StFX hospitality attracts two to the team

StFX bring in provincial commit and an out-of-province commit to their Class of 2018.

It didn’t take long for linebacker Josh Felix from Lockview High School and offensive lineman Matthew Cronin from St. Andrew’s College to feel right at home with the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men.

Josh Felix

A member of Team Nova Scotia in 2017, Josh Felix had the chance to become acquainted with Jonathon Svec, the X-Men’s defensive coordinator. “I got to experience what it would be like to play for him, which I really enjoyed,” Felix said. “The coaching staff was a big reason as to why I chose the university.”

The 6’0, 200lbs athlete from Fallriver, Nova Scotia, was also greeted with great hospitality when he visited StFX. “The main reason why I chose the school would be the environment and welcoming feel of the campus and the people on it,” Felix said.

Felix, who plans on studying human kinetics, played with the Lockview Dragons (Nova Scotia Athletic Federation Football League) in high school. The second-year team captain was a NSSAF all-star this year. He was also named as the Dragons’ defensive MVP. He was the defensive player of the game in the Kinsman Cup as well.

Matthew Cronin

When Matthew Cronin visited StFX, he also felt welcomed while on campus. “I got a strong sense of community and family not just within the football team, but the school as a whole and that was a major factor for me, as well as the small size of the school and campus,” Cronin said.

Cronin, who is originally from London, Ontario, never felt pressured by the X-Men coaches to choose their program. “Form what I’ve seen so far, the entirety of the coaching staff has been very welcoming and friendly throughout the whole process and really put my best interests first by encouraging me to explore my options and choose what school is best for me,” he said. “Overall, a great group.”

Before playing with the Saint Andrew’s College Saints (Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association), he spent two years with the AB Lucas Secondary School Vikings (Thames Valley Regional Athletics). He also spent a year with the London Central Secondary School Golden Ghosts (TVRA) and the Lucas Hammers (London Minor Football Association).

In 2013, Cronin won a city championship with the Golden Ghosts. Two years later, he was a TVRA champion with the AB Lucas Vikings.

Standing at 5’11, 215lbs, the offensive guard will be lining up as a defensive end for the X-Men. He is interested in taking political science with the goal of attending law school.

“I am very thankful for my parents who have been here throughout my football career so far and have supported me through wins, losses, injuries and any obstacles that have come our way,” Cronin said. “As well, my coaches who have given me the opportunity and the resources to become the player I am today.”