UBC Thunderbirds draw local talent, add CFC100

UBC adds a CFC100 and two other local commits to their Class of 2018.

Although it may be the only U Sports team in BC, for CFC100 defensive lineman Gavin Murray from Seaquam Secondary and wide receiver Julien Perri from Windsor Secondary School, there is no better feeling that playing for your provincial team.

Joel Pielak from St. Thomas More Collegiate will also be joining the Thunderbirds.

CFC100 Gavin Murray

For Gavin Murray, playing for the Thunderbirds is a matter of provincial pride. “UBC has a phenomenal history and it’s my province’s team,” the product of Delta, BC, said. “They have an excellent coaching staff that I believe will help me reach my full athletic potential and help me grow as a person. They have been nothing but welcoming and they posses a desire to really help their athletes as much off the field as on the field.”

On the academic front, the future arts student said that, “UBC also has some of the best academic programs in the world, so I’ll be getting a top-level education while playing for an elite program.”

In his career, Murray has played both North Surrey and North Delta community football. He also participated in All-Star Youth Sports NFL flag football. In high school, the 6’3, 235lbs defensive end anchored the Seaquam Seahawks (BCSSFA) defensive line. He is a 2016 ‘AA’ provincial champion and all-star. This past season, he was a provincial all-star. He has been the Seahawks’ top lineman from 2014-2017. He was also a member of Team BC at the 2017 Football Canada Cup.

Julien Perri

For Julien Perri, there were two important aspects he was looking for in a school. “I picked UBC because of the way they go about their stuff. They focus on winning and education and those are the two categories I care about,” he said.

“I feel like UBC has to have one of the best coaching staffs in all of BC, starting with Head Coach Blake Nill,” he added.

Perri spent four years with the Windsor Secondary Dukes (BC Secondary Schools Football Association) in his hometown of North Vancouver, BC. He won two provincial ‘AA’ championships in 2015 and 2017. He is also a two-time provincial and conference all-star in 2016 and 2017. He has played with Team BC twice, attended the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge in Ottawa last year and has participated in Game Ready 7v7 football.

Standing at 6’0, 170lbs, he has also played basketball. Until he decides on a program, he will be looking into the arts program.

Joel Pielak

Joel Pielak comes from Burnaby, BC. He played with the St. Thomas More Knights (BCSSFA).

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