Small-town charm of MTA attracts 2

Mounties add two out-of-province commits to their 2018 class.

Neither receiver Alex Hayes from Horton High School and linebacker Jordan Melo from King City High School are from New Brunswick, but the province will be their new home for the next few years after signing with the Mount Allison Mounties.

Alex Hayes

Alex Hayes knows the value of a good coaching staff. “(I have) had the experience of having knowledgeable coaches throughout my programs, including my dad,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Head Coach Fraser. Living next to Acadia, I am familiar with him and think this is a strength for the Mounties program. The coaching staff have (the) experience that I’m looking forward to learning from.”

Hayes, who will be taking a bachelor of commerce, said what also appealed to him was the school’s great academics. “I like how it’s a small school and it’s easy to get around,” he added. “And, they have a really good football program.”

Standing at 6’1, 195lbs, Hayes has played football for nine years. The product of Kentville, Nova Scotia, spent his high school career with the Horton Griffins (NSSAFFL). He has also played for the Valley Bulldogs (FNS). In 2017, he was a NSSAFFL 2nd-team all-star.

Jordan Melo

Schomberg, Ontario, the hometown of Jordan Melo, is by no means a large town. Then again, neither is Sackville, New Brunswick. “It is where I felt the most comfortable,” Melo said of Mount Allison. “While on my visit, I felt like I was still back home in Ontario! I also chose MTA because I like the small school feel.”

It didn’t take long for Melo to form a connect with his new coaches. He said that, “I definitely have a great bond with the coaching staff. I’ve been speaking with Coach Richards. It was nice to finally meet them in person while I was on my visit there.”

Melo, who is 6’2, 210lbs, has played with the King City Lions (YRAA) and the York Region Lions (OVFL).