TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2011 –The York University Football Lions are preparing for a big season led by head coach Warren Craney, returning coaching staff and a new group of recruits, bringing a new energy to the latest season of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football.
“I’ve put together a coaching staff that has a tremendous pedigree,” says Coach Craney. “And probably the biggest part of their pedigree is their history of winning.”
Another key element of York’s high hopes for this season is Coach Craney’s recruiting vision, whether it’s his philosophy of “owning our backyard” or showing student athlete’s that “it’s not about York’s past, but about York’s future,” the players are ready to turn the corner.
New recruits echo Coach Craney’s desire to win, including Torontonians Marcus Grandison and Riser Markel.
“It’s pride – I grew up down the street,” says Grandison, York’s free safety/defensive back. “I want to be the guy that changes York’s football team.”
“I have big shoes to fill,” says Markel, York’s running back, “but you take it one day at a time and you work your hardest and see where that takes you.”
Sault Ste. Marie’s Max Sullivan also looks forward to the season ahead. “I wanted to come and contribute to the football team,” says York’s O-lineman. “There’s no better feeling than being the underdog, working hard and getting that first win.”
York kicks off its regular season at Lions Stadium on Labour Day Monday, Sept. 5 against Laurier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UoYpYj4jrY
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York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto – Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
Media Contact:
Wallace Pidgeon, associate director, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 ext. 22091, wpidgeon@yorku.ca
