This week several members of the Concordia Stingers football program are in London, Ont. preparing for the eighth annual East-West Bowl that kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m.
The East-West Bowl, organized with the help of the Canadian University Football Coaches Association in partnership with the CFL, brings together more than 90 of the top CIS football players for a week of practices and evaluation, culminating with the annual all-star game.
A national committee of CIS head coaches selects the participants from a pool of players nominated by their respective universities. Every CIS football program is represented by a minimum of three players who will be eligible for the CFL draft in 2011.
Offensive tackle Anthony Barrette, slotback Liam Mahoney, safety Nicholas Arsenault-Hum and quarterback Rob Mackay are representing Concordia on the East team.
Barrette has been the focus of several media reports in London this week. An athletic man who checks in at six foot five and 300 pounds, he is already drawing attention from CFL and NFL teams.
Mahoney is also an early favorite for CFL consideration at the 2011 draft.
Mackay and Arsenault-Hum round out the Concordia contingent. Both have been Quebec conference all-stars in their careers.
The student-athletes are joined by Stingers head coach Gerry McGrath, defensive co-ordinator Warren Craney and recruiting co-ordinator Brad Collinson who are working as part of the East team's coaching staff.
