StFX immediately treated commits like family

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

Receiver Zakariya Karim from St. Peter Catholic High School and defensive back Kyle Rutter from Centennial Secondary School have felt nothing but love from the St. Francis Xavier X-Men, and they can’t wait to join the family.

Zakariya Karim

Courtesy of Zakariya Karim,

It didn’t take long for Zakariya Karim to realize where he belonged. “I went to visit the school last spring and as soon as I stepped on campus I knew that StFX was the right fit. Before I even committed, I already felt like part of the family,” he said.

“I’m really excited to be working with Head Coach Waterman and the rest of the coaching staff. Like I said, before I even committed they treated me like family, can’t wait until training camp,” he added.

Karim, who will be taking business administration, spent three years with the St. Peter Knights (NCSSAA). Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, the 5’11, 165lbs slotback never confined himself to one sport. He also played hockey, rugby and lacrosse. In 2015, he was a junior football MVP and a city champion. He also helped the Knights capture another city championship in 2017.

In the end, despite being a multi-sport athlete, football won his heart. He said, “I love the school community, competitiveness and culture. I’m happy to be going to a university that allows me to do what I love, play football. Go X-Men!”

Kyle Rutter

Courtesy of Kyle Rutter,

Kyle Rutter is ready to reconnect with some familiar faces. “Everything I’ve heard form friends is that the atmosphere surrounding StFX is amazing and I can’t wait to join friends there,” he said.

Rutter is set to rejoin former teammate Tristan Bell, whom he played with as a defensive back during his junior varsity days. He also worked with his older bother, Dylan, and his father, Tom, both of whom he said “have been great in helping me get where I am.”

Not only is he wanted by his comrades, but by the team as well. “I chose to commit to StFX because they wanted me, and it felt great to feel wanted by a group of excited and energetic coaches that I seem to connect with immediately and I can’t wait to work with them,” he said. “They seem like coaches that’ll push me to my limits.”

Rutter has been playing football for seven years. He began his career in the Belleville Minor Football League before joining his high school team, the Centennial Chargers (COSSA). He is entering his third year with the Limestone District Grenadiers (OPFL).

In 2015, he was the Grenadiers’ unsung hero. He is also a three-time Bay of Quinte champion. Standing at 5’10, 160lbs, he said he prefers to play as a corner and safety. Rutter, who is from Belleville, Ontario, will be taking public policy and governance.

Before heading out of province, Rutter would like to thank his coach, Andrew George, who he said “put his heart into helping me get to a university football program.”

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