Queen’s ‘state of the art’ facilities attract 3

Gaels add three GTA commits to their 2018 class.

Defensive end Cal Duncan, linebacker Noah Tauskela and defensive back Salman Causer from Lorne Park Secondary School have battled on the defense together for quite some time, and now they will be taking their talents to the Queen’s Gaels.

Cal Duncan

Out of all the schools Cal Duncan has seen, Queen’s was the one that caught his eye the most. “The campus was the nicest one I’ve ever seen, the facilities were state-of-the-art, the people and players I was introduced to were extremely nice and inviting,” he said.

“I can tell the coaches are extremely committed,” the product of Lorne Park, Ontario, added. “They’re there to help you succeed not just in a football career. They’re dedicated and trustworthy guys.”

Duncan’s career spans over eight years. While with the Lorne Park Spartans (Region of Peel Secondary School Athletics Association), he has won a defensive MVP award and was the 2016 athlete of the year. Last season, he was lineman of the year and he helped the Spartans win a ROPSSAA and OFSAA championship.

Duncan, who is 6’5, 230lbs, is interested in economics and environmental science.

Congratulations to Lorne Park DE Cal Duncan for signing with @Queens_Football today! pic.twitter.com/BlIzin3cQZ

— Lorne Park Football (@LP_Football) February 14, 2018

Noah Tauskela

When Noah Tauskela of Mississauga, Ontario, was searching for schools, academics was on the top of his priorities list. “Queen’s has an outstanding academic reputation along with what I believe is the best student environment in Canada, which is very important to me,” he said.

“I intend on pursuing Queen’s film and media program as I love the artform and have been involved in the industry since middle school,” he added.

Recently, the Gaels hired former Carleton Ravens’ coach, Ryan Bechmanis. Tauskela said he is very excited to start a new beginning with Bechmanis, the team’s new defensive coordinator. “The coaches are all totally genuine and straightforward,” he added.

Tauskela, who also spent his high school career with the Spartans, won a ‘True Spartan’ award in 2014. He was a captain on the team in 2016 and 2017, and he was also apart of the ROPSSAA and OFSAA championship squad. While with the Mississauga Warriors (OVFL), he was the team’s 2015 defensive MVP.

The 6’1, 185 Sam linebacker played as both a linebacker and free safety with the Warriors and Spartans depending on which team they were facing. In 2015, he recorded the most tackles while with the Warriors.

“I’d like to give a special thanks to my Lorne Park defensive coaches, Scott Price, Jon Erixon and Kyle Ardill,” Tauskela said. “Without each of them dedicating their valuable time to making me a better player, I would not be half of what I am today.”

Congratulations to LB Noah Tauskela for signing with @Queens_Football today! pic.twitter.com/Sw90mlqag8

— Lorne Park Football (@LP_Football) February 14, 2018

Salman Causer

Fellow Lorne Park Spartan, Salman Causer, will also be heading to Queen’s. Standing at 5’11, 160bs, he is a 2017 ROPSSAA and OFSAA champion. He calls Mississauga, Ontario, home.

Congratulations to Lorne Park DB Salman Causer for signing with @Queens_Football today! pic.twitter.com/HeYAl1l4mM

— Lorne Park Football (@LP_Football) February 14, 2018