StFX commits like the “small town” atmosphere

StFX adds three Ontario commits and one Nova Scotia commit to their 2018 class.

They are already familiar with the history of the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men football team, but now linebacker Tristan Bell from Brockville Collegiate Institute, receiver Isaac Belsito from Superior Heights CVS, defensive back Kayden Peters from St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School and guard Spence Lewis from Charles P. Allen High School will be looking to add their own chapters to an already storied club.

Tristan Bell

Growing up in Brockville, Ontario, football was not a major staple of society. “I grew up in a small town where my father had to bring football to the town, so naturally my brother excelled and in always wanting to be like him, now I’m achieving not only my goals, but our goals as brothers,”  said Tristan Bell.

Bell will be reunited with his brother, Dylan, who is a captain and leader at the school. Bell said that having a chance to play alongside his brother was a reason for his commitment.

He added that, “I chose to play for the school because of the family atmosphere…the coaching staff is a dream to play for, so personable.”

Bell has been hitting the gridiron since the age of six. He played as a safety like his older brother until switching to linebacker in 2016. “I fell in love with the game in a completely new way because the position takes two separate mindsets,” he said.

Standing at 6’0, 220lbs, Bell has played for the Kingston Grenadiers (OPFL), the BCI Red Rams (Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association) and the Brockville Buccaneers (OFA). In 2017, he was the Grenadiers’ defensive MVP. He will be taking business administration.

Isaac Belsito

When Isaac Belsito joins the X-Men, he won’t merely be brining his athletic ability with him. “I liked the fact that the coaches aren’t only looking for football players, they are looking for overall good guys and students,” he said. “This appealed to me because it makes a successful environment for student-athletes.”

During his recruitment, Belsito said that the coaches were very honest, truthful and they answered any questions that he had. He added that, “I chose to commit to StFX University because I really enjoyed the small-town feel of the school and StFX has a very well-rounded football program that has a rich history regarding success.”

Belsito, who is from Sault Ste. Marine, Ontario, will be taking human kinetics.

Belsito has been playing the sport for four years. In high school, he was a member of the Superior Heights Steelhawks (Northern Ontario Secondary School Athletics) and the Sault Sabercats (OFC). He has captured four high school championships and four NOSSAA championships. In three OFSAA Bowl visits, his team has won one. Last year, he was the Steelhawks’ offensive MVP and an OFC league all-star. The 5’10, 170lbs slotback was also the Sabercats’ offensive player of the year.

Kayden Peters

Since the start of grade ten, Kayden Peters has dreamt of becoming an X-Men. He has now made his dream a reality. “Since grade 10, X has been the school I’ve hoped to attend and having the opportunity to be able to not only be a student there but to be able to pursue an athletic career as well is amazing,” he said. “It’s a fantastic school with a great reputation and I am very grateful for the chance to become a member of the X family.”

During his visit, Peters said he was fortunate enough to meet with Head Coach Gary Waterman and Coach Jon Svec. “They are wholeheartedly committed to the program. I truly respect the way the coaches run their program,” he said. “They are doing great things for X-Men football and I am confident that they will continue to develop their already fantastic program at X.”

Originally from Barrie, Ontario, Peters played for his high school team, the St. Joan of Arc Knights (Georgian Bay Secondary School Athletics) and the Huronia Stallions (OFC). In 2015, he helped his team win a GBSAA championship. The following year, the 5’11, 195lbs athlete was the team’s MVP. He was veteran of the year in 2017 and has also been a captain on both the Knights and Stallions. He will be taking Sociology.

Spence Lewis

Originally from Bedford, Nova Scotia, Spence Lewis has decided to stay near familiar waters. “I chose StFX because it’s close to home, affordable and an all-around great environment,” he said. “Great head coach in Gary Waterman and one of the best o-line coaches in the nation, Dave Van de Huevel.”

Lewis, who is a towering 6’8, 310lbs, played with the Charles P. Allen Cheetahs (Nova Scotia Schools Athletic Federation Football League) in high school. In his two-year career, he has been named to the First-Team division all-star and was lineman of the year for the Cheetahs. He is interested in either Psychology or Sociology.