Quality Hawks

British Columbia & Ontario standouts newest recruits to join OUA team’s 2014 class.

The newest Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks come from within the team’s own province as well as British Columbia.

Chase Malcolm, Rashari Henry, Jon Zarafonitis, Devon Pelley and Evan Geddis have all recently committed to Golden Hawks for the 2014 OUA season.

CHASE MALCOLM:

The 6’0, 180 pound pivot from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia will move out East to continue his football career.  Malcolm was impressed with the positive direction the team is going and looks forward to being instructed by the Golden Hawks coaching staff.

“I decided to choose Wilfrid Laurier because of how young and talented this team is,” explained Malcolm of his decision.  “I feel like this team is building to become a top contender for a Vanier Cup.”

“I have built a very good relationship with Coach (Michael) Faulds and Coach (Dwayne) Cameron and that’s a big reason why I chose Wilfrid Laurier. Being a quarterback like myself, there is no better way to learn from one of the best to ever play CIS (Faulds). I am excited to be a part of this amazing experience and I can’t wait to get to campus in August and put in the work!  I’m blessed for this opportunity and I am looking forward to calling myself a Golden Hawk! #WeAreHawks”

Malcolm suited up for St. Thomas More Knights of the British Columbia High School Football Association (BCHSFA).  After sustaining an early season injury in September, the quarterback had to sit out the 2013 BC ‘AAA’ season. In 2012 for his exceptional play on the field, Malcolm was named BC ‘AAA’ Grade 11 Player of the Year.

Golden Hawks Michael Faulds is thrilled to have landed Malcolm, a player that he was courting throughout the year.

“Chase is the one and only quarterback I was actively recruiting this year and we are extremely happy that he chose to further his education and play here at Wilfrid Laurier,” commented Faulds.  “Chase is a very athletic quarterback and technically polished.”

“I am excited to work with him on a daily basis and fine tune his skill-set.”

RASHARI HENRY:

For the 6’0, 245 pound defensive end from Ottawa, Ontario, his final decision came down to the Golden Hawks, Mount Allison Mounties and University of Toronto Varsity Blues. While he enjoyed official visits to all schools, in the end, the Golden Hawks possessed the complete package of what he was looking for in a future CIS gridiron and academic home.

Henry issued the following statement regarding his commitment to the Golden Hawks:

“I chose Wilfrid Laurier mainly because of the size and atmosphere of the school.”

My other top choices were Mount Allison and University of Toronto. I really enjoyed my visit at Mount Allison because of the small town atmosphere and the tight knit relationship between the players and the coaches.”

“University of Toronto was also great because I also enjoyed the big city feel and the multiple things going on in the city all the time and the amazing academics.”

“Because I enjoyed both schools, I wanted a school that incorporated a bit of both. Wilfrid Laurier is that school. It’s just the right size which allows for smaller classes and great school spirit but it’s also a decent sized city and close to bigger cities like Toronto.”

“Academic wise, I will be studying business. Wilfrid Laurier boasts the biggest business co-op program in Canada which is great considering that the work experience received will place me ahead of the other students without a co-op option when starting my career and will also help pay my school fees.”

“Football wise, although their season was not the greatest last year, I could tell that not only the coaches but also the players were motivated to be the best next year after watching them practice.”

“I saw a lot of potential from the team and I know it will be reached this 2014 season. Laurier has sent multiple players to the CFL, many of which are coaches at CIS schools at the moment.”

“I want to be a part of a successful tradition and contribute and leave a mark on a team bound for success.”

Henry comes to the Golden Hawks after suiting up for the Orleans Bengals of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA).  This past season, he registered 12 sacks.  Not only has he been a defensive end for two seasons, he also played at the running back position for four years.

“Rashari might have the quickest get-off on the defensive side of the ball in this year’s recruiting class,” added Faulds.  “He is being added to a position with veterans:   Ese Mrabure Ajufo and Kwaku Boateng.

“He might give us the fastest pass rushers in the CIS.”

JON ZARAFONITIS:

The 6’4, 245 pound defensive end from Niagara Falls, Ontario felt the Golden Hawks were a perfect fit for him.

“I chose to commit to Wilfrid Laurier because I want to play a large role in something great and thought Wilfrid Laurier would be the best fit for me because they’re a lot better than their record,” said Zarafonitis.  “They have a lot of young talent on the roster and in this year’s recruiting class, a family atmosphere and the Defensive Line Coach (Anthony Cannon) has NFL experience.”

Among the teams Zarafonitis has suited up for include the Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), Niagara Spears of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and St. Paul Patriots of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association (NRHSAA).

As for the Golden Hawks, the team is looking forward to all the intangibles the Niagara Falls defensive end will bring this upcoming season.

“Jon is one of the hardest working student athletes we have recruited,” said Faulds.  “He is in great shape physically and works every day to be better at his craft.”

“We look for him to continue this work ethic here at Laurier and help us win on and off the field.”

DEVON PELLEY:

The 6’4, 276 pound defensive end from Cambridge, Ontario decided on the Waterloo, Ontario university for several reasons.

“I chose Laurier because it offers a great education, has a strong football program, close to home, and feels like the right place to be for me,” explained Pelley.

Pelley comes to the Golden Hawks after finishing his high school career with St. Benedict Saints of the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA).  Moreover, he has suited up for the Cambridge Lions of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

“Devon is a great player in high school at St Benedict and with the Cambridge Lions of the OVFL,” expressed Faulds.  “He has incredible size and strength for an incoming first year player.”

“We are excited to add a local football player of his caliber.”

EVAN GEDDIS:

The wide receiver joins the Golden Hawks after playing for the Guelph Green Gaels of Guelph District 10 in Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association (CWOSSA). Furthermore, he has suited up for the Guelph Bears of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

“Evan is a quality receiver from Guelph and an even better person,” commented Faulds.  “We are excited to watch him develop his skills here and help our football team on the offensive side of the ball.”

“Evan will come into training camp and compete at slot receiver.”

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