01/06/2017
CIS Spartans: 7 Former Spartan football players have joined the University ranks
Graduating Class of 2011:
The 2011 season marked the first time a Spartan football player had the opportunity to have worn the green and white jersey and helmet from grade 9 to 12. This experience, that all current Spartan students now have, played an instrumental role in getting the first two Spartans in school history to sign to play football at University.
#28 Scott Keeley
Scott had a formidable leg and is still considered one of the best kickers to come from Lanark County. Kickers are not usually identified as a potential game changer until you play with or against a dominant one. Keeley was known for his ability to hit 50 yard field goals and his monster punts. While also playing linebacker, Scott signed in his grade 12 year to play at Queen's University as a kicker. Scott continued his studies after his football career ended and recently received his second degree from Queen's.
# 48 Kurtis Pankow
Kurtis was a gritty defensive linemen who quickly gained a reputation as someone to avoid on the field. His brute strength, football IQ and aggressive nature on the field lead him to wreak havoc. His success on the field lead to him signing with St. Francis Xavier in Antigonish, Nova Scotia during his grade 12 year. Kurtis graduated from St. FX and is now doing his Masters in Sports Psychology at the University of Alberta where he is also coaching with the U of A Golden Bears Football program.
Graduating Class 2012:
#67 Kirk Jordan
Kirkland was part of the historic 2012 Senior Spartan football team that beat Almonte in the finals to claim the Spartans first league championship. The 6'4" offensive lineman used his size to his advantage to push around his opponents. In grade 12 Kirkland became the Spartans' biggest export when he joined his former teammate Kurtis Pankow and signed with St. Francis Xavier. Kirkland graduated from St. FX in 2016.
Graduating Class 2014
#3 Patrick Pankow
While smaller than his older brother Kurtis, Patrick was no less effective on the field. In 2013, Pankow played halfback with a dominant defense that brought home the second consecutive Senior league championship for St. John's. After that he transitioned to the safety position where he came into his own as a player and leader. Patrick stayed for 12X and, following his fifth season with the Spartans, he signed with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Pankow is currently playing for the Blues and is in his second year of study.
#52 Eric Martin
The Waterloo Warrior linemen turned heads in his Spartan days with his athleticism. Eric was a technically sound O linemen whose athleticism allowed him to play other positions such as defensive end and running back/ fullback throughout his Spartan career. Eric, along with Patrick, was part of the 2013 Senior Spartan championship team and stayed for grade 12X. It was following his "super" senior season when he signed with the University of Waterloo Warriors. Now in his second year, Eric plays center for the Warriors.
Graduating Class 2015
#27 Connor Sergeant
Connor possessed noteworthy speed and aggression which he used to run all over the league. While playing mostly running back Connor, especially in his last year, was used in many positions. While being smaller in stature, he did not let this stop him from being the most physical running back around the county. Following in the foot steps of Patrick Pankow and Eric Martin, Connor returned last year for 12X before making his decision about where to attend University. He decided that he wanted to accompany Eric to Waterloo and signed with them last spring. Connor is now a running back and return specialist at Waterloo while in his first year.
Graduating Class 2016
#53 Andrew Holmes
Holmes is the most recent Spartan to sign with a U Sport team. Andrew was exactly what you'd look for in a linebacker. His strength and ferocity led to numerous tackles that left even the spectators sore. While recently finishing his fifth and final season with the Spartans, he rarely came off the field. Not only was he linebacker, he became a bruising running back and a dazzling returner. Just a short time ago, Andrew signed with the Acadia Axemen of the AUS and will join them in Wolfville, Nova Scotia next fall.
