The Warriors football program saw three of their stars drafted to CFL clubs last night, tying the highest number of players drafted in one season.
Tyler Ternowski (Hamilton/),
Kurtis Gray (Waterloo/) and
Dion Pellerin (Abbotsford/) all got to live out their childhood dream of hearing they named called out on draft night.
"I could not be more proud of these three Warriors," said head coach
Chris Bertoia. "They have all come so far in their careers and have worked so hard to earn this feeling. I know when the chance presents, they will do everything they can to earn rosters spots on their respective clubs."
"Unfortunately for some of our guys it was not meant to be on this draft night. Those young men will be dissapointed but they all need to hold their respective heads high. Their football journey will continue, they'll just have to take a different path, their doors are certainly not closed."
Fourth year receiver and 2020 Male Athlete of the Year
Tyler Ternowski (Hamilton/) was the first to go, selected in the 3rd round, 27th overall by his hometown Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In his career, Ternowski finished with three OUA first-team all-star nods, two U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian nods and holds the UW records for most receiving TD's (26) and reception yards (2,949 yards). In the 2018 season, Ternowski broke the OUA single season record for most TD's with 14.
Last season, Ternowski finished with 47 catches (4th most in U SPORTS) and 695 receiving yards (8th best in U SPORTS). His five receiving touchdowns were fourth most in the country and he was ninth with his 86.9 yards per game. Ternowski is just 235 yards shy of the second most receiving yards in U SPORTS history and four TD's away from becoming third all-time in U SPORTS receiving TD's.
Linebacker Kurtis Gray (Waterloo/) was next, getting selected in the 4th round and as the 31st pick by the Calgary Stampeders. Gray is a two-time OUA all-star and was a member of the all-rookie team in his first season. This past year he finished fourth in the OUA with 48.5 tackles while adding two sacks and one interception. Over his four year career, Gray finished with 208 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He also had an stellar 2019 playoff, with 6.5 tackles, two sacks and a pick 6 in Waterloo's 44-21 quarter-final victory over Ottawa.
The final Warrior to be selected was running back
Dion Pellerin (Abbotsford/) who went in the 5th round, 42nd overall to the Toronto Argonauts. Pellerin had a breakout season in his fourth season with the black and gold, scampering his way to the beat of 977 rushing yards, the second most in the province while finding the end zone more than any other player in the OUA with 11 touchdowns including back-to-back games with three TD's (York, Western). He was named a 2019 OUA first-team all-star for his incredible campaign. Pellerin has 2,304 rushing yards and 20 TD's in his four years with the Warriors.
"It is difficult not knowing whether or not there will be a CFL season but I know that is not the focus of these three right now. They earned their draft selections and they will be ready for camp. For now we can celebrate their outstanding accomplishments," said Bertoia.
