UBC bolsters team with more local talent including prep star

UBC welcomes a trio of strong commits to the team.

The U Sports league better get ready for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds’ latest commits, Marius Anghel, a receiver from the Langley Stampeders (Vancouver Mainland Football League), Shane Noel, a running back from Loomis Chaffee School, and Garrett Cape, a defensive back from the Okanagan Sun (CJFL).

Marius Anghel

It was a special moment for Marius Anghel when he saw the UBC campus in person. “The first time I took a walk on the campus, it was so enchanting. I felt (like I) belonged and (was) safe, as if it was already home,” he said.

What was even more special, perhaps, was when he met with Head Coach Blake Nill, who helped recruit him. “Coach Nill is a very straight-up guy and the first conversation you’ll ever have with him is the moment you can tell he’s ‘the guy.’ He wants to win. I do too,” Anghel said.

Anghel added that he had the chance to meet his future receivers coach, Coach Dennis Holowaychuk. “Coach Holowaychuk is super energetic and knowledgeable. After 45 mins of meeting him, he taught me more about my position than any other coach ever has,” he said.

The potential Commerce student hasn’t met the entire coaching staff yet, although he said he would love too. While entranced by the beauty of the campus and the knowledge of the coaching staff, Anghel said he chose UBC because of its prestigious academic roots and dominating football program.

In his four-year career, the 6’1, 190lbs product of Chilliwack, BC has played with the Chilliwack Giants (Valley Community Football League) for three years and one with the Langley Stampeders. In 2016, his final year of midget football with the Stamps, his team won a provincial championship with a perfect 12-0 record.

Shane Noel

#BlueChip .. STM athlete chooses @UBC over NCAA!!With Shane Noel @sugar25shane .. @ubctbirds add to an already impressive 2017 class. pic.twitter.com/AOsWGhFGKT

— Blake Nill (@CoachNill) January 28, 2017

Canadian-born Shane Noel has spent some time south of the border playing high school football in both BC and in Connecticut with the Loomis Chaffee School Pelicans. The 5’11, 210lbs athlete had over seven NCAA Division 1 offers, although UBC won out in the end.

“I had some options to play Division I football, but ultimately it came down to be wanted to play for my city and to win championships for Vancouver and UBC,” he said. “They have a winning culture and an outstanding coaching staff that takes pride in being the best. All the coaches have a championship mentality.”

Noel has been stepping out onto the field since he was eight. Prior to his time down south, he played with the St. Thomas More Knights (BC Secondary Schools Athletic Association) in Burnaby, BC. He is interested in taking Business and was an all-star with the Knights and the Loomis Chaffee Pelicans.

“I made a big decision declining Division I,” Noel said. “But, I believe big things can be achieved at UBC. It’s a great school with a great coaching staff!”

Garrett Cape

#BlueChip .. Prince George athlete @HartNation will attend @UBC in 2017 .. @Garrett_Cape has high ceiling .. played 2016 with @Okanagan_Sun pic.twitter.com/jeMuei3rbH

— Blake Nill (@CoachNill) January 27, 2017

Garrett Cape will be joining the Thunderbirds from the Okanagan Sun. Prior to his CJFL days, he played with the Kelly Road Roadrunners (BC Secondary Schools Athletic Association). He is 5’11, 175lbs and is originally from Prince George, BC.