Commits excited to help University of Toronto Varsity Blues succeed

Toronto adds four southern Ontario commits to their Class of 2018.

When defensive back Mitch Stadnyk from Collingwood Collegiate Institute and linebacker Iain Moffatt from Assumption Catholic Secondary School met with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, they soon realized that this was the program for them.

Offensive lineman Mitchell Blake from the Oshawa Hawkeyes (OVFL) and Josh Dinunzio from Orchard Park Secondary School will also be joining the Varsity Blues.

Mitch Stadnyk

Every recruit has their own reasons for committing to a school and for Mitch Stadnyk, it was the Varsity Blues coaching staff that sealed the deal. “Coach Cappiello really interested me with his captivating interest in wanting me to be a future Blue. Coach Surya showed me that when I get there, it’s a family that depends on each other to succeed. I really wanted to be apart of that,” Stadnyk said.

He added that Coach Bob Mullen described the defense to him and made him “want to be apart of its future success.”

The 6’2, 180lbs cornerback had nothing but praise for his future school. “I chose U of T because it has everything I could have wanted, a great education, great atmosphere and great people,” he said. “All of these are important for the next stage in my life.”

Stadnyk spent five years with the Huronia Stallions and four with the Collingwood CI Fighting Owls (Simcoe County Athletic Association). In 2015, he was the Fighting Owls’ MVP. He was also a member of Team Ontario Red and Black. While he made Team Ontario in April, he did not attend.

Originally from Collingwood, Ontario, Stadnyk has applied to architecture and criminology. He said, “I would like to thank the U of T coaching staff and players for taking me in as one of their own!”

Iain Moffatt

If you asked Iain Moffatt what he thought the Varsity Blues needed, his answer would be simple. “With a new head coach coming in, I truly feel like that’s the missing piece for UofT to be a top contender in the OUA,” he said. “Having played summer ball with a few boys who have also committed to Toronto, we all believe with this class, big things are to come.”

He added that, “Toronto seemed like the best place where I could come in and make an impact early on.”

Over the course of his recruitment, Moffatt said he has become very close with the staff. “The coaching staff was great. I can’t wait to work with them and have them mentor me for the next four years,” the potential communications and media studies student said.

Moffatt calls Burlington, Ontario, his home. Standing at 6’3, 205lbs, he played with the Assumption Crusaders (Halton Secondary School Athletic Association) and the Burlington Stampeders (OFC). In 2014 and 2017, he won a OFC championship with the Stamps.

“I’m very excited,” he said about his commitment. “There is a lot of potential (with this team).”

Mitchell Blake

Mitchell Blake lives on the outskirts of Toronto in Oshawa, Ontario. He played rep football with the Oshawa Hawkeyes (OVFL). He is 6’2, 275lbs.

Josh Dinunzio

Josh Dinunzio played for Orchard Park Patriots (Hamilton Wentworth District School Board) in high school. He is from Hamilton, Ontario, and is 6’2, 275lbs.