Four players from the York University Lions have been selected by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) to participate in the fourth annual East-West Bowl on May 13 at Laval University in Quebec City.
Quarterback Bart Zemanek, running back Pearce Akpata, receiver Robin Legault and running back Jocelyn Courcelles were selected to represent York.
Right: York quarterback Bart Zemanek in a photo by Andrew Craig
The East-West Bowl showcases future Canadian Football League stars to CFL scouts, coaches and fans through a week of practice, testing and evaluation that culminates in the East-West Bowl game where the players get to compete on a national stage against the best in the CIS. All 27 CIS football schools will be represented in the game. A national committee of CIS head coaches and CFL representatives selected the players, who were first nominated by their respective teams. Players entering their second, third and fifth years who have not yet been drafted will complement the rosters.
Zemanek is coming off his finest season as a Lion, finishing fifth in passing yards and second in completions in Ontario University Athletics. The third-year kinesiology and health science student from Toronto also set York records for completions and attempts in a single season.
Akpata, a Vancouver product, finished fourth on the team in rushing with 99 yards on 16 carries.
Legault, a history major from Bolton, caught 10 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown in 2005.
Courcelles, a communications student from Mascouche, Que., rushed for 13 yards on five carries and caught seven passes for 51 yards and one touchdown.