MTA now home to Holland Hurricane tackle

MTA brings in an out-of-province commit to their team.

Sometimes, getting to the U Sports level isn’t as easy as a “point-A-to-point-B” trip. With victory laps, the CJFL and college, the journey to university ball can be a little more convoluted. But, that doesn’t mean a whole lot, does it? Just as Griffin Quigley, a left tackle from Holland College and new Mount Allison Mountie commit.

“One thing I’d like to share to young football players is there is always another pathway to get where you want to go,” Griffin Quigley said. “You don’t always have to go into university right away. You can take opportunities athletically and academically, like playing football at Holland College.”

Having spend a year with the Holland College Hurricanes (Atlantic Football League) and a year with the Grand River Predators (CJFL), Quigley knows there is always hope. “(Holland College) was a huge help. It got me bigger, faster and stronger and made and impacted me in the class room to prepare me for university,” he said.

One of his former coaches with the Hurricanes said that, “He is a great kid, a hard worker who loves working with kids. He flew in a kid from Ontario for a weekend to be part of the Holland college team. I do believe he will be not only a success on the field, but also off the field.”

Ross Young, the Holland College Hurricanes’ head coach, said that, “Griffin will serve the Mount Allison Mounties well. He will be a good fit and addition to coach Brady’s O line, very coachable and for a big man, can get down field quick on specials. He is smart, knows the game and sees opportunities during the game that his QB can seize upon. Given his age, he will help the Mounties for a few years.”

Quigley, who had dabbled in sports and leisure management in college, is interested in pursuing Psychology at Mount Allison. “Academically, the 16-1 ratio for class sizes are a major key. I love getting to know my teachers and building relationships with them. I also love the structure of the program from lifts, to study hall and tutoring sessions,” he said.

Young said that while at Holland College, Quigley maintained a high academic average. “He brings work ethic and tremendous positive attitude to the class room and the football field. Griffin is very community minded and gives back generously of his time, especially to the youth,” he added.

Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, the 6’3, 276lbs tackle and long snapper was drawn back to the east coast because of the small-town feel of Sackville, New Brunswick. “The university community revolves around the football team. Everyone is welcoming and I love it. I’m going to take all the opportunities I can to become a better person on the field and in the classroom,” Quigley said.

On the football side of things, Quigley is ready to show the coaches what he can do. “The coaching staff is great. Coach Brandy and Coach Richards believes I can be an impact on the offensive line,” he said. “I love the offensive systems they have and it fits me well as a player. Special teams wise, I can also be an impact snapping the ball.”

Quigley, who has been hitting the gridiron since he was seven, has played with the Twin City Predators (OVFL), the Cambridge Lions (OVFL) and has suited up in the All-American Bowl. He has been a member of several all-star teams in the Golden Horseshoe Region Bowl. While with the Twin City Predators, he won an Eric Usjak Memorial scholarship. He is a two-time OVFL champion and a two-time Offense-Defense All-American. In his fifth year of high school, he gained a track and field career award.

“Hurricanes Football will miss him, but we are extremely proud of him and know he will represent us well in the Garnet and Gold of the Mount A Mounties,” Young said. “Holland College Hurricanes Football is extremely proud and happy for Griffin. We have tremendous respect for him as a student and player.”

Very excited to officially welcome OL @quigley46 from @HollandCanes and @Ontariofootball to the #MountiePRIDE family!! #PRIDE17 #HardWorkU pic.twitter.com/fUCbFGCcSP

— Scott Brady (@CoachBradyMTA) January 19, 2017