StFX commits believe in coaching staff

StFX adds three out-of-province commits to their 2018 class.

There are many different reasons why a commit signs with a school, and while linebacker Zach Papineau from Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada and receivers Cameron Hoekstra from St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School and Benoit Cormier from École L’Odyssée have their own reasons, they will all be working towards the same goals with the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

Zach Papineau

StFX has been in Zach Papineau’s radar even before football was on the table. “StFX has always been a university I was interested in academically. When an athletic opportunity came forward, it seemed like the right fit for me to continue my studies as a student-athlete,” he said. “The strong school tradition as well as the small university atmosphere were two big contributing factors towards my decision to commit to StFX,”

The future criminology student added that, “The coaching staff at StFX is definitely one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Head Coach Waterman and Coach Svec have been there throughout this whole process to help me make the best decision. I look forward to bettering my relationship with the coaching staff and get to work in August.”

In Papineau’s nine-year career he has played with the Herman Academy Green Griffins (WECSSAA), the RICC Knights and the Essex Ravens (OPFL). He has also played BTG 7v7 football.

The 6’2, 210lbs product of Windsor, Ontario, was a WECSSAA champion from 2012 to 2016 with the Griffins. He also helped the team capture three SWOSSAA and OFSAA championships from 2014 to 2016. In 2016, he was a national champion and made the WECSSAA all-city. He participated in the All-American Bowl in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a member of Team National. He was named as an MVP during the tournament.

Cameron Hoekstra

It was the scenery that caught Cameron Hoekstra’s eye first, but it was the coaching staff that made him want to stay. “I chose StFX because it’s a beautiful school. I’ve travelled out east and love everything about it,” he said. “I am also very excited with the coaching staff. They have a very positive attitude towards the program and the direction it’s going in.”

He added that, “They have the same goal I have, which is to succeed on the field and in the classroom…the coaching staff was also very respectful and always checking in to see how I’m doing. They show that they care, which is very important.”

On top of it all, Hoekstra said it is a bonus that the school is renovating facilities.

Before joining the St. Joan of Arc Knights (GBSSA), Hoekstra was a member of the St. Peter’s Panthers (GBSSA). During the summer he played with the Huronia Stallions (OFC). Standing at 6’3, 185lbs, the slotback and wide receiver has been playing football for nine years.

Hoekstra is a back-to-back GBSAA champion (2014-2015). Last season he was an OFC all-star as a receiver.

Benoit Cormier

When it came to his schooling, Benoit Cormier found that StFX had all that he wanted and more. “I chose StFX because I shared the same values as the coaching staff and their program…the coaching staff seems very positive, motivating and genuine people,” he said. “The university also offered the program of my interest, (engineering).”

Cormier, who is 6’1, 185lbs, has spent three years with l’École L’Odyssée Olympiens (NBHSFL) in his hometown of Moncton, New Brunswick. In 2015, he was rookie of the year. Last season he was team MVP. He first began his athletic career as a provincial-level soccer and basketball player.