Local recruit signs with Gee-Gees (VIDEO)

Ottawa offensive lineman joins OUA team’s 2016 class.

Mark Bonifacio has found the perfect combination of both football and academics in his own backyard.

Recently, the 6’3, 315 pound offensive lineman (guard) signed with the Ottawa Gee-Gees.  Bonifacio will join the team for the 2016 OUA season.

“I’m very excited to be attending uOttawa this coming January,” explained Bonifacio of his decision.  “The reasons why I chose uOttawa are because of the highly competitive football program as well as a high quality education.”

“As far as what program I’m going into, I’m looking into criminology, political science, law or business.”

Among the teams the offensive lineman has suited up for include Glebe Gryphons of the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCAFA), Bel-Air Norsemen of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA), Ottawa Myers Riders of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

It was during his 2014 season with the Myers Riders that the Gee-Gees first approached Bonifacio with the prospect of playing for them at the CIS level.

“Coach Jamie Barresi actually talked to me about joining the Gee-Gees back in 2014 when I was playing my last year in Myers Riders,” recalled the offensive lineman.  “We talked for a while but I ended up going to Carleton in hopes of getting on the football team there.”

“I didn’t attend the tryouts because I went to the orientation classes.”

The opportunity to be instructed by Gee-Gees Offensive Line Coach Bill MacDermott is something that excites Bonifacio.

“I’m looking forward to learning from Coach Mac, the offensive line coach,” added Bonifacio.  “He has over 50 years of coaching experience and thinking about the amount of knowledge he has to offer is staggering to me, so I can’t wait.”

With his commitment to the Gee-Gees, the Ottawa offensive lineman is grateful to a couple of coaches who paved the way to make his dream to play in the CIS become a reality.

“I just want to thank Coach Daniel Massey for inviting me to both Myers Riders and the Gee-Gees,” expressed Bonifacio.  “I also want to thank Coach Carl Tolmie for coaching me and helping me greatly improve my skill set in the Offensive Line position.”

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