The Redmen welcome two local commits to their Class of 2017.
Joshua Archibald, a defensive end from Upper Canada College and Jean Lewis Exume, a linebacker from John Abbott College found that the McGill Redmen fulfilled their needs as a student athlete.
Joshua Archibald
Joshua Archibald celebrates the victory with his teammates. Courtesy of Joshua Archibald.
McGill University had a lot going for Montréal-product Joshua Archibald. He said he chose the university because of its highly-regarded athletics and academics. “My grandmother also attended McGill and it means a lot to be able to extend family history,” he added. “Also, McGill is located in one of the best cities in the world. How could I turn down the city I was born in?”
Passing on a chance to play for a hometown team would be a difficult decision indeed. After two years playing with the Upper Canada College Blues (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association) in Toronto, Archibald was drawn back to his hometown, perhaps in part by the McGill coaches.
“One of the many strengths (that) McGill possesses is the coaching staff,” Archibald said. “During my official visit, they treated me with utter care and compassion, which I very much appreciated. They are all very easy going, cracking jokes left, right and centre. Every time we kept in contact, it was all smiles!”
Prior to his days at UCC, he spent a season with the Selwyn House School Gryphons (Greater Montréal Athletics). The 6’3, 210lbs athlete didn’t capture a championship with the Gryphons, but he found success with the UCC Blues. During his two years there, his team won the CISAA twice and four-straight championship victories in total.
“I come from a winning background and I’m looking forward to bringing that winning mentality into the locker room and the field,” Archibald said. “I’m (also) looking forward to working with Head Coach Hilaire and the rest of the crew!”
Jean Lewis Exume
Fellow Montréal resident, Jean Lewis Exume, also fell for the allure of the chance to play at home and for such a prestigious university. “I chose this school because I wanted to stay at home and I also wanted to continue playing football (and) at the same time, getting the best education that I could,” he said. “McGill is the school that can provide both of these things for me.”
Exume, who is interested in social work, has played football for seven years. Standing at 5’8, 215lbs, he has suited up for A-Ma-Baie, the North Shore Lions and Mustangs (North Shore Football League) and the John Abbott Islanders (RSEQ Division 2).
While with the Islanders, he was rookie of the year in his first season. In his second year, he was an all-star. Due to an age restriction, he couldn’t play a third season, so he took a year off to finish his correctional intervention program.
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