Sherbrooke Vert & Or brings two into family

Sherbrooke adds two Québec commits to their Class of 2018.

Running back Sébastien Béland and offensive lineman Justin Amessan from Cégep de L’Outaouais have come a long way together. But, this isn’t the end of their journey. No, it will continue on with the University of Sherbrooke Vert & Or.

Sébastien Béland

Sometimes, deciding on a school can all come down to how it makes you feel. When Sébastien Béland visited Sherbrooke, he said he had a really good feeling about the team and the coaches.

“First time I met the offensive coach, I really liked his vision and philosophy,” Béland said, who is 5’8, 200lbs. “Also, I really like my positional coach and the special teams coach and all of the coaches.”

The product of Gatineau, Québec, will be going into ‘administration des affaires’ (business) and potentially accounting. Béland said the school is very good academically.

“I feel Sherbrooke is the best place to go for football and university,” Béland said. “It appealed to me as a big, great family.”

In his seven-year career, Béland played with Les Tigers de l’École secondaire Hormisdas-Gamelin (RSEQ) for four years. He then spent three years with Les Griffons du Cégep de L’Outaouais (RSEQ Division 2). In 2015, he was a Division 3 all-star. He was also rookie of the year and offensive player of the RSEQ Division 3.

Justin Amessan

Justin Amessan is no stranger to the University of Sherbrooke. Both of his parents went to the school. “They only have good words about this university,” he said. “I hear a lot of good things about Sherbrooke’s diversity and the fact that it’s a student city makes it even more attractive.”

Standing at 6’2, 285lbs, Amessan is ready to buy into the team’s way of life. “I think my philosophy fits with the football team’s spirit and I believe this team will help me be a better player,” he said. “The coaches seem very close to their players and available to help them in any situation. I still have a lot of things to learn and I know they can lead me and help me become a good U Sports player.”

On the academic side, Amessan is interested in mechanical engineering. “It seems pretty interesting and the co-op profile allows me to apply theoretical notions learned (in class) into real situations and allows me to gain experience,” he said.

A fellow Griffon, Amessan is also from Gatineau. He is a three-time all-star. Not content with settling, he said, “I look forward to evolving with the Vert & Or family.”

(Translation: Welcome Justin Amessan and Sébastien Béland into the Vert & Or family. A running back who wants to continue running behind great men of exception. Congrats for your journey with Les Griffons du Cégep de L’Outaouais).