FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto – The Toronto Argonauts and The Argos Foundation announced a partnership with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success on a new program entitled Level The Playing Field, sponsored by Tim Hortons. In its inaugural year, the program helped return football teams to four Toronto-area high schools with a $10,000 donation to each school. The four high school football teams, North Albion Collegiate, C.W. Jefferys Collegiate, Eastern Commerce and Lester B. Pearson, all play in the TDSB Varsity Development Tier 2 League. In an effort to help build and promote high school football, the Argos will send out weekly updates on the teams in this league throughout the high school football season.
The coaches from each team in the Varsity Development Tier 2 League were invited to submit their team’s MVP based on both on-field and off-field performance. Here are the team MVPs for the week ending October 9:
C.W. Jefferys Collegiate
MVP: Aaron Atwell
Position: Quarterback
Grade: 11
Coach: Ehsan Jahangirvand
“Aaron Atwell is one of our captains and his continuous leadership, motivation, and teamwork skills were evident from beginning to the end of the game. As well, Aaron was the only player to score a touchdown for Jefferys; the first in 20 years.”
Westview Centennial Secondary School
MVP: Osman Bangura
Position: Running Back
Grade: 11
Coach: Doug Vaughan
“Osman had an outstanding game rushing for 4 touchdowns and over 125 yards. His leadership helped the Westview Wildcats record their first victory since football returned to the school last year.”
Eastern Commerce C.I.
MVP: Andy Borroto
Position: Linebacker
Grade: 12
Coach: Sean Henderson
“Andy is one of our fiercest, most dedicated players who until this year had never played football. He was injured during his first game but he barely missed a minute of play before he was back on the field. His competitive spirit is something the other players look up to.”
Sir Sandford Fleming Academy
MVP: Khalid Omar
Position: Slotback, PR, KR
Grade: 12
Coaches: Barton Harvey, Ian Vincent, Geoff Sura
“Khalid was voted MVP this week after scoring 2 touchdowns in our season opening 38-6 win over Emery. He scored a rushing TD on the first play of the game and exhibited amazing sportsmanship throughout the entire match.”
David and Mary Thomson C. I.
MVP: Mark Frimpong
Position: Running Back
Grade: 12
Coach: Kevin Boyle
“Mark has demonstrated leadership on and off the field this year. He scored two of Thomson’s three touchdowns vs. Eastern Commerce in the home opener.”
North Albion C.I.
MVP: Tre Boutlier
Position: Tight End, Kicker, Wide Receiver
Grade: 11
Coaches: Norm Johnston, Marty Munchinsky, Ron Chhinzer
“Tre is our MVP because of his exceptional running skills, punting, and positive attitude.”
More than funding, Level The Playing Field features mentorship, education and events including Argos player ambassadors, cheerleader ambassadors, pep rallies and an Argos Game Day to honour each high school football team.