Similar appealing themes unites Western Mustangs commits

Western draws in two local commits to their Class of 2018.

Tevin Johnston, a lineman from East Elgin Secondary School, and Michael Pacifico, an offensive lineman from A.B. Lucas Secondary School, may have gone to different high schools, but the linemen have battled in the trenches together in during rep football, and now they have the chance to do it again with the Western Mustangs.

Tevin Johnston

Tevin Johnston is already familiar with what the Mustangs coaches have to offer him. A member of the London Jr. Mustangs (Ontario Provincial Football League), he said, “I have been apart of the Mustangs family for the past three years now and love the football program they have. The coaches have helped me tremendously on and off the football field and have gotten me to where I am today athletically as well as morally.”

He added that, “Second to none, the coaching staff is amazing and have been pleasure to speak with throughout the whole (recruiting) process. I know that they will be able to train me and hone my skills better than any other choice.”

It’s this commitment to excellence that Johnston said has made the team so good year after year. “The commitment of the players and coaches, as well as the skill level of both, is fantastic,” he added.

Currently calling the little town of Aylmer, Ontario, his home, which is south of London, Johnston decided that staying with those he loves during university would be best. “I have a strong bond with my family and I enjoy that I will be close to them,” he said.

While he may have football and family on his mind, Johnston didn’t overlook academics. “The school is ranked top 1% in the country if not the world for its schooling and that is huge,” the potential kinesiology student said.

The 6’4, 260lbs offensive and defensive lineman has played with the East Elgin Eagles (Thames Valley Regional Athletics) for the past five years. In grade nine, he played with the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC). In 2014 and 2016, he was named the Eagles’ lineman of the year. Last season, he was named as a league all-star. He also captured an Ontario Provincial Football League championship with the Jr. Mustangs.

Michael Pacifico

There is a similar theme with Western commits, and Michael Pacifico is not exempt from this. A former London Jr. Mustang as well, he said he chose Western “because of its reputation for excellent athletics and academics.” He added that he is interested in either business or engineering.

The 6’4, 285lbs product of London, Ontario, got to know the Western coaches through the Jr. Mustangs in the summer of 2015. While it was only one season, they left him with a good impression. “The coaches are among the best in the country,” Pacifico said. “They really care about their players.”

From 2009 to 2012, Pacifico played in the London Minor Football Association. When he went to high school in 2013, he played with his high school team, the A.B. Lucas Vikings (TVRA). In 2014, he was lineman of the year. The following season, the Vikings won a TVRA championship.