Guelph felt like a ‘Division 1 NCAA’ school for LB Kalenga

Guelph adds an out-of-province commit to their Class of 2018.

Uriel Kalenga, a linebacker from Champlain College Lennoxville, has dreams of going pro, and he has full confidence that the University of Guelph Gryphons can open doors for him.

“Guelph prepares a lot of athletes to get to the professional level,” Kalenga said. “The facilities are incredible. I felt like (it was) a Division 1 NCAA university, but in Canada. I was really impressed. Guelph made me feel like I was home!”

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Kalenga also found comfort in the school’s proximity to where he was born and raised. While he now lives in Gatineau, Québec, he has been playing with the Champlain College Lennoxville Cougars (RSEQ Division 1) in Sherbrooke, Québec, for the past few years.

With facilities and location aside, Kalenga’s primary concern was finding a school with a program he found interesting. “When I visited Guelph, we sat down and took a whole talking about school and they had what I was looking for,” he said. He added that he wants to take leadership in organization management with a minor in sports management.

Kalenga wasn’t solely looking at academics on his visit. He noticed something that stuck out to him about the Gryphons. “I really enjoy watching how the coaches at Guelph are like brothers. Family is important to me and they send that vibes to the players,” he said. “I think that’s how you gain the trust of the coaches. It makes a better and stronger team.”

Standing at 5’11, 195lbs, the SAM linebacker has been playing football for ten years. While with the Cougars, he has won a Bol D’or off an undefeated season. Kalenga said that he wants to get one last one with the Cougars this coming season. Before playing with the Cougars, he played high school ball at Académie les Estacades.

Before entering his final cégep season, and then taking his first steps into U Sports, Kalenga has some people he has the utmost gratitude towards. “I want to thank my family, they have always supported my decision, and my best friends, my brothers, Gabriel, Medard, Victor and Abdu. They always encourage me tor each my ultimate goal, to be a pro,” he said.

“I am excited for what’s coming next.”