The Marauders welcome two Southern Ontario commits to their Class of 2017.
Connor Graham, an offensive lineman from Nelson High School and CFC100 Tommy Nield, a slotback from the Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute, were once OFC rivals but now will be adding a new chapter to their story after both signed with the McMaster Marauders.
Connor Graham
Update: Connor Graham has decommitted from McMaster and will be returning to Nelson for Grade 13.
Courtesy of Connor Graham.
The suburban community of Burlington, Ontario, is caught between the steel mills of Hamilton and the urban sprawl of the Greater Toronto Area. Instead of turning his attention towards Toronto, Burlington’s Connor Graham will be looking west to Hamilton for his post-secondary education.
“I chose to commit to Mac because it felt like home,” Graham said. “I’ve been playing at Mac with my rep team since I first started playing and I feel very comfortable with the coaching staff.”
The 6’2, 260lbs Hamilton Varsity Tiger-Cat (OFC) added that the coaching staff “is a great group of people and are great teachers of the game with lots of experience across the board.” He is excited to play for Coach Know, Coach Flaxman, Coach Moore and Coach Quinlan.
Courtesy of Connor Graham.
Graham, who is interested in sociology, spent four years playing with the Nelson Lords (Halton School Athletic Association). For the last two years, he has represented Team Ontario at the Canada Cup and at the Spaulding Cup. He is a 2014 JV OFC champion and Halton Champion. He is a two-time bronze medalist in 2015 and 2016. This past season, he was a OFC Varsity champion and all-star. With the Lords, he won a Halton championship and an OFSAA ring in 2016.
It has been quite the story so far for Graham and it’s only just beginning. “I want to thank my family, coaches and friends for helping with my journey,” he said.
Tommy Nield
Courtesy of Tommy Nield.
CFC100 Tommy Nield had a choice to make between the Guelph Gryphons, the university of his hometown, or the McMaster Marauders. Now, the Centennial Spartan (high school District 10) will be leaving his home to play for a OUA rival.
“It was the best fit for me academically and to play football. The tradition and atmosphere of the football program appealed to me most,” Nield said, who is intereted in commerce. “The coaching staff is amazing. They are very experienced and know how to win football games.”
Standing at 6’3, 185lbs, he has also suited up for the Guelph Junior Gryphons (OFC). In 2015, he won a city championship with the Spartans. In 2016, he played with Team Ontario in the Football Canada Cup, making it to the tournament’s all-star team. This year, he was the District 10 offensive player of the year.
Receiver @TommyNield10 from @CCVIFootball has committed to @McMasterSports football. Nield will officially sign w/ Mac on Sat. @Guelphbears pic.twitter.com/46RTbdgAab
— Darren Stevenson (@DarrenStevenson) February 8, 2017
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