The coaching staff is looking forward to welcoming one of the largest and most talented classes in years. Here are a few of the players to watch for with the Warriors in the next few years.
Michael McLean is an outstanding defensive end prospect from Brother Andre in Markham. This 6'3" 252 lb player has garnered numerous school and league awards but is most valued for his commitment to training and prepping himself to become a dominant force in the OUA.
Matthew Kearney is a dual threat offensively. Besides being a gifted receiver, this Quinte High School star from Belleville is one of the best kickers in the province and should help the Warriors regain consistency in their place kicking game. At 6'1" and 185 lbs, Matt will be a much valued addition to the team.
Three local all stars lead a contingent of the best players from Waterloo County who have committed to wear the Black and Gold next year:
Travis Gellatly from Jacob Hespler is a 5'8" 175 lb running back will remind Warrior fans of a young Mike Bradley with his outstanding 4.4 speed and an incredible toughness.
Kris Flossbach of Eastwood Collegiate is an impressive tight end who brings great size (6'4", 235lb) and good speed to the Warriors. Kris is presently a key member of the COMFL Tri City Vipers as they charge up the standings, and is expected to help bring depth and development to a position where the Warriors have returning star Matt Reid to lead in his development.
Trevor Derreck, a 6'3", 230lb defensive end prospect from league champion Preston Collegiate is a very exciting player with enormous potential. Trevor is a versatile player with experience as a defensive end, a tight end, linebacker, and able to long snap effectively on special teams. Big things will be expected from him in the future.
One of the real coups of the recruiting year for the Warriors was gaining commitments from three of the top players from the Chatham-Kent area. All three attended Blenheim High School and were coached by football alumnus Kent Wilmore.
Linebackers Scott Sterling (6'2, 215lb) and JJ Svec (6'1, 210lb) will be cornerstones of future Warrior defences and will be expected to contribute right from the start. Safety Stephen Espie a big (6'1, 200lb) and hard hitting prospect will push a number of veteran players for playing time.
Two other players to keep an eye out for in the future is top notch QB Michael Sexsmith (6'1, 190lb) from Etobicoke Collegiate coached by former Warrior great Eddie Kim, and 2nd team Eastern Canada centre Salvatore Faieta from Loyola in Mississauga.
Training camp begins on August 21 and the Warriors kick off their 2003 campaign on Labour Monday at home against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at 2pm at University Stadium.
http://old.uwstudent.org/article.php?story=20030716144909786