Toronto Varsity Blues commits hungry to win

Toronto adds two Ontario commits to their Class of 2018.

Defensive lineman Jackson Mayer from Saunders Secondary School and defensive back Cody Hale from Abby Park High School have history together, and it will be a reunion of the defense when they both play for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Jackson Mayer

Returning to Toronto will be a homecoming for Jackson Mayer. While he is currently living in London, Ontario, he is originally from Toronto. So, it must’ve been special to receive an offer from one of his hometown universities.

“I chose to commit to UofT because not only were they one of the first (teams) to start recruiting me, they also showed outstanding class and have some incredible facilities I’m excited to use,” Mayer said. “On top of that, their education is top-notch, and their kinesiology fits right in with that description.”

He added that, “The coaching staff I’ve met along my way have been supportive and are showing a lot of excitement for me, and I’m bouncing it right back.”

Mayer said that Bob Mullen has been an integral part of his communications with the team. “He, above all, was friendly and excited for everything we had planned,” Mayer added.

The 6’4, 235lbs defensive end spent two years with the Westminster Secondary School Wildcats (Thames Valley Regional Athletics) before joining the Saunders Secondary School Sabres (TVRA). He is a two-time lineman of the year, one with the Wildcats and the other with the Sabres. In 2015, he played with the Forest City Thunderbirds. Last year, he was a member of the London Jr. Mustangs (OPFL).

“I want to thank my first ever coach, Mr. Caslick, for introducing me to the sport and helping me develop,” Mayer said. “I want to (also) thank my parents and teammates for all the support.”

Cody Hale

Growing up in London, Ontario, Cody Hale was separated from the GTA for most of his life. That was until his family moved to Oakville, Ontario. Now, only a forty-minute train ride into the city, Hale finds himself on the outskirts of a metropolis.

“I knew I always wanted to go to university in Toronto. I love the city and the constant movement and hard work that is happening there,” Hale said. “(UofT has) amazing historical buildings and located downtown Toronto, one of the best cities in the world.”

On top of location, the university is known for its academics. “School comes first, and this school is one of the best in the country. Offering amazing academics and the opportunity to play football, I couldn’t turn it down,” Hale said. He is interested in sociology, criminology or book and media studies.

When Hale met with his future coaches, there was an instant connection. “Meeting the coaching staff was amazing. They accepted me as apart of their family as soon as I met them,” Hale said. “I can tell they are hungry to start winning and so am I.”

Before moving to Oakville, the 6’2, 175lbs safety and cornerback played with the Saunders Sabres. This season, he played one season with the Abbey Park High School Eagles (Halton Secondary School Athletic Association).

While the new season is a few months off, Hale said, “I’m excited to be apart of the future of UofT football.”

Congrats to former Sabre great Cody Hale who signs with @UofTBluesFB ! He will be reunited with Jackson Mayer. ?? pic.twitter.com/R5fkXWdXyN

— Saunders Football (@SaundersFBall) December 7, 2017