Friendliness of StFX coaches, players draws four to team

The X-Men bring in three Nova Scotia and one out-of-province commits to their Class of 2017.

Zac Pinnington, an offensive tackle from Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School, will be staying in the east coast as he continues his football journey with the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

Tyler McKay, a receiver from Lockview High School, Matthew Mendes, a defensive lineman from Citadel High School and Tyler Ball, a defensive back from Cobequid Educational Centre, also committed to the X-Men.

Zac Pinnington

Zac Pinnington (#63). Courtesy of Zac Pinnington.

When Zac Pinnington went on his visit, he realized that StFX would be a great fit for him. “The football program and the student life are what appealed to me the most,” the potential business student said. “The campus is really nice and so are the people.”

The 6’4, 265lbs Saint Malachy Saint (New Brunswick High School Football League) was given a warm welcome by the X-Men as well. “The coaches and guys on the team are all really friendly,” he said. “The coaches are very charismatic and dedicated to the growth of the program.”

Originally from Saint John, New Brunswick, he will have the chance to continue developing in the Maritimes. “I’m looking forward to learning from and working with the coaches over the next four years,” Pinnington said.

Tyler McKay
Tyler McKay calls Waverly, Nova Scotia, a suburban community near Halifax, his home. Standing at 5’11, 175lbs, he played with the Lockview Dragons (Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Football League) as a wide receiver, free safety and slotback. In 2015, he was a NSSAAFFL division 1 all-star. The year prior, he was a division 2 all-star.

Matthew Mendes
Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 6’4, 260lbs Matthew Mendes played with the Citadel Phoenix (NSSAFFL) in high school. This past season, he played on Team Nova Scotia at the Football Canada Cup. The dual defensive lineman and defensive end was awarded for his play with a Canada Cup all-star honours.

Tyler Ball
Tyler Ball will be heading to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, from the small community of Truro, Nova Scotia, which is on Highway 104. His high school days were spent with the CEC Cougars (NSSAFFL). He also suited up for the bantam Truro Freight Liners, the Truro Tide and the Truro Vultures. He stands at 5’11, 170lbs.

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