Bishop’s adds diversity of experience in recent haul of commits

Bishop’s adds three out-of-province commits and one international commit to their team.

Offensive lineman Terrek Bryant from Ballenas High School and defensive back Ibel Ahidazan from Cégep de Thetford will be bringing their unique experiences with them when they join the Bishop’s Gaiters, but the pair are united in their love for the school and goals of improvement.

Athletes Josh Hare from St. Mary Catholic High School and Ben McDonald from South Kamloops Secondary will also be joining the Gaiters this fall.

Terrek Bryant

Courtesy of Terrek Bryant.

Terrek Bryant needs no introduction to university life. After four years attending Vancouver Island University, he will be transferring into the sports health program with a major in athletic development at Bishop’s.

“On top of the beautiful campus and the sports studies program the school offers, the winning culture that Head Coach Chérif Nicholas has demonstrated this offseason via six AM workouts, night running sessions and all the new recruits has me extremely excited about the environment and will hopefully help me elevate my game,” Bryant said.

Originally from Parksville, BC, the 6’6, 295lbs left tackle has played for 13 years. In high school, he suited up with the Ballenas Whalers (BC Secondary Schools Football Association). He currently plays with the Vancouver Island Raiders (CJFL).

When Bryant joins the Gaiters, he will already know one face on the coaching staff. His former head coach, Jerome Erdman, has recently signed with the team. He has experience coaching in the CFL, the U Sports league, the CJFL and the European League.

“That convinces me that the coaching staff could be nothing but top notch,” Bryant said. “A couple of players have said great things about the o-line coach, Kyle Handy, as well.”

Despite his long career, Bryant has yet to put a championship title to his resume. “(It) adds extra fuel to the fire,” he said.

The landscape of Québec will be different that the pacific coast flare he is used to. “I’m just excited to move and experience the new French culture and help the Bishop’s Gaiters in any way possible, whether it be specials or start on the offensive line,” Bryant said.

“Thank you to coaches Nicholas and Edman for the opportunity to continue my career!”

Ibel Ahidazan

Courtesy of Ibel Ahidazan.

Ibel Ahidazan understands a different type of French culture. He was born in Lyon, France, where he started playing football seven years ago. While there, he played with Les Falcons de Bron-Villeurbanne. Last year, he moved to Québec to play with Les Filons du Cégep de Thetford (RSEQ Division 2).

“I chose BU because I love the atmosphere there. I know that during next few years I will be in the best conditions to achieve my goals on a personal level,” Ahidazan said. “Also, the coaches showed me a great interest and I really believe in the project of the team. I know coach Chérif Nicolas and coach Marc Loranger are great coaches and I look forward to work with them.”

While the potential business administration student doesn’t know Erdman, he added that, “I know he has a lot of experience and I have heard only good things about him too.”

The 5’11, 170lbs cornerback won a Division 2 National Championship in France last year.

Josh Hare
Josh Hare is 6’3, 190lbs and is from Brockville, Ontario. In high school, he played with the St. Mary Crusaders (Leeds and Grenville Secondary Schools Athletic Association) as a quarterback and receiver.

Ben McDonald
Ben McDonald is 6’2, 205lbs from Kamloops, BC. The athlete and receiver played with the South Kamloops Titans (BCSSFA) in high school.

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