SMU welcomes two BC commits to their team.
For these west coast boys, Diego Pineda, a defensive end from the Vancouver Island Raiders, and Wyatt Gilson, a linebacker from Carson Graham Secondary School, will be making the cross-country trek to join the Saint Mary’s University Huskies.
Diego Pineda
Courtesy of Diego Pineda.
Diego Pineda has been removed from his former high school team, the GW Graham Grizzlies (BC Secondary Schools Football Association) for two years now. In the meantime, he has suited up for the Chilliwack Giants (Valley Community Football League) and the Vancouver Island Raiders (CJFL). He will now be pursuing his career with the Huskies.
Pineda said he chose to commit to SMU because of the school’s excellent Criminology program and the rich history of the school. He added that, “Head Coach Colzie is very serious about turning things around this season and I’m very excited. I’m very excited to be coaches by Coach Goff and work on my development into being the best student athlete I can be.”
Pineda, who will also be taking Psychology, is a 6’4, 270lbs defensive end and defensive tackle. He won back-to-back defensive lineman of the year awards in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, he was a top defensive prospect. The following year, he was a Star Bowl defensive MVP.
“I would like to thank some coaches, Coach Whitehead, Laurie Smith, Adam Smith and Jake Mouritzen,” Pineda said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for all of you.”
Wyatt Gilson
Courtesy of Wyatt Gilson.
Prior to joining the Carson Graham Eagles (BCSSFA) in North Vancouver, Wyatt Gilson spent 13 years in Squamish, BC. “For the past three seasons, I’ve played for my boys at Carson Graham Secondary and that’s where I first tested the waters with football,” he said.
While he will be leaving his Eagles brotherhood behind, SMU offered Gilson a familiar feeling. “St. Mary’s had a lot of what I was looking for, tight knit community within and a great football program run by Head Coach Colzie,” he said. “The coaches I’ve met so far are great and I’m definitely stoked to be under the teachings of Coach Colzie.”
The 6’1, 190lbs inside linebacker will be taking Engineering at SMU. In 2015, he won an AA provincial championship with his Eagles team. “Playing in BC Place was an experience in itself and everything that came along with winning was awesome,” he said.
Although soon a country may separate them, Gilson will never forget the people who have impacted his life so far. He said, “My inspirations to get up in the morning are Tyler Wong and Trap Corner. Just how those boys live everyday, you already know we will like it’s our last.”
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