Waterloo coaches major part of commit’s decision

Waterloo adds a southern Ontario commit to their 2019 class.

When Liam Tomes, an offensive lineman from Holy Names Catholic High School, chose the University of Waterloo Warriors, it was the coaches that fully won him over.

“I feel with the coaching staff and talent that is already there, I will be able to further develop as an athlete,” Tomes said about his commitment. “Waterloo seems to be on the uprising of something amazing and I want to be able to make an impact there.”

Tomes added that Head Coach Bertoia and the current offensive lineman coaches also made an impact. “They are technicians and know what they are talking about…Coach Bertoia, Coach DA, anyone that’s a coach at Waterloo is amazing,” he said. “I’m not just saying this because I’m committed there, but I genuinely feel that they have the football IQ to have amazing success.

Something that I’d say was really amazing is how friendly the coaches are. You can tell they have a passion and determination to win. That’s something I look for…The amount of work that the Waterloo coaching staff puts in is phenomenal.”

Specifically, the product of Windsor, Ontario, believes Bertoia is one of the best coaches he has seen: “I like the way he runs things and seems to work.” He also said that Tommy Kanichis, the assistant offensive line coach, is “great when it comes to developing young linemen who are determined to play at the next level.”

In terms of academics, Tomes, who is interested in legal studies with a specialization in criminology, believes that “Waterloo has great academics and they are trying to also make athletics a part of that too.”

Standing at 6’1, 315lbs, the offensive guard has been playing for five years. In that time, he has played for the Essex Ravens (OPFL), the Jean Vanier Knights (HSSAA) and the Holy Names Knights (WECSSAA). While with Jean Vanier, Tomes won a city championship in 2015. He also won two OFSAA Bowls with Holy Names, the Western Bowl in 2017 and the Northern Bowl in 2018.