Western Mustangs snag 3 CFC100s

Western adds three out-of-province commits to their 2018 class.

Despite coming from different provinces, when CFC100/CFC60 François Rocheleau, a receiver from Collège André-Grasset, and Derek Best, a running back from Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School, visited the Western Mustangs, Ontario suddenly felt like home.

CFC100 linebacker Soren Hallschmid from Mt. Douglas Secondary School will also be joining the Mustangs.

CFC100/CFC60 François Rocheleau

When François Rocheleau was searching for schools, he was looking for something in particular. “Western was a perfect fit for me. I was looking for a good actuarial science program and when I read about Western’s, I realized that it was perfect for me because it included a lot of financial notions,” he said.

Not overlooking football, he added that, “The presentation of the football program was outstanding, and I felt like it was custom-made for me. Western simply felt like home.”

The coaches were an instrumental part of positively presenting the team to Rocheleau. He said that what really impressed him was how the coaches managed to reach him simply through talking about their program. “To me, those are passionate coaches who have the ability to bring out the best of every player. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play for them,” he said.

“Western’s coaching staff is obviously excellent,” he added. “With the success they have had, no one can deny that.”

For grades nine and ten, Rocheleau played with Les Cactus du Collège Notre-Dame (RSEQ). He spent three cégep seasons with Les Phénix du Collège André-Grasset (RSEQ Division 1). He is from Saint-Basile-le-Grand, which is on the shores if Montréal, Québec. He is a two-time RSEQ all-star. Rocheleau also won a bursary from the Montréal Alouettes for his academic achievements.

Fired up about @FRocheleau11 committing to @westernuFB #CommitToTheWM #CreateHistory18 #DareToBeGreat #WesternU #ldnont @AndreGrasset pic.twitter.com/sKjJ50mRY3

— Steve Snyder (@SteveSnyderWM) February 16, 2018

CFC100 Derek Best

Despite having to fly over three provinces to reach southern Ontario, Derek Best from Cloverdale, Surrey in British Columbia felt comfortable in his soon-to-be surroundings. “My visit to Western was great. It felt like home and I liked all the coaches and players,” he said.

“They seem to really take care of each other…their coaches all seem like great people and they are very professional,” he added. “All seem extremely knowledgeable and the playbook concepts are a great fit for my style…Western is, of course, the best team in the nation and the top rushing school every year.”

Best, who is interested in criminology, has been playing for 12 years. In high school, he played with the Lord Weedsmuir Panthers (BCSSFA). In grade 11, the 6’1, 205lbs athlete was the player of the year for the ‘AAA’ division. He was a provincial all-star in grade 12.

Narrowing down a choice to one school isn’t easy and Best appreciates all those who showed interest in him. He said, “Thank you to everyone who recruited me. This was a very hard decision.”

CFC100 Soren Hallschmid

Soren Hallschmid currently calls Victoria, BC, his home, but he will be exchanging sea-side living for the wooded city of London, Ontario. Standing at 6’3, 235lbs, he has played as a defensive end and middle linebacker for the Mt. Douglas Rams (BCSSFA).

West Coast ➡ East Coast … Congratulations to #CFC100 Soren Hallschmid on your recent commitment to @westernuFB! Hallschmid is a #FPC Alumni and was named to the #CFC50 B.C All-Star Team after a dominant season @MtDougFootball – Best of luck in the @OUAsport Soren! ?✊ pic.twitter.com/9D2hHnquOe

— CanadaFootballChat (@chatfootball) February 14, 2018