uOttawa now home for La Salle Black Knights RB

Gee-Gees bring in talented commit.

When you’re as athletic as Sam Mace, a running back from La Salle Secondary School, choosing a sport to pursue can be a difficult task. But, this versatile athletic decided his future lay with football after committing to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Mace has had a relatively short football career that only spans over three years. The multi-sport athlete didn’t hit the gridiron until grade 11 when he switched schools and joined the La Salle Black Knights (Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association). Originally from England, he spent his pre-football years playing rugby.

“Picking between which one of the two sports I wanted to play at the university level was a very hard decision,” Mace said. In the end, it was football that won his heart and his future. The Gee-Gees family atmosphere also helped the 5’11, 215lbs athlete make his decision.

“After speaking to most of the coaching staff and to former and current players one thing always stuck out and that was how close they were and how much they really care about the program. That to me is huge,” he said.

“I really felt comfortable around everyone I met and every thing about the program felt natural and genuine,” he added.

Along with their dedication to win on the field, Mace said that the coaches also want to see players thrive in the classroom. “Whenever I spoke to any of the coaching staff I really took note of how much they cared about academic success. This showed me that they really care about their players which goes back to the family atmosphere which I can’t wait to be a part of,” he said.

Mace, who is interested in Human Kinetics, was also impressed with the football facilities. “The strength and conditioning facilities are top notch and the fact the field can be used in the winter with the ‘bubble’ was very appealing,” he said. “And the cafeteria being open 24/7 is obviously a huge bonus.”

In his football career, Mace has won two KASSAA city championships, one Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletics championship and, most recently, the National Capital Bowl. In this year’s KASSAA city finals, he named as an MVP. While he flies around the field, he can also, quite literally, take to the skies. He added that he has his pilot’s licence.

Outside of football, Mace has competed in Judo at the national level in both Canada and England. He has made it to the Ontario Federation School Athletic Associations finals twice in discus as part of the track and field event. He has also won OFSAA silver in rugby.

“I would like to bring all the aspects of the other sports I have played to make me the best football player possible as a Gee-Gee,” he said.

The Gee-Gees coaches have already taken note of Mace’s athletic background. Nathan Taylor, the Gee-Gees’ special teams and recruiting coordinator, said, “We think Sam can come in and be a big, bruising back for us. He is a hard-nosed, no-nonsense player, which he probably gets from his rugby background.”

Taylor added, “We also think his physical nature will help him to excel on special teams early in his career.”

Mace will be bringing not only his athleticism, but his attitude and drive to Ottawa. He said that, “I am extremely competitive and dedicated and will do everything I can to be the best addition the Gee-Gee football program possible.”

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