WARRIOR SPIRIT IS ALIVE ON DRAFT DAY

Waterloo football has taken its lumps over the years, but its recent history has opened eyes throughout the CFL.

In last year’s draft, the Ticats used the second overall pick to select Warriors offensive lineman Jesse Gibbon.

And in this year’s draft, three more Waterloo players were chosen, headed by receiver Tyler Ternowski, who went 27th overall, again to the Tabbies.

Dion Pellerin went 42nd overall to Toronto and, in between, Kurtis Gray was chosen by Calgary with the 31st overall pick.

Pellerin and Ternowski have been good friends since their freshman season, often living in the same residence during their days at Waterloo and training together in the off-season.

The two were together on draft night. “We were on the couch together, shaking a bit,” said Pellerin.

“We were both nervous, but it was one of those excitement nerves because we both knew there was a pretty good chance we’d get drafted. We were both pretty excited.

“As it turned out, it was a pretty

exciting night for all of us.”

Pellerin and Gibbon lived together this past semester at Waterloo when the latter returned to further his education. Pellerin is taking his courses online.

“After this semester, I still have six classes to graduate,’’ said Pellerin, who is majoring in geography and environmental management.

“I’m pretty excited because school has being going pretty well for me. It was an adjustment the first few years in university, but I’ve enjoyed it the past two years. I’m thankful for that.”

He’s poised to receive a diploma in environment assessment with a specialization in climate change and environment.

“I’m a big outdoors person from being back home in B.C.,’’ said Pellerin. “I found everything about it (environment) very interesting.

“A lot of people see geography as being maps, but a lot has to do about demographics and physical geography as well. Looking at it when I was in high school, it stood out for me.”