The Reputation Speaks For Itself

The biggest sign of strength is not when you go out and get players, it’s when they come to you.

Despite all of the talent that has – and continues – to come through the halls of Canisius High School, head football coach Rich Robbins hasn’t spent a whole lot of time recruiting.

Instead, he and his staff have focused on doing things the right way.

The talented players have come on their own.

“I’m not out at eighth-grade games taking names and giving out hats,” Robbins said. “I always thought if we built something here that put kids into school, helped young boys turn into men and then you win some games along the way then people would want to be a part of that.”

As he enters his eighth year with the program, Robbins has led the Crusaders to five Monsignor Martin titles and three Catholic state championships.

In the process, his staff has sent dozens of players to play college football from ‘Power Five’ to Division-III schools.

That success, both in winning and the ability to get guys to the next level, is why Canisius is welcoming a host of transfers this season including highly sought-after junior quarterback Christian Veilleux from Canada.

Veilleux, who has already received offers several Division-I schools, will compete with senior Jack Brandon and sophomore Gabe Fisher to become the starter.

“It was exciting that he chose to be with us because he had a lot of options,” Robbins said. “He’s got a big arm and he’s very talented. He’s coming into camp late so he has to catch up. He certainly has a lot of potential.”

Canisius went 8-4 (4-0 MMAA) in 2017, winning their second straight league title before falling to Archbishop Stepinac in the State Catholic championship game.

“It was pretty much a learning experience taking the ‘L’ in the state championship game,” senior RB Joe Jamison said. “That showed us that we have to work harder and do a lot more this season.”

The Canisius passing game will have an entirely new look as QB Jayce Johnson, WR Paul Woods, now playing football at Rutgers, and the next top three receivers are gone.  The Crusaders also graduated four starting offensive linemen from 2017.

That means that Jamison, who ran for 713 yards and 15 touchdowns, and classmate RB Joel Nicholas, who averaged over eight yards a carry last season, will take on bigger roles this season; both on the field and in the locker room.

“I’m ready to take on that role,” Nicholas said. “(Jamison and I) are ready to lead the team. It all comes naturally to us.”

Senior center James Desiderio is the lone returning starter on the offensive line.

Division-I bound kicker Tristian Vandenberg, who has committed to Ohio University, comes back for his senior year. He will line up at tight end and defensive end for the Crusaders as well.

Robbins is expecting big things from seniors OL/DL Ben Schoenle, WR/CB Jack Westermeier, LB Jordan Marks and junior LB/OL Jack Boras.

Besides Veilleux, Canisius is looking for fellow junior transfers DE CJ Ozolins, WR Eric Kegler (St. Mary’s) along with lineman Donovan Cornelius (Grand Island) and DE Michael Lewis to have major impacts this season.

Lewis, who moved from North Carolina this past week, provided another example of the strong reputation the program has.

“It was one of those cases where the family was new to town and they asked around about where to send their kid for football and the realtor and the Dad’s boss both said Canisius,” Robbins said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted. To have a good word-of-mouth about the program.”

Despite all the personnel changes, the expectations are high as always on Delaware Avenue; take care of business at home and win a state championship.

“Obviously, to get that ring,” Nicholas said of his team’s expectations. “Anything less than that is a disappointment.”