UofT coaches ‘care about the players’

Toronto adds one local commit and one international commit to their 2019 class.

After signing with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Patrick Aylmer, a quarterback from Pingree School, and Aidan Dogterom, a linebacker from Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, are set to become a part of Canada’s largest universities.

Patrick Aylmer

A resident of the United States, Patrick Aylmer is about to experience one of Canada’s great cities. “I visited and I really liked all the players and coaches. Being in downtown Toronto was exciting and studying at Rotman at UofT was perfect because I know I want to study business,” he said.

“I want to be a key player to help Toronto become a winning team,” Aylmer said. “The coaching staff is great. They care about the players and want to win.”

Aylmer, who is 6’2, 170 lbs, has been playing football for ten years. Calling Topsfield, Massachusetts, home, he played for the Pingree School Highlanders (EIL) and Masconomet High School Chieftains. In 2019 he was an EIL champion.

Aidan Dogterom

Aidan Dogterom is staying home. “I chose to commit to the University of Toronto because when I went to visit the school there was so much to love,” he said. “The facilities are state of the art, the academics are top-tier and the overall feel of the school was great. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly with a great sense of community.”

Dogterom, who will be taking humanities, briefly met with the Varsity Blues’ coaches on his visit. “I was very impressed,” he said. “The coaches are a good combination of approachable but hardworking and will not hesitate to tell players when they are doing something wrong. Off the field they are likeable and on the field they are tough and know how to get things done the right way.”

The product of Toronto, Ontario, played with the Lawrence Park Panthers (TDSSAA), the Toronto Jr. Argos (OFC) and the Toronto Jets (OMLFL). The 6’2, 180lbs outside linebacker was ‘defensive player of the year’ with the 2016 Panthers. The following year he was ‘defensive player of the year’ with the Jets. He was also the Jets overall ‘player of the year’ in 2015 and an OMLFL champion in 2016.

With a new season coming up quickly, Dogterom said, “I’m just excited to be playing and studying at U of T.”