X-Men football defensive lineman Daniel ‘Gigs’ McLeish is the latest athlete featured in our Getting to Know your X-Women and X-Men series throughout the summer. Daniel recently completed his second year with the X-Men and is a Arts student from Milton, ON.
What brought you to StFX?
I always wanted to get away from home to go to school because I feel like living with my parents wouldn’t allow me to fully enjoy the whole university experience.
I was playing football in the OVFL and got recruited by the coach of the opposing team to come to X. A couple months later Coach Waterman flew me out to visit and I had the time of my life! I stayed with Kwame Osei and Henoc Muamba and they showed me the ropes.
What has been your best moment in a StFX uniform so far?
It would definitely have to be when coach Svec called my name to play in the home opener against SMU in my first year. I wasn’t nervous at all until I was running out onto the field and looked back at the thousands of people in the stands. It was only at that moment that I realized how far I’ve made it so far in football.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Other than seeing all the rookies come in? It would probably be winning the Loney Bowl. We are getting a ton of rookies that have a lot of potential and I’m excited to see us dominate.
Who has been the most influential person in your life (and why)?
Definitely my parents! A couple of years back my parents brought me back to their hometowns, Kingston, Jamaica and Georgetown, Guyana. Just seeing how far my family has home has given me much motivation to not give up.
One thing I cannot live without is…?
You mean other than my best friend Nate Annan? Music! I love all kinds of music! From Celine Dion to Wocka Flocka to Vybz Kartel.
My dream vacation destination is…?
FIJI!!!!!! I really really, REALLY want to go to Fiji. Preferably an all inclusive resort on the beach.
Tell us one thing that fans may not know about you?
I love dancing at the Pub!
FAVORITES:
Past-time/hobby: Listening to music and baking!
Restaurant: The Red Violin in Toronto
Book: Miles’ song
TV show: House
Movie: Cheaper by the Dozen and Mulan
Actor/Actress: Denzel Washington
Singer/Band: Adele and John Mayer
Sport (other than your own): Basketball and Rugby
Pro sports team: LA Lakers
Pro sports athlete: Henoc Muamba – Winnipeg Blue Bombers