Western Mustangs a hotbed for local talent, adds 3

Western continues to attract local commits to their Class of 2018.

There is nothing quite like committing to a university team. The experience can be made even sweeter if you commit with some familiar faces, like how offensive lineman Zack Fry, defensive back Max Nixon and athlete Curtis Minifie from Regina Mundi Catholic College all committed to the Western Mustangs.

Zack Fry

Zack Fry knows a thing or two about the Mustangs. A product of London, Ontario, he said, “I grew up watching the Mustangs. The school has a family feel to it and it is very inviting. And, of course, Western is a great school for academics.”

Fry, who is interested in kinesiology, criminology or law, has played with the London Jr. Mustangs (Ontario Provincial Football League). “I know players and coaches from previous seasons,” he said. “Head Coach Marshall has a resume that no other coach has, leading his team to championships and coaching and playing in the CFL.”

The 6’6, 275lbs offensive tackle didn’t overlook the team’s offensive line coach, Jean-Paul Circelli, either. “He has a mind for the game. There is no one else I would want to play for (in) my university career,” Fry said. “(He is) one of the main reasons (why) I committed to this school!”

Fry has represented his province as a member of Team Ontario and his country as part of Team Canada. In high school, he played with the Regina Mundi College Titans (Thames Valley Regional Athletics). In grade 10 and 11, he was named lineman of the year. Last season, he was an OVFL all-star and a Football Canada Cup all-star.

With his decision made, Fry said, “I’d like to thank my family and fiends for always supporting me in everything I do!”

Max Nixon

A fellow Titans teammate, Max Nixon has had a taste of Western football during his 2017 season with the Jr. Mustangs. He said, “The coaching staff is amazing and very supportive. I feel they can show me how I can get better as an athlete and as a person.”

Interested in social sciences, Nixon was also drawn to his hometown school because of its academics and athletics. “Western has a great history…and a very good football program,” the six-year veteran said.

Nixon was named the Titans MVP in the 2015-2016 season. Last year, he was named as the offensive MVP. This past summer, he was part of the bronze-winning Team Ontario at the 2017 Football Canada Cup. He also went undefeated with the Jr. Mustangs, capping off the season with an OPFL championship. He stands at 6’1, 195lbs and is from Dorchester, Ontario, which is east of London.

Curtis Minifie

Also from London, Ontario, Curtis Minifie is about to make his dream a reality. “I chose to commit to Western because it has always been a dream of mine to be a Western Mustang,” he said. “It also has a great education system and football program.”

Minifie, who is interested in kinesiology, added that, “The coaching staff is very welcoming and friendly.”

The 6’1, 170lbs eight-year veteran currently plays as a wide receiver. Starting in the LMFA, he played four years with the Redstorm before playing for the RMC Titans. This past summer, he suited up for the Forest City Thunderbirds (OFC).