Former Mustangs punter and 2011 CIS Second Team All-Canadian Darryl Wheeler is chronicling the 2012 Mustangs Football Training Camp for westernmustangs.ca. Check back daily for news, interviews, and other content from this year's training camp.
Thursday, September 13 Update
Coming off of a strong outing this past Saturday the ‘Stangs silenced many critics by dominating a confident UofT opponent by a score of 62-7. The offence was once again electric with the running attack beating up the defensive line of the Varsity Blues. The Marshall family had a day to remember as they all reached the end zone.
On the defensive side of the ball the front seven swarmed the UofT quarterback all day contributing five sacks and limiting the Varsity Blues to just over 200 yards of offence. In the kicking game Lirim Hajrullahu seems to be back to his sophomore form going 4/4 on field goals and more than holding his own, punting in windy conditions and driving kick-offs into the end zone on multiple occasions.
It was a solid 60 minutes for the ‘Stangs as they showed the consistency in all three phases right from the opening kickoff that they have been striving for since camp started August 19th.
Despite the impressive win the Mustangs only soaked it up for a few hours since they have bigger fish to fry as the next three weeks will play a huge part in determining the OUA playoff seedings. This week Western faces one of their most fierce rivals the Queen’s Gaels. This big four rivalry has some history and the ‘Stangs have redemption on their minds.
Last year, the regular season finale was a game where the Mustangs sat most of their starters and were defeated by a count of 37-0. Western looks go back to Richardson Stadium and make a statement to the rest of the CIS that they are a tough team to play week in and week out. The ‘Stangs bring a fully loaded arsenal of players to Kingston this time around and with the history between the two programs look for a lot of fireworks early on as Western will look to take the crowd out of the game and establish the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
This game even though it’s in the middle of September will have a playoff atmosphere with 9,000 plus screaming fans in a game which should be one of the best of the weekend.
Saturday, September 1 Update
While many were catching up on their sleep Saturday morning the Purple and White donned their uniforms and were out at 9:00 a.m. in hot and humid conditions. Today was a lighter practice without full pads with the emphasis on systems and special teams.
The coaches have been feverishly been putting together packages and personnel as well as emphasizing the little things all week. The end of practice featured a lengthened field goal session to wrap things up before the final walk through tomorrow.
Today we’ll take a look at the defensive side of the ball for the Mustangs.
The defense will have a different flavour with Dennis McPhee taking reigns of a talented group. The former Waterloo head coach and Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive line coach brings intensity and a pressure mentality to the fold.
The line may be be the most talented in the nation going eight deep. Brent Wheeler and Daryl Waud return at the tackle positions with Ricky Osei-Kusi and Dylan Ainsworth on at the ends. Look for Boise State transfer Rory Connop, Waterloo native Brandon Murphy, and London products Rupert Butcher and Rob Variello to make am impact.
The linebacking corps features a few changes. Pawel Kruba the fourth-year vet who was a stand out at the East West Bowl this past May leads the talented group of backers. Look for Sean Blake, Jerod McCrory, Marcus Babic and former All-Canadian defensive back Beau Landry to make some noise with their physical play.
In the secondary fourth-year safety Mike Spence and veteran corner Jamie Symainick lead a talented and fast core of players. Look for the likes of Kalvin Johnson, Aaron Handsor and Simon Bahru to be difference makers.
The Mustangs now have just one more day ahead of them before the get to strap on the pads as they face Waterloo Monday at 1:00 p.m.
Friday, August 31 Update
This Friday was about as hot a practice that the Mustangs have been through all camp thus far. With temperatures soaring in the 40 plus degree Celsius range on the turf field the emphasis from the training staff led by Rob Walsh was to stay hydrated and cool.
Wet fans were on the sidelines and players were drinking water by the gallon. Despite the conditions the players and the coaching staff kept things high tempo, making sure the squad is getting prepared for their tilt on Monday.
Today provides an opportunity to get a look at the offensive side of the ball. Despite the loss of some talented players to graduation and the CFL the 'Stangs are reloading not rebuilding on offence.
Mike Van Praet has moved over to fill Matt Norman's spot at left guard with Shane Bergman taking over Bredan Dunn's spot at left tackle. The middle will be patrolled by veteran centre Greg Wilson who is entering teacher’s college this fall. East-West Bowl participant Mother Theresa product Eric Armitage mans the right guard spot and med school student Josh Burley bookends that side at right tackle.
In the receiving corps the veteran are now Brian Marshall and Andrew Thibaudeau they both look to provide the Mustangs quarterbacks with a downfield presence. Freshmen Justin Sanvido and George Johnson look to make an impact as well as third-year student and London native Matt Uren who has been impressive throughout camp.
In the backfield Garret Sanvido will carry the load with the ball with Yannick Harou getting some touches a a result of his speed and elusiveness. A trio of James Silfakis, Alex Maj and Tyrell Reid look to fill the void at full back left by Dan Duff.
At the quarterback position Donnie Marshall is now back to full health after his ankle injury and looks to take the team to the Vanier Cup in his final year at the helm. Freshman Will Finch, the number one QB recruit in the country, has lived up to his billing, showing poise, great arm strength and leadership throughout camp and will have an impact on the offensive side of the ball this season.
The Stangs are inching closer to game day versus Waterloo and tomorrow we’ll take a look at the defence.
Thursday, August 30 Update
Thursday marked day one of season mode meaning the two-a-days are over, and the long days out on the field and late nights in the film room are now in the books. Players are excited that they are only a few days away from getting the 2012 campaign started with a bang.
Systems was the focus of practice with the aim of executing at a high level so once the first whistle sounds the `Stangs strike quickly right out of the gate. Watching practice was Mr. Lee, David Lee`s father, and Mr. McCrory, linebacker Jerod McCrory`s father who played with Greg Marshall here at Western.
The offence and defence both worked against the scout teams in inside run and pass skeleton and both sides seemed to be firing on all cylinders. During those sessions defensive back Ed Shrubsole had some nice pass break ups and a nice interception during a team period. Defensive lineman and Central product Rupert Butcher has been more than holding his own and he will be one freshman to look to make a contribution during the season. Wide receiver George Johnson has continued to impress showing great body control and athletic ability reminiscent what he did on the basketball courts playing at CCH.
Look for practice to start tapering down a bit as Western gets ready to head to Waterloo. Later this week we will preview the offense and defensive sides of the ball.
Wednesday, August 29 Update
The Mustangs players had a little more bounce in their step on Wednesday because not only is Waterloo on the horizon but yesterday’s practices marked the end of two-a-days. Football purists may love 24/7 of non-stop football but for the players back-to-back practices day after day can be a grind.
Wednesday also featured many family and season ticket holders in attendance as it marked the yearly Mustangs season ticket holder appreciation event for the team’s loyal fans. Fans of all ages were out to catch a glimpse of what the purple and white will look like in 2012.
Both practices again focussed on tempo and execution. Coaches have begun the process of putting their two units together and putting scout teams in place so both sides of the ball can prepare for their opponents on a weekly basis.
Some players have stood out in camp, such as Matt Uren, who will likely see the ball thrown more his way after an impressive camp. Will Finch has routinely completed passes twenty yards plus down field with great accuracy reminding many of Michael Faulds. Garret Sanvido continually showed the power and the burst that will excite many in the TD Waterhouse stands this season.
On the line Mike Van Praet has made the seamless transition at the left guard spot previously played by Matt Norman while Shane Bergman is showing why he may be one of the most physically imposing lineman the OUA has seen.
Defensively this squad may have more depth than any of Coach Marshall's teams since his arrival in 2007. The line with Osei-Kusi, Ainsworth, Wheeler, Waud, Connop, Murphy, Butcher and Variello combined with a veteran linebacking corps of Kruba, Blake and converted DB Beau Landry has shown speed, intensity and desire to be the best.
On the back end Mike Spence has combined his physical prowess with ball hawking skills that has been displayed almost daily. With the likes of Kalvin Johnson, Jamie Symianick and veteran Aaron Handsor all having strong camps, they will be on the prowl to be changing momentum at key moments in 2012.
On special teams, there has been an emphasis all camp on field goal and with the amount of time daily that has been put into it putting the kickers in pressure situations look for the consistency to be there in the kicking game. Now that camp is over the players as well as the coaching staff are looking straight ahead to the Warriors.
Tuesday, August 28 Update
Despite another hot and humid day the Mustangs went back to two-a-days on the gridiron at TD Waterhouse Stadium on Tuesday. Players were on the turf in full equipment and worked on execution and installing more packages.
Offence and defence went head-to-head in team drills with London and CCH product George Johnson making many outstanding sessions during the morning session. Donnie Marshall also stood out connecting with brother Brian on many deep passes.
The morning session was highlighted by appearances by former head coach Dr. Darwin Semotiuk and Dr. Peter Fowler.
It was a lighter, helmets-only practice in the afternoon, highlighted by an appearance by Tom McConnell, wide receiver on the 1994 Vanier Cup team and the play-by-play announcer on this year’s broadcasts on Newstalk 1290 CJBK.
Most of the practice was geared toward working on systems and focusing on special teams with the last part of the day featuring an opportunity for the field goal kickers to make the most of a pressure situation in front of their teammates. Kickers Lirim Hajrullahu, Ben Nanni, and Shaun Lauzon, the latter of which are both rookies, went a perfect 9/9 to the delight of the coaches and teammates.
The 'Stangs head into their last two-a-day tomorrow before preparations for Waterloo go into full swing.
Here's Nanni and Lauzon on joining the Mustangs and today's live session:
Sunday, August 26 - Weekend Update
For most the dogs days of summer in late August call for much needed rest and relaxation, however for the purple and white it was time to work as both Saturday and Sunday morning the Mustangs hit the practice field in full equipment.
More special teams were implemented during those two sessions as well as systems on both sides of the ball now that the roster has been paired down and coaches are starting to piece together their depth charts in preparation for the University of Waterloo.
Many parents were on hand to check out the practices including Mike Norman's parents who made the trek from Montreal and Daryl Waud's father who made the trek from Hamilton.
This weekend was quite windy at TD Waterhouse stadium which was a good test for Lirim Hajrallahu and his punting. Taking over the punting duties this season, Lirim seemed to adapt very well to kicking into the wind hitting some tight spirals knifing through the air.
This weekend recruit Kadeem Adams saw plenty of action at the left tackle position and looked like a seasoned veteran at the spot. The team gets the afternoon off as well as Monday before they get back to two-a-days on Tuesday.
Friday, August 24 - Evening Update
This afternoon's practice was a helmets only shortened session as the heat and humidity combined with the consecutive two a days allowed the Mustangs to taper the physicality down and focus more on systems and learning.
Special teams, team offence and team defence were the focal point as the team looks to ramp it up for the weekend and start prepping for Waterloo next week. Pre-practice provided an opportunity from some skill position players such as linebacker Pawel Kruba and wide receiver Justin Sanvido to show off their other skills, booting field goals from 45 yards.
The practice ended with the field goal team and Lirim Hajrallahu looks in mid season form and on a mission to prove he is one of the best in the CIS.
Friday, August 24 - Afternoon Update
The Mustangs took the field this morning with the same vigour that they showed during yesterday's scrimmage versus Laurier and despite temperature approaching 33-plus degrees on the turf, players on both sides of the ball attacked practice like it was game day.
The practice began with a special teams focus, putting skill positions players to the test. Many on the defensive side stood out and starters on both sides of the ball such as Garret Sanvido, Beau Landry, Mike Spence and the linebacking corps could be seen taking a leadership role in the drills.
Both sides of the ball focused this morning on expanding their packages and installing more from the playbook. The practice culminated with a high flying two-minute drill where both the offense and defense were going at it with the offense trying to stretch the field and the defense attacking the line of scrimmage with great fervour.
Today also marks the annual media day with the Mustangs. Aside from getting their head shots taken a few players got to get a little bit of time in front of the camera giving fans the chance to see another side of the athletes.
Here's receiver Matt Uren on training camp and transitioning to receiver:
Thursday, August 23 Update
The Mustangs strapped on the pads with a little extra incentive this morning as it was their first opportunity this season to play against an opponent.
Around 10:30 the Stangs trotted out onto the turf at TD Waterhouse Stadium excited to be hosting an integrated practice with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. The first 30 mins of practice saw the teams warm up on their own, but when 11:00 a.m. hit the intensity ramped up with the two teams facing off in various drills.
The Mustangs seemed to get the better of the Golden Hawks on both offence and defence, and the inside runs from both teams were especially intense, leading to some extra-curricular activity after the whistle on a few occasions.
After one-and-ones and inside run drills, the last 45 minutes of practice featured a team session. Western’s first and second teams on defence consistently controlled the line of scrimmage as Waud, Wheeler, Ainsworth and Osei-Kusi gave the Laurier offensive line a lot of headaches with their power and speed up the middle.
Kruba, Landry and the majority of the linebacking corps spent a significant amount of the morning in the Golden Hawk backfield and seem to be stepping up into leadership roles and thriving under the guidance of defensive coordinator Dennis McPhee.
Offensively Yannick Harou hit the holes with the burst reminiscent of Nathan Riva popping off long runs and also showed extreme patience allowing his blocks to develop. Justin Sanvido made his presence felt making some nice catches as well as showing his physical prowess getting many yards after contact. After the first few days of camp it looks like it will be a family affair for the Sanvido brothers on Saturday afternoons in the OUA this season.
Will Finch showed veteran poise driving the offense down the field attacking the middle of the Laurier defence, whipping tight spirals with many passes going 50 yards on a rope.
The scrimmage gave coaches a good look on what they have with the veterans and the quality of the rookie class that arrived in the Purple and White.
Tomorrow the Mustangs get ready to get back on their two a day schedule as they creep toward the season opener against the Waterloo Warriors.
Here's rookie QB Will Finch talking about today's scrimmage and the first days of training camp:
Wednesday, August 22 - Afternoon Update
On day three of camp the Mustangs seem to be getting stronger the more practices they have, especially under another day of hot and humid conditions. The intensity was ramped up today with special team's coach Chris Marcus's drills requiring players to compete at the highest of tempos before the receivers and defensive backs went toe-to-toe directly after in one-on-one drills.
Rookies are making an impact in the early days of camp with receiver Justin Sanvido and running back Yannick Harou standing out along with Kadeem Adams and Sean Jamieson on the offensive line. The Stangs are ramping up for a scrimmage tommorw morning with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, and evening practices will be exponentially important as some roster decisions will be made.
Tuesday, August 21 - Evening Update
The clouds provided some much needed shade, but it was hot and humid again this afternoon as the Mustangs went through their second practice of the day.
Systems on offence, defence and special teams were emphasized in the afternoon session and it provided an opportunity to size up some veterans and rookies. The Sanvido brothers put forth a strong effort with Garret showing power and elusiveness at running back while rookie Justin made some plays at wide receiver.
Along with the Sanvidos, quarterbacks Donnie Marshall and Will Finch showed off their skills during offensive drills. Finch squeezed passes into tight spaces while Marshall’s speed and quickness were on display during team drills, running for a long touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Brent Wheeler displayed his pass rushing abilities by using his great hands and feet on multiple occasions during one-on-ones.
Younger players like Brandon Ryckman were given the opportunity for more reps and showed the same abilities he used to dominate the OVFL with.
The afternoon session was loud and exciting as the team is building up towards Thursday's scrimmage versus Laurier.
Here's receiver Brian Marshall on his goals for 2012:
Tuesday, August 21 - Afternoon Update
The Mustangs players took the practice field this morning for the front end of another two a day session, and despite another hot and humid morning, the Stangs showed no ill effects from their first two-a-day on Monday and had another very effective practice.
The offence and defence again did one-on-one drills and installed more of the playbook while the special teams units got involved as well, showcasing the athletes on the roster that can be difference makers on 3rd downs.
First year players such as Boise State transfer Rory Connop are settling into a rhythm as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming scrimmage versus the Laurier Golden Hawks on Thursday morning. Watch out for the linebacking core and emerging leaders such as Marcus Babic, Sean Blake, Pawel Kruba and Beau Landry as they are flying through each individual and group period.
Stay tuned to check out some inside info and more integrated team sessions in the back end of Tuesday's agenda.
Listen to running back Garret Sanvido talk about the upcoming season:
Monday, August 20 - Evening Update
Despite the summer heat the Mustangs donned full equipment and were back on the gridiron this afternoon for the back half of a two-a-day practice on the opening day of 2012 Training Camp.
Focusing mostly on installing parts of the playbook, the team complimented that with two special teams sessions and a two minute drill. The defence was fast and crisp this afternoon, getting the upper hand in the two minute drill, however it’s the beginning of camp when defences typically have the edge.
Of course one of the main components of camp is giving the rookies a chance to get on the field and gel with the veterans, including Shane Bergman. Bergman seemed to fit right back into things, not missing a beat after his brief hiatus from the gridiron.
The coaches were pleased with today’s effort and the 2012 season got started with the tempo everyone was looking for. Now off to dinner meetings and rest before the Stangs get after it again tomorrow morning.
Here’s kicker Lirim Hajrullahu speaking about the coming season
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Monday, August 20 - Afternoon Update
Under sunny skies the Western Mustangs returned to the field at TD Waterhouse Stadium this morning, officially turning the page on 2011 and beginning the road to the 2012 Vanier Cup.
Many fresh faced players strapped on the pads for the first time at the university level for the first time as they look to shake out the rookie jitters. Contrasting the new recruits were fifth year quarterback Donnie Marshall and newly transformed offensive lineman Mike Van Praet as they took the field looking to make their final season a memorable one.
Practice was fast and physical as a talented rookie class took their paces among the veterans fighting for one of the 47 positions on game day. The season’s inaugural practice featured lineman doing one on one’s, passing drills between wide receivers and defensive backs, and ended up with a PAT/Field Goal session with veteran kicker Lirim Hajallahu going through his paces.
New defensive coordinator Dennis McPhee was patrolling the field today and he will sure put a stamp on that side of the ball. This is the first half of a two a day practice where the Mustangs will suit up once again this afternoon with the goal of installing more plays and going through the process of finding out who is going to line up on September 3rd versus the University of Waterloo.
Listen to rookie offensive linemen Kadeem Adams and Sean Jamieson talk about their first practice as members of the Western Mustangs:
