Wolfville, Nova Scotia the home of the Acadia University Axemen is not unlike the Ontario community of Parry Sound. Nestled on the shore of Wolfville Harbour a haven wandering out to the Cornwallis River, Wolfville is a picturesque community well worth the visit.
Parry Sound sits on the shore of the sound for which it is named minutes from Georgian Bay. Perhaps it is the quaint similarities that appealed to Matt Gledhill when he visited the Atlantic Canada university.
“It seems so homey here, Coach Jeff made me feel so welcome and now that I have gotten to know lots of people, I love it. I can’t wait to get back in the fall,” said the 19 year old receiver.
Prior to deciding where he would pursue his post- secondary education and football career, Gledhill had three Ontario schools on his list but decided to take a trip to the Maritimes and visit some other campuses.
“Coach was so positive about the other schools and never said anything negative about anyone, rather, he focused on the positive aspects of life and school in the Annapolis Valley. When he told me about the investments that the university was making in the football program, I was sold.”
Gledhill, who is entering his second year in Kinesiology at Acadia relishes the academic workload, he claims that it does not seem like hard work when it is a field you love. Gledhill is working very hard in the off season to make the Acadia dress list as a sophomore.
Head coach, Jeff Cummins claims “Matt is a great kid that works hard and wants to be a good football player. He has set some goals for himself that push his limits on and off the football field. is he returning for a second year, we hope to get Matt into a role where he is catching the ball in the Slot for us and running around on special teams.”
“He is a big body and moves very well, which can be a match up problem for defenses and special teams, the sky is the limit for Matt as he learns how to run routes and break down defenses but if he progresses at the same rate as this year he will be an all-star.”
Very high praise indeed from the former CFL’er who has been named AUS coach of the year four times and named U Sports Coach of the Year in 2011.
While Gledhill works to earn a more significant role in the offense, Acadia has made its mark on the small town boy who now lives in Ottawa.
“It’s a bit far away for my family and I know they want to come out and visit, they are worried because they know I love it in Wolfville. When I time comes, I will be happy and proud to graduate, but sad to leave Acadia.”
No doubt, Acadia will be sorry to say goodbye to Gledhill.
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