Varsity Blues an ‘up-and-coming team,’ says commit

Toronto adds a GTA commit to their Class of 2018.

When it came to looking at schools, Garrison Pyle, a defensive lineman from Bishop Reading Catholic High School, realized that the University of Toronto could offer him everything he wanted and more.

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has become one of Canada’s most recognized universities. Pyle said he was drawn to the school because of its prestige. “School comes first, and Toronto is one of the best universities in the country. That speaks for itself,” he added.

Pyle, who is interested in kinesiology, said that the program is excellent and it “is tough to get into, but that ensures me how good of a program it is. Getting a degree from Toronto is big. It is valued in the eyes of employers and will help me down the road in my career.”

If Pyle needed any further convincing of the benefit of graduating from Toronto, he wouldn’t have to look very far. His aunt is a professor at the school and he has some family members who are Toronto alumni.

On the athletic front, the 6’1, 252lbs athlete sees a grand opportunity with the Varsity Blues. “Toronto has an up-and-coming team with lots of potential and talent. I hope to improve that potential with my abilities,” he said.

Recently, Toronto has upgraded their athletic facilities. With a new weight room and medical site close to the Goldring Athletic Centre, Pyle said it will offer great opportunities for improvement.

“From my visits, I learned that UofT believes all teams should support one another since they are all student athletes,” he added. “I think that is amazing since it will have a high school feeling, knowing more and more of the athletes.”

In his own sport, Pyle said that the coaches are spectacular. He has had the opportunity to play under a few of the staff while on various prospect teams. “They are great coaches who have tons of knowledge about the game, which will help me improve as a player. But, most importantly, they care not only about winning and the team, but also about each individual athlete on the team and about their personal success and education,” he said.

“They are dedicated to the players and want the very best out of us. They will push us to reach that. Overall, they are a great coaching staff,” he added.

In his seven-year career, Pyle has played for a variety of teams. Starting in grade five, he has played for the defunct Halton Cowboys, the North Halton Crimson Tide (OFA) and the Guelph Jr. Gryphons (OFA). He played all four years with the Bishop Reding Royals (Halton Secondary School Athletic Association).

He was also a member of Team Canada Florida Bound, Team Halton-Peel in the Ontario Prospect Challenge, Team Ontario at the ‘Battle of the Best’ tournament held at Carleton University and Team Ontario at the Spaulding Cup. He said he is most proud of his selection to the Team Ontario group that travelled to Arlington, Texas, to play Team USA at AT&T Stadium.

In 2014, he was junior defensive player of the year. In 2015, he won a championship with Team Canada Florida Bound and was the Royals’ junior lineman of the year. The following season, he was senior lineman of the year. While with the Halton Cowboys, he was defensive player of the year and lineman of the year. With the Crimson Tide, he was defensive player of the year. At the Spaulding Cup, he won bronze and was named to the First Team All-Star.

Along with football, Pyle has achieved a Junior Athletic Letter by also playing rugby, track and having a lead role in the Student Athletic Association. He was also a two-time recipient of the Meco Poliziani Award, which is awarded to a player who shows both physical and mental toughness.

While he has found much success in his career, Pyle knows he wouldn’t be where he is now without support. He would like to thank his coaches and teammates who have supported him during his career.

“You all have supported me so much and have helped tremendously with respect to me reaching this milestone,” he said. “I would also like to thank my family for constantly coming out to support me and film my games, along with pushing me towards being my very best. Thank you all.”

Originally from Milton, Ontario, Pyle said choosing Toronto will allow him to stay close to his family while at school. But, he probably won’t take long to adjust to life at the university. “Overall, Toronto felt like home. It was the natural choice,” he said. “I’m beyond happy to be apart of the family.”

I’m proud to say that I have officially signed with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. I’m so excited to continue my football journey in the city! Thank you to all of those who have helped me along the way! #bleedblue #6ixontherise

A post shared by Garrison Pyle (@pyle98) on Nov 15, 2017 at 12:57pm PST