hamilton defensive lineman.  “For me I was not really concerned with the record of the team but the experience the team and school could give me.”

“I looked into Waterloo’s Faculty of Science and I just really loved the programs it offered and what it could do for me in the future. What made my decision more concrete was the coaches and especially Coach PaoPao’s philosophy on education. They showed to me that they really care about where their players are in the class and how their marks are going because we are student-athletes and the student part of that title comes first before anything. Now do not get me wrong, I do love football but I know I can’t do it for forever and regardless whether there is a next level of football for me after university or not, the coaches are still prepared to help me have a successful future with my education. That is what really spoke to me.”

Hyslop-Maracle comes to the Warriors after completing his high school career with John F Ross Royals of Guelph District 10 in the Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association (CWOSSAA).  Previous to playing three seasons with the Royals, the defensive lineman suited up for the St. Thomas More Knights of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA) for two years.

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