Speedy RB excited to bring talents to Laurier

Laurier brings in a GTA commit to their Class of 2017.

It would be an understatement to say that Sir Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks’ opened a lot of eyes with their come-from-behind win to take the 2016 Yates Cup. For their commit, Kevin Wong, a running back from St. Marcellinus Secondary School, it did a lot more than that.

“I think it is a great team. Their comeback in the Yates Cup finals showed what type of young men they have on their roster and the lessons they instill in their athletes,” he said. “Coming back from a large deficit in only a little of the third and all of the fourth quarter was just inspirational. So, I am excited to play for such a successful, spirited team.”

It was this moment that may have made Wong realize his place was with Laurier. But, it was the opportunities the school presented that made his decision more concrete. Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Wong said, “I liked that the campus was far enough from home that I could live on my own, but close enough that I could drive back whenever I’d like. As well, it is a smaller community with a great atmosphere for students, as well as athletes, to be a part of.”

Having played football for only four years with the St. Marcellinus Spirit (Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association), Wong’s career is relatively young compared to others. But, he will feel right at home with the Golden Hawk’s coaching staff.

“I know that the coaching staff at Laurier is fairly younger than others, and although many things come with experience, I am very confident that this staff is one of the best in U Sports football,” he said. “Just from my visit alone, they are upbeat, excited and determined to create the best football team in Canada, and there is no player that wouldn’t want to play for such an energetic, smart coaching staff.”

What really brought the 6’9, 190lbs former FPC player to Laurier was the academic appeal. While some soon-to-be university students, and even recent university grads, have no idea what they want to do as their career, keep Wong out of that category. He said that he would like to become a portfolio manager for a hedge fund company. To get there, he will be taking a five-year double degree program in Finance and Math. He elaborated that he will be taking math at Waterloo, which he said is considered the “MIT of Canada.”

Wong currently holds a 92% average with a smattering of extracurricular activities. He said he felt that he could have gone anywhere he would have liked, such as Ivey or UBC’s PMF program. While he considered both, after learning more about Laurier’s double degree program, he and his father decided it would be more advantageous to go into this program instead of the other prestigious ones. And why not follow your father’s advice, especially when he is also a portfolio manager at a large hedge fund company?

While his future has been mapped out, Wong has made the most of his high school days. He is a three-time MVP and offensive captain. This past season, his team captured a ROPSAA championship, but they came up short in the OFSAA finals. In a balance of academics and sports, he has won an academic football award for maintaining an 80% or more average while playing football. He has also been named to the school’s honour role and has had the highest mark in his school’s guitar, construction and hockey courses.

Beyond the gridiron and textbooks, Wong has captured some awards in track in field as well. In grade nine, he was a ROPSAA javelin winner. He has placed in the ROPSAA’s top three every year in the 100m sprint. Last season, the OFSAA sprinter placed ninth with his 4x100m team.

How does this all translate to the football field? Wong can cover 40 yards in 4.42 seconds. He can bench 295lbs and squat 395lbs. His vertical jump is 38” and in board jump, he can jump 10ft.