X-Men ready to tackle another AUS season

White and Blue seeking fourth consecutive conference crown

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH, NS – Veteran head coach Gary Waterman says there is "a lot of excitement" around the STFX X-Men varsity program as it prepares to kick off the quest for a fourth consecutive Atlantic University Sport (AUS) football championship.

"We had a great off-season," the 2023 conference coach of the year said in a recent interview.

Waterman credited his student-athletes – both returning and new – for putting in the work required to come into training camp "bigger, stronger and faster."

He also credited STFX's coaching staff for its tireless effort in areas, such as film study, as part of ongoing system and scheme development.

Along with a collection of talented and returning players, he explained that his 2024 squad will feature an "exciting" recruiting class that boasts "plenty of experience."

Waterman said, "They are going to be able to hit the ground running and push our guys."

Noting that depth will be a key feature for the X-Men, he explained that there are also returnees from last season's roster that will have an opportunity to take on expanded roles and help "fill the gaps."

Potent attack

The White and Blue returns nine out of 12 starters from an electrifying offense that lit up the scoreboard in 2023, while topping the lion's share of statistical categories in the conference.

The backfield tandem of Silas Fagnan (Bonnyville, AB) – an AUS all-star and recipient of the Chris Flynn Trophy as the conference's most outstanding player – and running back Malcolm Bussey (Hammonds Plains, NS), a second team All-Canadian and conference all-star, have returned for their senior seasons.

Speaking of dynamic duos, the X-Men feature a receiving corps spearheaded by AUS all-stars – junior Zachary Houde (Thetford Mines, QC) and senior Ben Harrington (Dartmouth, NS), who also garnered a seocnd team All-Canadian nod in 2023.

Despite the key loss of graduating all-star Chris Verheyen, the STFX offense – once again – will be anchored by a stout line; one boosted by the unexpected return of Will Chapman (Bedford, NS), who decided to don X's colours for a fifth campaign.

"We have lost some outstanding players, but our core has returned," Waterman said of his offensive unit, one that includes "experienced talent."

The former STFX defensive back explained that the X-Men will continue to "pride ourselves" on the ability to run the ball, coupled with an "explosive" passing game.

"We expect to perform at a high level [on that side of the ball]; the key will be to focus on achieving and maintaining consistency," he offered.

Waterman applauded offensive coordinator – Antigonish native Dave Van Den Heuvel – for his leadership in ensuring that will continue, while developing not only his talent, but also the scheme. "Dave does an excellent job," he said.

Defensive depth

In keeping with the White and Blue coaching staff, Waterman credited defensive coordinator Jon Svec for his work with that unit; one – despite losing "five talented and experienced starters" – he said will "get better and better as the season progresses."

Although conference lineman of the year Alex Fedchun and AUS all-star linebacker Dyton Blackett, who the veteran X-Men mentor noted both possess "CFL pedigree", top the list of departures, he predicted, "Our roster depth will take hold."

"We are really excited about the guys who are back," Waterman offered, noting that several student-athletes from last season will have the chance to secure more playing time.

Expected leaders of the defense include senior linebacker Josh Connors (Hamilton, ON), senior defensive back Nathan Cayouette (Strathmore, AB), fifth-year defensive lineman Hunter Mousseau (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) and defensive lineman Zechariah Willems (Tiny, ON).

Waterman explained defensive success starts upfront, with the ability "to control the line of scrimmage," coupled with "physical" linebackers and a "disciplined" secondary. With those ingredients in the mix, he continued, the focus becomes working "to execute and play a true team game."

He said, "We think that we are going to be pretty formidable."

'Special' teams

During the X-Men's run of success over the past decade, which includes seven AUS titles in nine seasons, a vaunted special teams unit under coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Daley has been a mainstay.

"Coach [Daley] does a great job in developing a cohesive unit," Waterman offered.

Describing it as a "great place to start," the unit returns its 2023 conference all-star kicking duo of fifth-year seniors Max Capriotti (Mount Hope, ON) and Ben Hadley (Halifax, NS), a 1st team All Canadian.

"They are also very, very good," Waterman noted of the young kickers that have joined the program. 

Although they have lost some "experience and skill" in coverage and protection, he expects – once again – the White-and-Blue depth to help fill the void.

"We have strong skill and special kicking," he said.

As for the return game, STFX boasts a conference all-star in Harrington, not to mention Houde; both are capable of getting to the end zone on any given play.

The newcomers

As Waterman noted, the X-Men recruiting class includes student-athletes with plenty of experience, including in the high-calibre Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL).

"He has [a] skill set that we are very excited about," the White-and-Blue head coach said of wide receiver Ayres Perry (Cole Harbour, NS), adding the freshman from Auburn High School has enjoyed "a lot of success" at that level and on the provincial stage.

Nathan Surla (Niagara Falls, ON), a 6'2", 300-pound offensive lineman, comes in from the CJFL's Okanagan Sun.

"He brings a lot of experience. We are really excited [about him]," Waterman said.

Another Sun alum – Sheldon Gerlib (Kamloops, BC), a 6'1", 217-pound linebacker, also has experience as a long snapper.

"We like what he brings [to our program]; again, a little bit more experience," Waterman added.

As for CJFL veteran Branden Janotta, he noted a "huge upside," while noting the maturity of the Regina Thunder product.

"We are excited to see what he will bring to the table," Waterman said.

'Massive' factor

The 2024 X-Men – both new and returning – can expect a high level of support; not only from the STFX community, including alumni, but also the broader Antigonish community.

"It is massive," Waterman said of the benefit of having that important intangible.

That backing, he offered, serves as a further incentive for his student-athletes "to do the work" required to be successful.

He noted the welcomed encouragement is not reserved for games at STFX Stadium, offering that X-Men fans often outnumber the home team's when they are on the road.

Waterman said, "It gives us great confidence. It is something our team takes great pride in," of their loyal fan base.

He added, "Our fans are so proud that our players don't want to let them down."

Focus, focus, focus

Reflecting on what has to happen for the X-Men to achieve an AUS four-peat – along with taking that next step in the post-season and potentially secure a shot at a Vanier Cup – Waterman offered, "Focus is the key to our success."

He continued, "We are really pushing for a consistent level of play, regardless of the opponent, score and time [in the game].

"We want to be a team that is consistent, mature and unaffected by circumstances," Waterman added.

He explained that he is a "big believer" in the idea that maintaining such a "high standard" will translate over 60 minutes.

"We are going to work towards that every day," Waterman said.

On the field

The defending AUS champions kicked off the 2024 campaign with a road trip to Sackville, N.B. where they dropped a 17-10 match-up against the Mount Allison Mounties on Aug. 24.

The X-Men will open the conference regular season with re-match of the 2023 AUS title game – on Saturday, Aug. 31 – when they travel to Lennoxville, QC, to face the Bishop's Gaiters at 3 p.m. ADT.

The White-and-Blue home opener – versus the rival Acadia Axemen – is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7 at StFX Stadium in Antigonish at 2 p.m. ADT

For information on the X-Men, including their 2024 AUS schedule, visit www.goxgo.ca.

This season, the AUS champions will host the Uteck Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The 2024 Vanier Cup – the 59^th national championship game – will be hosted by Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, on Saturday, Nov. 23.

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