Huskies’ family ties

Ontario & Nova Scotia standouts newest recruits to join AUS team’s 2014 class.

The newest members of the Saint Mary’s Huskies hail from Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Bryce MacDonald, Kanaar Bell, Dryden Ferjo, Simon Bell and Scott Baigent have all committed to the AUS team for the 2014 season.

“We are very happy to welcome these young men to the SMU family,” commented Huskies Head Coach Perry Marchese.

BRYCE MACDONALD:

There were several reasons why the 5’9, 150 pound receiver from Oshawa, Ontario has decided to make the move out east to join the Huskies.

“Firstly, it was a good fit academically for me,” explained MacDonald of his decision.  “Another factor was the great recruiting trip that I went on.”

“It really sealed the deal for me. All the positive feedback I received from alumni really impressed me. I also have family members and friends who attended St. Mary’s and all spoke highly of the school. Lastly, my high school coach Brad Chalmers, who works as the team’s strength coach and is a former St. Mary’s player, has become a role model for me and is a big reason for my success on the field. Because of these ties, we ran a similar offence to St. Mary’s, which will help me understand the play book.”

MacDonald recently completed his high school career with Paul Dwyer Saints of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA). For the past two seasons, he has been a nominee for league MVP.

KANAAR BELL:

For the 5’9, 190 pound defensive back, the opportunity to achieve all his gridiron and academic goals existed with the Halifax, Nova Scotia campus.

“I knew Saint Mary’s was the school for me because when I visited the school, I felt like it was an environment in which I could flourish both academically and athletically over the next four years,” expressed Bell.  “I could really see the brotherhood that is established down there and I am a firm believer that a tightly knit team like the Saint Mary’s Huskies is a team that wins games and I am very fortunate to become a part of that.”

“Everything at Saint Mary’s University is like a family. You feel that the teachers, academic advisors and head of other various help programs really want to make your university experience the best it can be and help you succeed however they can. It’s a great school, with a great football program in a wonderful city. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

While he was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Bell moved to Oshawa, Ontario in 2008.  He began his gridiron journey upon arrival in Oshawa.  While he played several different positions, he excelled as a defensive back with Paul Dwyer Saints of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA).  Additionally, the defensive back suited up for the Oshawa Hawkeyes of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

With his commitment, Bell will be reunited with former Saints teammate Bryce MacDonald at Saint Mary’s.

DRYDEN FERJO:

Huskies Head Coach Perry Marchese left a favourable impression on the 6’3, 270 pound offensive lineman from Whitby, Ontario.

The interaction played a key role in Ferjo’s decision to commit to the AUS team.

“The reason I committed with Saint Mary’s is because I thought it would be a great fit for me, on and off the field,” said Ferjo. “The impression I got from Coach Perry (Marchese) about St. Mary’s was incredible.”

“After the conversation I had with him at my house, I knew this was the school I want to attend for the next four years.  I think it will be a great experience and hope to help the team any way I can.”

Ferjo comes to the Huskies after finishing his high school career with Donald A. Wilson Gators of the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (LOSSAA).  For each of the past four seasons, he has been Gators Lineman of the Year.

SIMON BELL:

Ultimately, reputation sold the 6’4, 225 pound defensive end/linebacker from Hamilton, Ontario on the Huskies.

“I committed to Saint Mary’s because of the great things I’ve heard about the school and the football program,” commented Bell.  “Growing up, I went to Cathedral High School, who has a good connection with Saint Mary’s and some people I know who were out there had nothing but positive things to say.”

Among the teams the defensive standout has previously suited up for include Steel City Steelers, Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) and his high school team, Cathedral Gaels of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA).

SCOTT BAIGENT:

Academics and football played a role in the 5’11, 195 pound running back/fullback’s decision to play in front of the hometown crowd.  Not only will Baigent be realizing a childhood dream, but he will also be following in a family member’s footsteps when he joins the Huskies.

“I selected SMU because they have a great football program and I wanted to stay close to home,” explained Baigent of his decision.  “I am also interested in their criminology program, which is the best in the Maritimes.”

“I grew up watching them and have always wanted to play there. My father also played at SMU so that was a bit of a factor as well.”

Baigent guided the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) to two consecutive Provincial Tier 1 Championships (2011, 2012 – Phoenix’ historical five peat).  The offensive standout has been recognized by the league as a Nova Division All-Star two consecutive times (2012, 2013).

Other teams he has suited up for include Halifax Chargers, Halifax Raiders, Halifax Seahawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League and Halifax Argos of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League (NSISL).

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