Varsity Blue trek

Ontario defensive standouts join OUA team’s 2014 class.

Two Ontario recruits will play in the CIS next season in their home province.

Mac VanDuzer and Keith Purchase have both committed to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and will join the team for the 2014 OUA season.

MAC VANDUZER:

The 6’2, 225 pound linebacker/defensive end from Oakville, Ontario has suited up for his high school team T.A Blakelock Tigers of the Halton Secondary Schools Athletic Association (HSSAA) as well as both the Burlington Stampeders and Oakville Titans of the Ontario Football Conference.  This past season  VanDuzer registered 17 sacks.

The defensive standout issued the following his commitment to the Varsity Blues:

“As someone who plans to pursue music as a career, University of Toronto was the obvious choice.”

“Because of its location, it opens up many opportunities and exposure to music all around the city. I believe that that experience will really help in my development as a music student, as well as a person. Also, a quantity of members of the faculty of music at University of Toronto play with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and so getting the chance to work with these incredible musicians seemed ideal. Musically, this place felt like a perfect fit.”

“On the football side, I was a little worried about making the change from high school to university. I was unsure about how I would cope with going from being a strong player in my local, regional league, to competing at a higher level. However, any concerns were quickly taken care of when I met with the coaching staff.”

“Ken Mazurek- Special Teams Coach and Academic Advisor, Gregory Knox-Defensive Coordinator, Tom Flaxman- Offensive Coordinator, and Greg Gary- Head Coach, were the coaches I got to meet on the first day. They were so welcoming that they very quickly made me feel comfortable and at home. They were very supportive about what I hoped to do in my coming years at university.”

“But most importantly, what made my decision the easiest thing in the world, was when I expressed some worry about playing football as well as keeping up my school work. I was in awe at how strongly they prioritized the academic success of their student athletes at the school.”

“It was clear that the coaches were not only looking to make the students into great football players, but make them greater people for when they graduate.”

“I am so excited about this opportunity to be a member of a constantly improving football program, and I can’t wait to start my journey as a Varsity Blue.”

KEITH PURCHASE:

For the 5’10, 180 pound linebacker/defensive back from Ottawa, Ontario making the move to the big metropolitan city from the nation’s capital is an easy choice.

“The University of Toronto will provide me with an excellent education,” said Purchase.  “Toronto is a very nice city.”

“It is an up and coming team with excellent coaches.  I feel very comfortable on campus.”

Purchase has played for the Orleans Bengals of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).  During his time with the team, he was selected as a NCAFA All-Star. He attended high school at Louis Riel in Ottawa.

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