Close-knit Axemen community draws in 3

Acadia brings in two out-of-province commits and one local commit to their Class of 2017.

The Acadia University Axemen continues to attract commits with its small-town charm and this time, it’s Pat Marsden, a defensive lineman from Trinity College, Anderson Recker, a defensive end from Sir John A. Macdonald High and Cole Estabrooks, a running back from Moncton High School, who will be flocking to the school.

Pat Marsden

The big-city boy will be heading to small-time Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Pat Marsden, who calls Toronto his home, has been called to the east coast with the promise of playing football in a close community. “I like the school because everyone is so friendly and the new athletic centre is amazing,” he said. “Coach Fraser really made me feel welcome on my visit and the whole coaching staff is filled with intelligent, nice guys.”

Marsden, who will be studying community development, has played the sport for 13 years. The 5’10, 255lbs nose tackle spent ten years with the Scarborough Thunder and three with the Trinity College Bears (Confederation of Independent Schools Athletic Association). While with the Thunder, he has been a two-time OVFL all-star and best offensive lineman three times over. With Trinity College, he has been named best lineman twice.

Anderson Recker

Already from the east coast, Halifax resident Anderson Recker had a number of reasons as to why he chose Acadia. “It’s a small school that will provide a great education,” the future business student said. “It has a small-town feel from being in the town of Wolfville. I felt welcomed and fit (in) when meeting with the current players on the team.”

He added that, “I feel that I can have a good university career with the resources and coaching Acadia football has too offer me.”

Standing at 6’1, 220lbs, Recker has spent time playing with Team Nova Scotia. During the 2015 U18 tournament in Montreal, he was coached by Coach Pete Fraser, the defensive line coach, and Coach Shad, the defensive coordinator.

“This was great because I could experience Coach Fraser as the d-line coach without already committing to the team. He coached me very well and I found I was a type of player that could benefit greatly from the coaching and knowledge Coach Fraser has,” Recker said.

In high school, he suited up with the Sir John A. Macdonald Flames (Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation). He also has played with the Timberlea Renegades. In 2015, he was an NSSAF first team all-star on both the offensive and defensive line. In 2016, he was an NSSAF first team defensive line all-star, lineman of the year and defensive MVP.

Cole Eastabrooks

A big thank you to the coaches friends and family that have been there for me throughout this process, after only a 3 year journey I’m going to be able to play football at the next level for Acadia University ?️

A photo posted by Cole Estabrooks (@colemason1) on Jan 31, 2017 at 9:44am PST

Cole Eastabrooks will be staying a little closer to home. The resident of Moncton, New Brunswick, has played as a running back and a strong safety. He is 6’0, 190lbs and spent his career with the Moncton Purple Knights (New Brunswick High School Football League). He has also suited up for Team New Brunswick.