Manitoba adds one out-of-province commit and two local commits to their 2019 class.
In the upcoming seasons, offensive linemen Ethan Croome from the Langley Rams (CJFL), Matteo Vaccaro from St. Paul’s High School and Matt Stokman from Vincent Massey Collegiate will be shoring up the University of Manitoba Bisons’ offensive line.
Ethan Croome
When the summer hits, Ethan Croome will be packing up his bags and heading to the interior of Canada. “I committed to Manitoba because it has an amazing campus and training facilities,” Croome said. “The coaching staff is top-tier and I felt it was the best option for my future.”
Croome is interested in taking education while at university.
Croome is from Fort Langley, BC, where he attends Brookswood Secondary School. He has been playing football since the age of five, which is almost 12 years ago. He has played both Langley minor football and North Langley minor football. He is currently with the Langley Rams (CJFL). The 6’4, 320lbs guard was a 2017 BCFC championship and was ‘offensive lineman of the year’ in 2015 and 2016.
? SIGNING ALERT ?
Bison football has BIG news as 6’4 320 lbs OL @ethancroome has signed with the program.
”Ethan is a great student, terrific athlete, and even better person. We couldn’t be happier to have him join our program” said Coach Dobie.
Welcome Ethan!#gobisons pic.twitter.com/XdCWJwb6vq
— UM Bison Football (@MBBisons) February 5, 2019
Matteo Vaccaro
Matteo Vaccaro is a hometown boy and he’s going to keep it that way. “I chose to commit to the U of M because it’s in my hometown where I can play in front of my friends and family,” he said. “Also, I have past teammates on the team that I wanted the opportunity to play with.”
Courtesy of Matteo Vaccaro.
During his visit, Vaccaro said the coaches and players were genuine. “The players also went out of their way to make me feel welcome and a part of the team,” he added.
It was the coaches, however, that won Vaccaro over. He said they are “top of the line” and that “I was fortunate enough to work with three of the university coaches who knew all the strengths of the game.”
He is currently working with Butler, the team’s offensive line coach, with Recruit Ready. “The knowledge that he has of the position will improve my game a lot. The drills that he puts us through helps me improve each day,” he said. “He is also a very approachable and nice guy that is willing to help out with anything on and off the field.”
As for the head coach, Vaccaro said Dobie is “one of the most knowledgeable coaches and has been coaching the team for many years. He is an honest, genuine person and a coach who knows a lot about the strengths of the game.”
In terms of academics, Vaccaro has been accepted into the arts program. He would like to take law as he has aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
Vaccaro has been playing football for ten years. He has played for the Corydon Comets (MMFA) and the St. Paul’s Crusaders (WHSFL). The 5’11, 280lbs centre and guard won a 2016 and 2017 ANAVETS bowl. The following season he as the Crusaders’ ‘spirit award’ winner.
Matt Stokman
Matt Stokman will be staying home to attend university. A product of Winnipeg, Manitoba, he played with the Vincent Massey Trojans (WHSFL) as a guard in 2018. He is 6’4, 285lbs.
? Breaking News ?
Bison Football is excited to announce the signing of @MattStokman.
Matt played with the provincial champion @VMCTrojansFball of the @The_WHSFL.
The hulking OL stands at 6’4 and 285 lbs.
Welcome to the Herd Matt!#gobisons pic.twitter.com/yharXGk8Mr
— UM Bison Football (@MBBisons) February 16, 2019
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