HAMILTON, ON – Only days away from the 99th Yates Cup – the provincial football championship, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) released the 2006 edition of the football all-stars earlier today as voted upon by the coaches of the league. Wilfrid Laurier picked up a total of ten all-star nods with six of which on the first team and four more on the second. The ten break down to four members of the Golden Hawk offense, four of the defense and two from special teams.

Jesse Alexander, Yannick Carter, Justin Phillips, Josh Maltin, Scott Evans and Andy Baechler are all members of the 2006 first all-star team while Kyle Weston, Ryan Lynch Chris Mamo and Luke Pinder are on the second.

The Golden Hawk defense was one of the stingiest all season allowing only 142 points all season – the second least in the OUA. One of the reasons for this was the aggressive secondary the Golden Hawks field week after week. Linebacker Jesse Alexander (Waterloo, ON) led the province and ended the season fourth in the country in tackles with 56.5 (43 solo). The now two-time all-star also had 1.5 sacks and three interceptions in the season. Linebacker Yannick Carter (Pickering, ON) also got the nod on the first team after receiving second team status last season. Carter led the nation in sacks with 9.5 and had 30 tackles (23 solo) this season. Justin Phillips (Kitchener, ON) a player of many positions, including defensive back, linebacker and defensive end was just behind Carter in sacks this season with 5.5. The third year athlete also had 16.5 tackles this season in his seven games played. Defensive back Josh Maltin (Sarnia, ON) received the final honour on the defensive team. The corner did not play for most of last season as a result of an injury but returned this year picking up 29 tackles (26 solo), 4 knockdowns, and an interception.

On the offensive side of the ball Andrew Baechler (Ayr, ON) led the Golden Hawks with a total of 557 yards over 38 receptions. Baechler also led the team in touchdowns with eight – only one of which on the ground. Also on the first team is offensive lineman Scott Evans (Cambridge, ON). The 6-7, 280 lb offensive tackle was one of the reasons that quarterback Jamie Partington was sacked only nine times this season – the second least of any OUA quarterback who played the entire season. The offensive line also made a significant impact in the rushing game this season. Laurier's total rushing yardage was 1713, the third best in the OUA and sixth of the 27 teams in the nation.

On the offensive second team are running back Ryan Lynch (Waterloo, ON) and offensive tackle Kyle Weston (Point Edward, ON). Lynch led the team with 864 yards on the ground over 143 carries. The third year back and first year starter picked up five touchdowns this season for the purple-and gold. Lynch also had seven receptions for 38 yards. Weston, a fifth year player and second time second-team all-star is another key member of our offensive line – who entered the season late as a result of injury.

Kicker Chris Mamo (London, ON) received his first honour as a provincial all-star this season. The second year athlete, and first year starter led the team in points with 65. Mamo was 12 for 15 on field goals with a 37–yarder as his longest. Mamo also had 28 converts and a single this season. Luke Pinder (Kitchener, ON) picked up his all-star nod as a rush/cover special teams member. The third year linebacker had 29 tackles (23 solo) this season

The 2006 football major award winners will be announced on Thursday, November 9th at a press conference at the Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton, Ontario. The 99th Yates Cup takes place this Saturday, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. at Frank Clair Stadium. Tickets for the event are available online at the University of Ottawa website at www.geegees.ca