Update on the newest additions to Gee-Gees varsity teams
With the summer approaching, focus has shifted to the next season for Gee-Gees varsity teams.
There have been numerous recruits announced for the 2016-17 season, and here are some of the most highly anticipated players that are preparing to don the garnet and grey next season.
Women’s rugby
After an incredible season last fall, the Gee-Gees are stocking up on some of the best talent in the nation to carry their momentum into next year.
The team recently locked up five recruits, three from Ottawa, one from Nova Scotia, and one transfer from McGill.
Headlining the Ottawa recruits is flanker Rachel McCallen, who won a silver medal with the U17 national team. The two other Ottawa products have also dabbled in provincial and national team play.
Julia White joins the team from the Martlets after finding early success in her career. The forward is familiar with the conference, having played for four years in Quebec. White adds another veteran presence who also has national championship tournament experience.
The additions prove that the Gees are prepared to become a powerhouse after their last two seasons, and early indications show that 2016 should be just as successful.
Men’s basketball
The Gee-Gees added depth from beyond the arc with the recruit of Port Williams, N.S. native Gage Sabean.
If Sabean can continue his elite performance from high school, the 6’5” forward will be a massive addition to the Gees going forward.
Head coach James Derouin told Sports Services that Sabean “brings size, athleticism and is one of the best young outside shooters in the country” and that “he will have an immediate impact with the team.”
Given the success of the Gees, there is no doubt how attractive the school was for the east coast shooter.
Football
After a slow start to the recruiting year, the Gee-Gees football team is starting to bring in size and talent for their team going forward.
Headlining the crop of new gridiron Garnet and Grey is Ottawa-native Nick Parrish, a 6’0” 296 lb. defensive tackle transferring from Holland College in P.E.I.
The former Hurricane recorded 15 solo tackles, 10 assisted, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries last season.
The Gees continued to address lack of size concerns as they added more linemen to their roster.
On the offensive line, the team added Patrick Spellman (6’2”, 280 lbs.) and Piri Sinnathurai (6’3”, 265 lbs.)
The Gees also added a pair of defensive ends, bringing in Brandyn Pietrantonio (6’2”, 225 lbs.) and Austin Szereda-Papenburg (6’4”, 230 lbs.)
With these additions, the Gees will look to improve weak spots on both sides of the ball in hopes of posting a winning season again next year.
