Committed to the rebuild, Waterloo brings in 5

The Warriors Class of 2017 continues to grow.

There is a similar theme among the Waterloo Warrior’s most recent commits, Michael Perak, a defensive lineman from Resurrection Catholic High School, Jacob Beukeboom, a receiver from Catholic Central High School and CFCFPC Tristan Ferenczy, a linebacker from Aldershot High School, all want to help the team in its mission to rebuild.

Darren Kocken, a defensive lineman from Abbey Park High School and David McNair, an offensive lineman from Colonel By Secondary School, will also be joining the Warriors in 2017.

Michael Perak

Michael Perak has had a long-time love affair with Waterloo. “The school has appealed to me for years,” he said. “The team itself is a family and they are a great group of hardworking guys who want the same thing as I do, to win.”

Such a team mentality is often maintained by the players, but instilled by the coach. Perak would probably agree. “Head Coach Bertoia is a great coach and is doing the right things to turn the program around,” he said.

When talking specifics, the 6’4, 275lbs defensive tackle is looking forward to working with Coach Darrel Adams. “Coach DA has great experience and knowledge in my position, which will help me in my development,” Perak added.

The five-year veteran has been accepted into the honours Arts program with a major in History at Waterloo’s affiliate college, St. Jerome’s University. He said that the school’s prestigious academic reputation played into his decision.

The product of Kitchener, Ontario, has played for the Twin City Predators, the Greater Halton Region all-stars in the All Canadian Gridiron game and the Resurrection Phoenix (Waterloo Cambridge Secondary School Athletic Association District 8). In 2015, he was a District 8, Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association and OFSAA champion. In 2015, he was the ACG MVP. In the latest season, he was also a District 8 2nd team all-star.

Perak is not confined to football, however. He was also on the basketball team and the track and field team while making honour roll in all his years in high school.

Jacob Beukeboom

For Jacob Beukeboom, a product of London, Ontario, Waterloo appealed to him because of the coaches and the academic opportunities the school has to offer. “I really liked the coaching staff,” the potential rec and leisure student said. “They’re very nice. They really made me feel at home. They seem like a great group that is really looking to turn Waterloo into a winning organization.”

Standing at 6’1, 195lbs, Beukeboom primarily played as a quarterback in high school with the Catholic Central Crusaders (Thames Valley Region Athletics). But, when he joins the Warriors, he will be brought in as a receiver. He spent five years with the Crusaders and one with the London Jr. Mustangs (OVFL). In 2015, he was an OFSAA champion. This past season, he was a city finalist and the Crusaders’ offensive MVP.

Tristan Ferenczy

FPC Tristan Ferenczy falls pretty much in line with his fellow recruits. He was drawn to Waterloo because of its academics and the chance to be part of the start of a rebuilding team. This quest to become a top team, however, starts with the coaches.

“They’re very sincere about the sport. They seem to care about the school and the players a lot, as well as the rebuilding of the team to become a top competitor,” he said. “The coaches are very competitive.”

Having played the sport since 2008, the 5’10, 220lbs linebacker and tailback has played with the Burlington Stampeders, the Aldershot Lions (Halton Secondary School Athletic Association), the Ontario Prospect Challenge and the GHR all-star bowl. He is originally from Burlington, Ontario.

Ferenczy, who is interested in economics, business or legal studies, is looking to either go into the army or become a police officer after university. He is a four-time MVP in rugby and football. He is a two-time Halton wrestling champ and in 2010, he was in the OFSAA Top 10. He has also been named as junior athlete of the year.

Darren Kocken
The 6’4, 220lbs Darren Kocken spent his high school career with the Abbey Park Eagles (HSSAA). In 2016, the Oakville product helped his team win a Tier 3 championship against Milton at Ron Joyce field. He was the Eagles’ player of the game.

David McNair
David McNair, who is 6’5, 315lbs, will be heading to southern Ontario from his home in Ottawa, Ontario. He played with the Colonel By Cougars (National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association) and the Orleans Bengals (National Capital Amateur Football Association). He has suited up as a tackle and a guard.