The 2019 season marks a new era for the Queen's Football program as Steve Snyder takes over the reigns as head coach after the departure of longtime coach Pat Sheahan. After finishing with a 3-5 record and on the outside of the playoff picture the Gaels will be looking to make the postseason under their new leadership in 2019.
The Gaels rookie head coach Snyder achieved a successful run during his tenure as Offensive Coordinator with the Western Mustangs, assisting the program to two consecutive undefeated OUA seasons and a Vanier Cup title in 2017.
2018 regular season record: 3-5
2018 regular season standings: 8th in OUA
2018 playoff record: Did not make playoffs
The key to the Gaels success will rest on the ability to retool a young offensive core after the graduations of QB Nate Hobbs and receivers Chris Osei-Kusi and Matteo Del Brocco. With the quarterback job up for grabs the competition in training camp has been fierce with a handful of young QB's vying for the first-string spot. The Gaels return talented skill position players on offence with running backs Jake Puskas and sophomore Rasheed Tucker, not to mention a top receiver target, one of the fastest in the OUA, in Ben Arhen. The offensive line will once again feature stalwarts Josh Mosley and the emerging talent Jacob Butler.
The Gaels boast a veteran defensive core, led up front by linemen Cam Lawson and linebacker Kurtis Schaefer, while being anchored by standout defensive backs Ejaz Causer, Zackary Kealey, and Oliver MacKenzie all looking to wreak havoc on opposing offensives. The Gaels return all but one starter from 2018.
"We have to integrate our new players quickly, we have to establish our brand of football and we have to become the most respected team on campus and in the community," said Gaels head coach Steve Snyder. "If we can get twelve guys on the same page, aligned properly and playing right through the whistle then we'll be fine. We're going to become better every day that's the goal."
Head Coach: Steve Snyder
- Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 1 season
- Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 1 season
- Career regular season record with team: 0
- Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 0-0
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-0
- Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-0
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 7
Key returning players:
RB Jake Puskas enters his fourth season with the Gaels. He recorded 338 yards on 59 carries for five touchdowns in 2018 and played in the 2019 East-West Bowl. Puskas had a breakout season in 2017 with 727 yards on 112 carries, and will look to thrive under Coach Snyder's new offence.
RB Rasheed Tucker is an emerging talent entering his second season with the Gaels. Last season, Tucker had the third most carries behind only Puskas and quarterback Nate Hobbs. Tucker is a dynamic, speedy runner who flashed his potential in his rookie season.
REC Ben Arhen provides the Gaels with speed and great hands as a top option downfield. In 2018, he was third in receptions, touchdowns and yards behind graduating players Matteo Del Brocco and Chris Osei-Kusi.
Key recruits or transfers: Evan Floren (OL), Jaden Bailey (RB)
Key losses: Nate Hobbs (QB), Matteo Del Brocco (REC), Chris Osei-Kusi (REC), Tim Vanheuvelen (OL)
DEFENCE
Number of Returning starters: 12
Key returning players:
DL Cameron Lawson returns for his third season with the Gaels. Lawson used his size and strength to register 32 tackles and four sacks, the second-highest total last season. For his efforts, Lawson earned an OUA second-team All-Star nod and played in the 2019 East-West Bowl.
LB Kurtis Schaefer enters his fifth and final season with the Gaels in 2019. Last season, Schaefer led all Gaels linebackers in 2018 with a career-high 43.5 tackles.
DB Ejaz Casuer returns for his final season with the Queen's Gaels. Causer provides a key veteran presence alongside fellow fifth-year Zackary Kealey to lead the Gaels secondary. In 2018, Causer had 30.5 tackles and also tallied three pass breakups and one interception.
DB Zackary Kealey had a breakout season in 2018, leading the Gaels with 52 tackles (sixth in the OUA) and three (second in the OUA) forced fumbles. Look for the veteran Kealey to once again play an integral role in the Gaels secondary, which could be one of the best in the conference.
Key recruits or transfers: Ethan Martin (DB), Andrew Mullins-Grant (DL)
Key losses: Spencer Giffin (LB), Trevor McGarrity (DL)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
K/P Nick Liberatore returns for his fourth season as a Gael. Liberartore was an OUA Second-Team All-Star last season, converting 14/22 field goals and maintained his career 100% PAT conversion record going 25-25 last season.
Key recruits or transfers: Ben Hadley (K/P)
Player to Watch
Name: Ben Arhen
University: Queen's
Hometown: Brampton, Ont.
High school / Cegep: Bramalea SS
Position: Receiver
Academic program: Arts & Science
Year of eligibility: 3
Height: 6'0
Weight: 176
Key stats from 2018: 19 receptions for 397 yards (3rd on team)
Ben Arhen is on the verge of a breakthrough season for the Queen's Gaels. With the departures of leading receivers Matteo Del Brocco and Chris Osei-Kusi, Arhen will be looked upon as a key option in the Gaels passing attack.
With new head coach Steve Snyder at the helm, Arhen should capitalize on the hiring of Western's former offensive coordinator. Snyder schemed a Mustangs side that led the OUA in scoring, points per game, and passing yards per attempt for the past four seasons.
"What I'm mostly looking forward to most from my team this season is a hardworking team, (and) a great environment to work in this season, said Gaels receiver Ben Arhen. "I'm really, really excited to do what we can do to win a championship."
With a lot up in the air offensively for the Gaels passing attack, having a speedy veteran in Arhen will help the Gaels adjust early in the season.
