Eight recruits sign with Acadia (VIDEO)

The Acadia Axemen have announced the addition of eight recruits to their football program.

Ontario, Alberta, the United States and the Bahmas are represented in this latest wave of recruits.  All eight recruit will join the team for the 2016 AUS season.

“We are very excited about this group of young men who have committed to Acadia University,” commented Axemen Head Coach Jeff Cummins.  “These players represent Axemen football across the country, which is reflected in the many provinces and countries they originate from.”

“Their decision to play in Wolfville helps finish off a very good recruiting class and I am truly inspired by what these great young men have already accomplished and what they want to go after here at Acadia. My coaches and staff are here to help each player become who they want to be and push them to go after each of their dreams. We would like to welcome each of these student/athletes to the family and I “Can’t Wait” to start training camp this August. #RiseandGrind.”

 

LANDYN VICK:

The 5’10, 195 pound receiver from Edmonton, Alberta feels that the Axemen are future contenders and appealed to the energized enviroment surrounding the team as well as the campus.

“I can see that Acadia University is going to be a very competitive CIS team in the years to come,” elaborated Vick.  “The new locker room and gym will be one of the best to train at in the country.”

“The whole town really puts their heart and soul into the football team, which feels great as a football player.”

Most recently, the offensive standout completed a five year stint with the Edmonton Wildcats of the Prairie Football Conference (PFC) in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). Previous to the Wildcats, Vick suited up for the Harry Ainlay Titans of the Metro Edmonton High School Football League (MEHSFL).

JESSE DEERING:

For the 6’4, 180 pound receiver from Sexsmith, Alberta, the Axemen provided him the perfect environment to thrive at the CIS level.

“I chose Acadia because I’ve always wanted to pursue a playing career at the CIS levels and they gave me the opportunity to do that, at a competitive level,” explained Deering.  “The biggest selling point for me besides the football, is the small town atmosphere.”

“I grew up in a small town in Northern Alberta, so the bright lights of the city just aren’t for me.”

Among the teams Deering has played for during his career include Valley Huskers of the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), Henry Wise Wood Warriors of the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association (CSHSAA) and Sexsmith Sabres of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA).

In 2015, the offensive standout racked up 390 yards on 25 receptions and a touchdown in six games with the Huskers.

HUNTER LAWRENCE-CARR:

The 6’2, 190 pound receiver from Fort McMurray, Alberta said that the family atmosphere is what drew him to the Axemen as it was demonstrated during his official visit to the Wolfville, Nova Scotia campus.

“I also find it will be very beneficial in regards my education; they seem to have a very good system set up in regards to school work,” added Lawrence-Carr.  “Coach [Jeff] Cummins and [Peter] Fraser really made the recruiting process easy and I felt welcome from the beginning of it.”

“As soon as I sat down in the coaches office, I felt like it was a good fit and the rest of the visit just locked it in.”

Lawrence-Carr arrives to the Axemen after completing his career with Father Patrick Mercredi Trappers of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA).

ARRIEN MCDONALD:

For the 5’9, 195 pound defensive back from Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, there was only one school he hoped to suit up for at the next level and is thrilled to have accomplish this signficant feat.

“Committing to Acadia and becoming an Axemen is a dream come true,” reflected McDonald.  “While at Holland, Acadia along with other universities came down to PEI (Prince Edward Island) to view potential prospects along with having a few clinics to help out the Team.”

“The way Coach Jeff [Cummins] and his coaching staff conducted themselves and the energy they came with made my decision a lot easier! They not only were encouraging and motivating but even off the field they made you feel comfortable. The way they interacted made me feel as if we knew each other for years; as if we were more than just coaches and a player, it felt more like family. I can strongly say that I felt like I was BORN to be an Axemen!”

This past season, McDonald helped the Holland College Hurricanes of the Atlantic Football League (AFL) to the Moosehead Cup (league championship).

I am looking forward to the upcoming season in excelling as an Axemen academically and athletically. This year the Axemen will be heard,” expressed the defensive standout.

JOSHUA PALMER:

The 5’11, 220 pound linebacker/defensive end from Boston, Massachusetts was part of the Holland College Hurricanes squad that won the 2015 Moosehead Cup – the Atlantic Football League (AFL) Championship.

Previous to the Hurricanes, Palmer competed with Boston high school team, Everett Clemson Tide.

Following his commitment to the Axemen, the defensive standout issued the following statement regarding his decision:

“I will continue my education at Acadia University in the fall.”

“My choice to attend Acadia University was because of their amazing education program as well as their strong football team. Not to mention the supportive instructors.”

“My visit to university went well and it also helped seal my decision. Another big reason for my decision was how welcoming Coach Pete Fraser was. He is a very down to earth type of coach and how honest he is as well.”

“Acadia will be a great fit due to how well the football program is coordinated. Acadia’s football program is ran well on both sides of the ball and I feel they will be doing something special incorporating me on the defensive side of the ball.”

“A big part in why my decision to attend Acadia was because of the talented players. I have had the chance to play football and won championships with players that also attended and played at Holland College. These guys will help me adjust to Acadia’s style of play faster which will support my transition not only on the field but off the field as well.”

“Going to Acadia will be a life changing experience. Choosing Acadia was the best choice for me because a see their football program going places and I want to contribute to. the teams future success. The Acadia football program is recruiting me to play outside linebacker, and with my skills and experience on the field I will execute my best performance.”

“Thank you Acadia football program for inviting me in your family and for giving me that chance.”

JACOB FENCHAK:

After his official visit to the Wolfville, Nova Scotia campus, the 6’1, 180 pound receiver from Newmarket, Ontario knew that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the AUS team.

“I chose Acadia because after my visit I was able to fall in love with the campus and the atmosphere in Wolfville,” explained Fenchak, who will be enrolled in the Enviornmental and Sustainable Studies program this fall.   “I also feel that Acadia is the best fit for me too succeed in the classroom and on the gridiron.”

“Coach [Jeff] Cummins and the rest of the staff were very welcoming.  After meeting them I instantly felt a part of the Axemen family.”

During his 2015 campaign with the St. Maximillian Kolbe Mustangs of the York Region Athletic Association (YRAA), Fenchak had 308 yards on 21 catches (average of 14.7 yards per catch) and three touchdowns.  For his play on the field, he was selected as a YRAA All-Star.

In addition to the Mustangs, Fenchak has also played with the York Simcoe Bucs of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

“Acadia is building something very special and I am glad I’m going to be a part of it,” expressed Fenchak.

TYLER DEKKERS:

Among the teams the 5’10, 205 pound linebacker from Barrie, Ontario has suited up for previously in his career include Huronia Stallions of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) and Holland College Hurricanes of the Atlantic Football League (AFL).

MAX BURKE:

The 6’1 180 pound receiver from Ottawa, Ontario has played for both the St. Francis Xavier Coyotes of the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) and Orleans Dukes of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).

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