Waterloo bulks up on defensive, adds 3 commits

The Warriors bring in two high schoolers and one CJFLer to the team.

Jacob Alfano, a linebacker from St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School, Shawn DeGaust, a defensive back from AN Myer Secondary School and Anthony Federico, a defensive lineman from St. Michael Catholic High School, have had different paths to reach the Waterloo Warriors, but their narratives shares a similar theme of feeling like they belonged at Waterloo.

Jacob Alfano

Jacob Alfano felt like he was wanted from the start of his recruitment with the Warriors. “I had a great experience with all the coaches and players I met throughout the recruitment process,” he said. “I really like the coaching staff at Waterloo. They have made me feel welcome since my very first visit.”

While the future is unknown, in the here and now we can make plans to help shape the forthcoming. Alfano said the coaches have a very clear vision of the team’s future.

When scanning schools, Alfano learned that Waterloo had what he wanted. He said he chose the university because it is a great school and it had the Global Business and Digital Arts program to which he applied.

The 6’0, 205lbs product of Cayuga, Ontario, which is south of Hamilton, played with the St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves (Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association) and the Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL). He said that he is looking forward to being apart of the Warriors program.

Shawn DeGaust

Much like Alfano, Waterloo’s academic appeal also spoke to Shawn DeGaust. He said he chose Waterloo because it’s a highly-ranked school and it offers a co-op program in the Geography and Environmental studies program.

“I’ve always been interested in geography,” he said. “In today’s society, the environmental aspect is very important. Having a co-op will give me the opportunity to get hands-on experience in my field of study.”

On top of academics, DeGaust said the campus life looks like it will be a good fit for him. The product of Niagara Falls, Ontario, added that the school is only an hour and a half away, which will be nice.

The 5’11, 160lbs AN Myer Marauder (Southern Ontario Secondary School Athletics East) also had football on his mind when looking at Waterloo. “I am very excited to be joining an up-and-coming winning football team,” he said. “The coaches are a dedicated bunch of guys eager to build a winning roster.”

In his nine-year career, he was a Niagara Falls Minor Football league champion in 2012. While with the junior Marauders, he was a 2013 Metro Bowl champion. When he made the varsity team, he won three straight OFSAA championships.

Anthony Federico

Fellow Niagara Falls resident, Anthony Federico, was at risk of not making the grade to attend Waterloo. But, the team held firm in their desire for him. “I decided to go because for the last three years, they are one of the only schools that really showed they wanted me. Last year, I committed to Waterloo and unfortunately, my grades were an issue,” he said.

“But, Waterloo stuck with me and wanted me to go play a year of CJFL football and for me to go to college and get the marks I needed to get in,” the Hamilton Hurricane added. “Waterloo was always a school that I was very interested in going to and it was an amazing feeling getting the call from Coach Adams saying they wanted me back.”

The future sports business student was already impressed with the coaches before they showed him their commitment to him. “Waterloo has the best coaches out there and (they are) the main reason why I picked Waterloo” Federico said. “Coach Adams, Coach Bertoia, those two know the skills that will take my game to the next level and the guys I couldn’t be happier to play for.”

Prior to his CJFL days, the 6’4, 255lbs athlete played with the St. Michael Mustangs (SOSSAA) and the Niagara Spears (OVFL). In 2014 and 2015, he was lineman of the year with the Mustangs. He also captured an AA championship. The following year, he won a OFC CJFL championship.