Varsity Blues cornerback transfers to crosstown rival with goal of making immediate impact

Another player has decided to transfer schools this offseason.

Cornerback Alain Lundi will leave the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and transfer over to the York Lions.

“I am transferring to York University because I want to enter a building program/team and make an immediate impact and strong contribution to the team’s success,” said Lundi.  “It feels like the perfect fit.”

”The story at York University reminds me of Howard University – ‘Road to redemption’, ‘chip on your shoulder’ type of team. A team that initially had to go through building blocks but today is one of the main competitors in their MEAC conference. Going from 1-10 in 2010 to 5-6 in 2011 and 7-4 in 2012. I like the vision. I already feel comfortable with the coaching staff. My instincts never let me down. I have a chip on my shoulder because my football clock is running. Time flies and you only get a shot once, if you’re not ready for your shot you’ll be filled with regrets.”

Lundi played high school football for the Louis Riel Rebelles.  After his high school career, he attended Bridgton Academy.  In 2010, Lundi was recruited by NCAA D-1 AA team, Howard Bison to play at the nickelback/cornerback positions.  He transferred to the Varsity Blues in 2012.  This summer, Lundi will suit up for the Toronto Raiders of the Northern Football Conference.  The gridiron star also plays on special teams.

“After dealing with a few credit complications with the NCAA fulfilment of percentage of Degree Requirements (Bylaws 14.4.3.2 and 14.4.3.2.2) at Howard University at the end of July 2012, I had to transfer to a CIS University in order to be a full-time student and remain eligible so I made an impulsive decision to attend a high reputable University in the heart of Toronto since I didn’t want to go back home, which is originally Ottawa,” added Lundi.

Ultimately, the 5’10, 180 pound player born and raised in Haiti, did not feel comfortable playing for the Varsity Blues.

“University of Toronto just wasn’t the perfect fit for me, although I did my best to be ready for camp and Game 1,” commented Lundi, who moved to Ottawa at the age of 13.  “I ended up missing training camp, the exhibition game and game one.”

“At that point, everything became a blur because I couldn’t get rhythm. I kept my head up, I played Game 2 against Windsor where we lost 62-7 but I recorded two pass breakups, two tackles with the small opportunities I was given since I had to work my way up the charts. Afterwards, I played against Windsor where I was on all the special teams and started getting more rhythm. I recorded two tackles and locked down some receivers. The stats are wrong at University of Toronto and that’s how I knew there was no structure there because one game I had 23, another game 21. I dressed for Guelph and that’s when I realized the truth. After seeing the chemistry between teams like Guelph and York, I told myself this isn’t the last stop.”

However, Lundi did learn a few things from his time at the University of Toronto, especially lessons learned.

“I’m a football PLAYER, I don’t just ‘play football’ and that it’s bigger then you, I kept telling myself,” said Lundi.  “Football got me where I am today and it’s the only thing that keeps me motivated through university, life, this system and keeping me away from the dark life on the streets.”

“I just felt like that vision was being ruined by University of Toronto which taught me a lot. Sure the name of University of Toronto would brand me, but a degree is a degree at the end of the day. As a Management major with a concentration on finance and marketing, opportunities will always be presented. University of Toronto taught me that things can’t always go according to plan. You always have to be ready to adjust and adapt. Step by step, I’m ready for change.”

Looking ahead, Lundi cannot wait for the opportunity to represent the Lions on and off the field. In the offseason, the Ontario gridiron star will work hard to improve on his skills.

“York University is in the heart of Toronto, full of opportunities, working full-time and training in different city with some future pro basketball athletes such as my friend Jean-Yves Kazadi, Jean-Leandre Beugre for my lateral speed, vertical leap,” added Lundi. “I look up to some of my friends like Djems Kouame playing for Toronto Argonauts, Christo Bilukidi (Oakland Raiders), Patrick Jean-Mary Hamilton Tiger who also went to Howard University.”

“I look up to these guys because they come from small cities (Ottawa, Montreal) and I will be training with them this summer when I get the chance.”