November 6, 2013
OUA ANNOUNCES 2013 FOOTBALL ALL-STARS
HAMILTON, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce the 2013 football all-star team. The undefeated Western Mustangs lead the way with 10 first team all-stars.
Western set a new OUA record for points this year, and it’s no surprise that six members of the high-powered Mustangs offence find themselves on the OUA first team. Quarterback Will Finch (Burlington, Ont.) set a new OUA record for both single season completion percentage (69.7%) and single season passing yards (3047) and is an OUA first team all-star for the first time in his young career. Finch tossed 21 touchdowns and ran for five more.
Western O-linemen Matt Van Praet (London, Ont.) and Kadeem Adams (Halifax, N.S.) join Finch on the OUA first team, at centre and tackle, respectively. Inside receiver Brian Marshall (London, Ont.) makes his first appearance on the OUA top team after being named a second team all-star in 2012. The fourth-year had 34 catches for 753 yards and nine scores. He is joined by second-year wide receiver George Johnson. Johnson, a dual-sport athlete at Western, was Finch’s favourite target this season. In eight games played, he snagged 60 receptions and scored five touchdowns. Johnson’s 982 receiving yards led the league.
Fifth-year Lirim Hajrullahu rewrote the OUA and CIS record books in his final season. The St. Catharines, Ont., native scored 130 points to set a new CIS all-time scoring record with 422 career points. Hajrullahu made 22 of 26 field goals attempted to tie the OUA single season field goal record. He also led the league with an average 40.8 yards per punt. Hajrullahu joins his teammates and is both kicker and punter on the OUA first team.
Two members of the Queen’s Gaels intimidating O-Line are OUA first team all-stars. Fifth-year guard Derek Morris (Napanee, Ont.) was a starter on the Vanier Cup team and is a first team all-star for the second consecutive season. He is joined by offensive tackle Josh Prinsen (Napanee, Ont.).
The rest of the first team offence is comprised of athletes from six different universities. Guelph Gryphon guard Cam Thorn (Midhurst, Ont.) was drafted by the B.C. Lions in the seventh round in 2012 and is a first team all-star for the first time in his career.
York’s Errol Books (Toronto) finished third in the OUA in rushing yards with 701 and ran for four scores. The second-year back splits time with Ottawa veteran Brendan Gillanders on the OUA first team. Gillanders’ 1061 all purpose offensive yards was tops among CIS running backs. He scored five touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 rushing) and was a vital component to the Gee-Gees turnaround 2013 season.
Windsor’s Evan Pszczonak (Amherstburg, Ont.) and Toronto’s Paul de Pass (Ajax, Ont.) round out the OUA first team offence. A fourth-year inside receiver, Pszczonak picked up the slack left from the absence of graduated senior Jordan Brescacin, and grabbed 42 receptions to average 92.3 yards per game. Blues team captain de Pass left his name in the storied U of T record books in his senior year. He finished 2013 with 970 yards on 53 catches, good for second and third in OUA, respectively. He ends his OUA career as Toronto’s all-time receiving yards leader.
Third-year Blues returner Kevin Bradfield is an OUA first team all-star. The Toronto, native returned 18 kickoffs for 412 yards, in addition to averaging 12.4 yards per punt return. He is joined on special teams by Andrew Graham (Union, Ont.) of the Guelph Gryphons. The rookie rush/cover had 19 special teams tackles as well as 2.5 sacks and one interception.
It is no secret that the Gaels are known for their defence and therefore no surprise that five members of it are first team all-stars. Fourth-year defensive end Derek Wiggan (Toronto) had 23.5 tackles and makes his mark on the first team for the second consecutive season. Linebacker Sam Sabourin continued the tradition and earned his third all-star recognition. The Stittsville, Ont., native had 34.5 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions in his fourth-year. Cornerback duo Andrew Lue (Markham, Ont.) and Yann Dika-Balotoken (Toronto) and defensive half TJ Chase-Dunawa (Toronto) represent the Gaels pass defence. Lue, a regular on the OUA first team since 2011, had 23 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups. In his third-year of eligibility, Dika-Balotoken scored two touchdowns on interception returns to lead the CIS in the category. Chase-Dunawa had one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and one pass breakup to earn the second first team honour in his career.
Often overshadowed by their offensive counterparts, members of the Western Mustangs defensive unit are no slouches and four of its members are first team all-stars. Defensive tackle Daryl Waud (Hamilton, Ont.) returns to the first team after recording 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks and joins defensive end Dylan Ainsworth (Delta, B.C.) on the first team. Linebackers Pawel Kruba (Windsor, Ont.) and Beau Landry (Kitchener, Ont.) wreaked havoc on opposing offences. They combined for 65 tackles.
Marauder ball hawks Steven Ventresca (Hamilton, Ont.) and Michael Daly (Kitchener, Ont.) represent McMaster on the defensive first team. Ventresca finished fourth in league interceptions with four and added 26.5 tackles to replicate his previous year’s performance. Daly recorded 26.5 tackles and two interceptions at free safety.
Gee-Gee defensive tackle Ettore Lattanzio rounds out the OUA first team defence .The Ottawa native led the OUA and tied for the CIS lead with 10 quarterback sacks.
In addition to six offensive first team all-stars, the Mustangs add two more on the second team. Fourth-year guard Joe Circelli (London, Ont.) and first-year tackle Eddie Meredith (Toronto) complete Western’s talented offensive line.
Ottawa quarterback Aaron Colbon passed for 2490 yards averaging 311.1 yards per game to finish second in OUA. He tossed 20 touchdowns en route to the first all-star recognition of his impressive career in garnet and grey. He is joined on the OUA second team by fifth-year centre Shavin Fernando (Ottawa) and fourth-year guard Taylor Servais (Ottawa).
Gaels running back Ryan Granberg (Sherwood, Alta.) finished fourth in OUA rushing with 621 yards and ran in five touchdowns to earn a place on the second team roster. He is joined by fourth-year wide receiver Giovanni Aprile (Scarborough, Ont.), who led Queen’s with 466 receiving yards.
Offensive tackle Jakob Piotrowski (Shanty Bay, Ont.) returned from injury in 2013 to represent the Gryphons on the OUA second team. He is joined by sophomore returner A’dre Fraser. The Halifax, N.S., native led the team in kick return yards with a total of 205 yards and a long of 49, averaging 25.63 yards per carry. He also had 472 yards on punt returns.
Wide receiver Nick Anapolsky (Guelph, Ont.) represents Waterloo on the second team list. The fourth-year athlete hauled in 74 passes to set a new CIS record for single season receptions.
Rookie receiver Daniel Vandervoort (Barrie, Ont.) had 31 receptions for 594 yards. He scored eight touchdowns for the 5-3 McMaster Marauders and earns a spot on the second team offence. Place kicker Tyler Crapigna (Nepean, Ont.) hit 16 of 19 field goals attempted for an 84% success rate and second team all-star status.
Golden Hawks running back Dillon Campbell (Whitby, Ont.) led the OUA in rushing yards and is a second team all-star. His 867 yards along the ground and five touchdowns were invaluable to the young Laurier offence. Special teams expert Thomas Majka (Mississauga, Ont.) joins Campbell on the second team in the cover position.
Fourth-year inside receiver Alex Pierzchalski (London, Ont.) hauled in 51 catches and snagged six scores for the Varsity Blues en route to being named to the second team offence.
Fifth-year punter Dan Cerino (Stoney Creek, Ont.) represents the Windsor Lancers on the second team. He posted 3052 punting yards with a long of 69 in his final OUA season.
Turning to the defence, tackle Tai Pham (London, Ont.) and linebacker Akeem Whonder (Mississauga, Ont.) represent the Windsor Lancers. They are joined by Queen’s veterans John Miniaci (Toronto) at tackle and Justin Baronaitis (Rexdale, Ont.) at SAM linebacker. Laurier defensive backs Felix Odum (Pickering, Ont.) and Chris Ackie (Cambridge, Ont.) are also second team all-stars.
The Gryphons standout defence is represented by third-year defensive end Cam Walker (London, Ont.) and fourth-year defensive half Taylor Palmer (Niagara Falls, Ont.).
A pair of Mustangs are second team defensive all-stars as defensive end Ricky Osei-Kusi (Brampton, Ont.) and cornerback Simon Bahru (London, Ont.) earn the first all-star nods of their careers.
McMaster’s Aram Eisho (Hamilton, Ont.) and Ottawa’s Matthew Bond-Lapointe (Montreal, Que.) complete the OUA second team all-star defensive roster.
The 2013 OUA football major awards will be announced at 11:30 a.m. ET tomorrow at a press conference in Hamilton, Ont.
OUA ALL-STARS
FIRST TEAM OFFENCE
Quarterback: Will Finch - Western
Centre: Matthew Van Praet - Western
Guard: Cameron Thorn - Guelph
Guard: Derek Morris – Queen’s
Offensive Tackle: Josh Prinsen – Queen’s
Offensive Tackle: Kadeem Adams – Western
Inside Receiver: Brian Marshall - Western
Inside Receiver: Evan Pszczonak - Windsor
Wide Receiver: George Johnson – Western
Wide Receiver: Paul de Pass – Toronto
Running Back: Brendan Gillanders - Ottawa
Running Back: Errol Brooks – York
Punter: Lirim Hajrullahu - Western
Place Kicker: Lirim Hajrullahu - Western
Kick Returner: Kevin Bradfield – Toronto
FIRST TEAM DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle: Daryl Waud - Western
Defensive Tackle: Ettore Lattanzio - Ottawa
Defensive End: Dylan Ainsworth – Western
Defensive End: Derek Wiggan – Queen’s
Linebacker: Pawel Kruba – Western
Linebacker: Sam Sabourin – Queen’s
Linebacker: Beau Landry – Western
Defensive Halfback: Tijani Chase-Dunawa – Queen’s
Defensive Halfback: Steven Ventresca – McMaster
Cornerback: Yann Dika-Balotoken – Queen’s
Cornerback: Andrew Lue – Queen’s
Safety: Mike Daly - McMaster
Rush/Cover: Andrew Graham – Guelph
SECOND TEAM OFFENCE
Quarterback: Aaron Colbon - Ottawa
Centre: Shavin Fernando - Ottawa
Guard: Taylor Servais - Ottawa
Guard: Joe Circelli – Western
Offensive Tackle: Jakob Piotrowski - Guelph
Offensive Tackle: Eddie Meredith – Western
Inside Receiver: Alex Pierzchalski – Toronto
Inside Receiver: Daniel Vandervoort - McMaster
Wide Receiver: Nick Anapolsky – Waterloo
Wide Receiver: Giovanni Aprile – Queen’s
Running Back: Ryan Granberg – Queen’s
Running Back: Dillon Campbell – Laurier
Punter: Dan Cerino – Windsor
Place Kicker: Tyler Crapigna – McMaster
Kick Returner: A’dre Fraser – Guelph
SECOND TEAM DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle: John Miniaci – Queen’s
Defensive Tackle: Tai Pham – Windsor
Defensive End: Ricky Osei-Kusi – Western
Defensive End: Cam Walker – Guelph
Linebacker: Aram Eisho - McMaster
Linebacker: Akeem Whonder – Windsor
Linebacker: Justin Baronaitis – Queen’s
Defensive Halfback: Taylor Palmer – Guelph
Defensive Halfback: Chris Ackie – Laurier
Cornerback: Felix Odum – Laurier
Cornerback: Simon Bahru – Western
Safety: Matthew Bond-Lapointe - Ottawa
Rush/Cover: Thomas Majka – Laurier
Western set a new OUA record for points this year, and it’s no surprise that six members of the high-powered Mustangs offence find themselves on the OUA first team. Quarterback Will Finch (Burlington, Ont.) set a new OUA record for both single season completion percentage (69.7%) and single season passing yards (3047) and is an OUA first team all-star for the first time in his young career. Finch tossed 21 touchdowns and ran for five more.
Western O-linemen Matt Van Praet (London, Ont.) and Kadeem Adams (Halifax, N.S.) join Finch on the OUA first team, at centre and tackle, respectively. Inside receiver Brian Marshall (London, Ont.) makes his first appearance on the OUA top team after being named a second team all-star in 2012. The fourth-year had 34 catches for 753 yards and nine scores. He is joined by second-year wide receiver George Johnson. Johnson, a dual-sport athlete at Western, was Finch’s favourite target this season. In eight games played, he snagged 60 receptions and scored five touchdowns. Johnson’s 982 receiving yards led the league.
Fifth-year Lirim Hajrullahu rewrote the OUA and CIS record books in his final season. The St. Catharines, Ont., native scored 130 points to set a new CIS all-time scoring record with 422 career points. Hajrullahu made 22 of 26 field goals attempted to tie the OUA single season field goal record. He also led the league with an average 40.8 yards per punt. Hajrullahu joins his teammates and is both kicker and punter on the OUA first team.
Two members of the Queen’s Gaels intimidating O-Line are OUA first team all-stars. Fifth-year guard Derek Morris (Napanee, Ont.) was a starter on the Vanier Cup team and is a first team all-star for the second consecutive season. He is joined by offensive tackle Josh Prinsen (Napanee, Ont.).
The rest of the first team offence is comprised of athletes from six different universities. Guelph Gryphon guard Cam Thorn (Midhurst, Ont.) was drafted by the B.C. Lions in the seventh round in 2012 and is a first team all-star for the first time in his career.
York’s Errol Books (Toronto) finished third in the OUA in rushing yards with 701 and ran for four scores. The second-year back splits time with Ottawa veteran Brendan Gillanders on the OUA first team. Gillanders’ 1061 all purpose offensive yards was tops among CIS running backs. He scored five touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 rushing) and was a vital component to the Gee-Gees turnaround 2013 season.
Windsor’s Evan Pszczonak (Amherstburg, Ont.) and Toronto’s Paul de Pass (Ajax, Ont.) round out the OUA first team offence. A fourth-year inside receiver, Pszczonak picked up the slack left from the absence of graduated senior Jordan Brescacin, and grabbed 42 receptions to average 92.3 yards per game. Blues team captain de Pass left his name in the storied U of T record books in his senior year. He finished 2013 with 970 yards on 53 catches, good for second and third in OUA, respectively. He ends his OUA career as Toronto’s all-time receiving yards leader.
Third-year Blues returner Kevin Bradfield is an OUA first team all-star. The Toronto, native returned 18 kickoffs for 412 yards, in addition to averaging 12.4 yards per punt return. He is joined on special teams by Andrew Graham (Union, Ont.) of the Guelph Gryphons. The rookie rush/cover had 19 special teams tackles as well as 2.5 sacks and one interception.
It is no secret that the Gaels are known for their defence and therefore no surprise that five members of it are first team all-stars. Fourth-year defensive end Derek Wiggan (Toronto) had 23.5 tackles and makes his mark on the first team for the second consecutive season. Linebacker Sam Sabourin continued the tradition and earned his third all-star recognition. The Stittsville, Ont., native had 34.5 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions in his fourth-year. Cornerback duo Andrew Lue (Markham, Ont.) and Yann Dika-Balotoken (Toronto) and defensive half TJ Chase-Dunawa (Toronto) represent the Gaels pass defence. Lue, a regular on the OUA first team since 2011, had 23 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups. In his third-year of eligibility, Dika-Balotoken scored two touchdowns on interception returns to lead the CIS in the category. Chase-Dunawa had one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and one pass breakup to earn the second first team honour in his career.
Often overshadowed by their offensive counterparts, members of the Western Mustangs defensive unit are no slouches and four of its members are first team all-stars. Defensive tackle Daryl Waud (Hamilton, Ont.) returns to the first team after recording 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks and joins defensive end Dylan Ainsworth (Delta, B.C.) on the first team. Linebackers Pawel Kruba (Windsor, Ont.) and Beau Landry (Kitchener, Ont.) wreaked havoc on opposing offences. They combined for 65 tackles.
Marauder ball hawks Steven Ventresca (Hamilton, Ont.) and Michael Daly (Kitchener, Ont.) represent McMaster on the defensive first team. Ventresca finished fourth in league interceptions with four and added 26.5 tackles to replicate his previous year’s performance. Daly recorded 26.5 tackles and two interceptions at free safety.
Gee-Gee defensive tackle Ettore Lattanzio rounds out the OUA first team defence .The Ottawa native led the OUA and tied for the CIS lead with 10 quarterback sacks.
In addition to six offensive first team all-stars, the Mustangs add two more on the second team. Fourth-year guard Joe Circelli (London, Ont.) and first-year tackle Eddie Meredith (Toronto) complete Western’s talented offensive line.
Ottawa quarterback Aaron Colbon passed for 2490 yards averaging 311.1 yards per game to finish second in OUA. He tossed 20 touchdowns en route to the first all-star recognition of his impressive career in garnet and grey. He is joined on the OUA second team by fifth-year centre Shavin Fernando (Ottawa) and fourth-year guard Taylor Servais (Ottawa).
Gaels running back Ryan Granberg (Sherwood, Alta.) finished fourth in OUA rushing with 621 yards and ran in five touchdowns to earn a place on the second team roster. He is joined by fourth-year wide receiver Giovanni Aprile (Scarborough, Ont.), who led Queen’s with 466 receiving yards.
Offensive tackle Jakob Piotrowski (Shanty Bay, Ont.) returned from injury in 2013 to represent the Gryphons on the OUA second team. He is joined by sophomore returner A’dre Fraser. The Halifax, N.S., native led the team in kick return yards with a total of 205 yards and a long of 49, averaging 25.63 yards per carry. He also had 472 yards on punt returns.
Wide receiver Nick Anapolsky (Guelph, Ont.) represents Waterloo on the second team list. The fourth-year athlete hauled in 74 passes to set a new CIS record for single season receptions.
Rookie receiver Daniel Vandervoort (Barrie, Ont.) had 31 receptions for 594 yards. He scored eight touchdowns for the 5-3 McMaster Marauders and earns a spot on the second team offence. Place kicker Tyler Crapigna (Nepean, Ont.) hit 16 of 19 field goals attempted for an 84% success rate and second team all-star status.
Golden Hawks running back Dillon Campbell (Whitby, Ont.) led the OUA in rushing yards and is a second team all-star. His 867 yards along the ground and five touchdowns were invaluable to the young Laurier offence. Special teams expert Thomas Majka (Mississauga, Ont.) joins Campbell on the second team in the cover position.
Fourth-year inside receiver Alex Pierzchalski (London, Ont.) hauled in 51 catches and snagged six scores for the Varsity Blues en route to being named to the second team offence.
Fifth-year punter Dan Cerino (Stoney Creek, Ont.) represents the Windsor Lancers on the second team. He posted 3052 punting yards with a long of 69 in his final OUA season.
Turning to the defence, tackle Tai Pham (London, Ont.) and linebacker Akeem Whonder (Mississauga, Ont.) represent the Windsor Lancers. They are joined by Queen’s veterans John Miniaci (Toronto) at tackle and Justin Baronaitis (Rexdale, Ont.) at SAM linebacker. Laurier defensive backs Felix Odum (Pickering, Ont.) and Chris Ackie (Cambridge, Ont.) are also second team all-stars.
The Gryphons standout defence is represented by third-year defensive end Cam Walker (London, Ont.) and fourth-year defensive half Taylor Palmer (Niagara Falls, Ont.).
A pair of Mustangs are second team defensive all-stars as defensive end Ricky Osei-Kusi (Brampton, Ont.) and cornerback Simon Bahru (London, Ont.) earn the first all-star nods of their careers.
McMaster’s Aram Eisho (Hamilton, Ont.) and Ottawa’s Matthew Bond-Lapointe (Montreal, Que.) complete the OUA second team all-star defensive roster.
The 2013 OUA football major awards will be announced at 11:30 a.m. ET tomorrow at a press conference in Hamilton, Ont.
OUA ALL-STARS
FIRST TEAM OFFENCE
Quarterback: Will Finch - Western
Centre: Matthew Van Praet - Western
Guard: Cameron Thorn - Guelph
Guard: Derek Morris – Queen’s
Offensive Tackle: Josh Prinsen – Queen’s
Offensive Tackle: Kadeem Adams – Western
Inside Receiver: Brian Marshall - Western
Inside Receiver: Evan Pszczonak - Windsor
Wide Receiver: George Johnson – Western
Wide Receiver: Paul de Pass – Toronto
Running Back: Brendan Gillanders - Ottawa
Running Back: Errol Brooks – York
Punter: Lirim Hajrullahu - Western
Place Kicker: Lirim Hajrullahu - Western
Kick Returner: Kevin Bradfield – Toronto
FIRST TEAM DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle: Daryl Waud - Western
Defensive Tackle: Ettore Lattanzio - Ottawa
Defensive End: Dylan Ainsworth – Western
Defensive End: Derek Wiggan – Queen’s
Linebacker: Pawel Kruba – Western
Linebacker: Sam Sabourin – Queen’s
Linebacker: Beau Landry – Western
Defensive Halfback: Tijani Chase-Dunawa – Queen’s
Defensive Halfback: Steven Ventresca – McMaster
Cornerback: Yann Dika-Balotoken – Queen’s
Cornerback: Andrew Lue – Queen’s
Safety: Mike Daly - McMaster
Rush/Cover: Andrew Graham – Guelph
SECOND TEAM OFFENCE
Quarterback: Aaron Colbon - Ottawa
Centre: Shavin Fernando - Ottawa
Guard: Taylor Servais - Ottawa
Guard: Joe Circelli – Western
Offensive Tackle: Jakob Piotrowski - Guelph
Offensive Tackle: Eddie Meredith – Western
Inside Receiver: Alex Pierzchalski – Toronto
Inside Receiver: Daniel Vandervoort - McMaster
Wide Receiver: Nick Anapolsky – Waterloo
Wide Receiver: Giovanni Aprile – Queen’s
Running Back: Ryan Granberg – Queen’s
Running Back: Dillon Campbell – Laurier
Punter: Dan Cerino – Windsor
Place Kicker: Tyler Crapigna – McMaster
Kick Returner: A’dre Fraser – Guelph
SECOND TEAM DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle: John Miniaci – Queen’s
Defensive Tackle: Tai Pham – Windsor
Defensive End: Ricky Osei-Kusi – Western
Defensive End: Cam Walker – Guelph
Linebacker: Aram Eisho - McMaster
Linebacker: Akeem Whonder – Windsor
Linebacker: Justin Baronaitis – Queen’s
Defensive Halfback: Taylor Palmer – Guelph
Defensive Halfback: Chris Ackie – Laurier
Cornerback: Felix Odum – Laurier
Cornerback: Simon Bahru – Western
Safety: Matthew Bond-Lapointe - Ottawa
Rush/Cover: Thomas Majka – Laurier
