HAMILTON, Ont. – Following the Laurier football program's eighth undefeated regular season, the first since 2005, nine Golden Hawks have been awarded OUA first and second all-star team honours.
The Golden Hawks topped the U SPORTS charts in total offence and passing and, fittingly, Laurier's leading offensive weapons headline the first team all-stars.
Taylor Elgersma led both the OUA and U SPORTS in touchdowns (20), yards per game (330.4), pass efficiency (187.5), and total passing yards (2,643), which broke the program record he set last season. This is Elgersma's second all-star selection in as many years.
To his sides are receivers
Ethan Jordan and
Raidan Thorne.
Jordan sat atop the OUA and U SPORTS in receptions (59), receiving yards per game (125), and touchdowns (10), while being the first Golden Hawk receiver to hit the 1,000 yard mark (1,089).
Thorne followed behind with 547 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and 40 receptions. This is the duo's second time being named all-stars.
Fourth year fullback
Sebastian Parsalidis was named to the second team last season, and jumped to the first team this year, recognized for his role on offence and the special teams unit.
Also moving up to the first team was halfback
Johari Hastings. His 29.5 total tackles spotted him fourth on the team, and had one forced fumble, two interceptions, and three pass break-ups.
In his first season,
Tayshaun Jackson received a first team nod. Jackson had 351 rushing yards, 434 kickoff return yards, and 449 punt return yards, helping the Golden Hawks place third in the OUA in the returns category.
Laurier's offensive line staples in
Cooper Hamilton and
Josh Rietveld were also awarded with first team nominations. Both were integral for the run game with their always reliable ability to clear paths. This was Hamilton's third straight all-star selection, while Rietveld received his first.
After being named to the OUA all-rookie team in 2019,
Tanner Nelmes was presented with the second team recognition. Nelmes had four touchdowns, and ranked third in rushing yards per game (96.8) and total yards (774), smashing his previous career high.
Rounding out the class was first year defensive lineman
Matteo Laquintana on the OUA all-rookie team. Laquintana had 11.5 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two sacks worth 13-yards.
The Golden Hawks look to continue their regular season success as they fight to earn their first Yates Cup championship since 2016 against the Western Mustangs at 1pm Saturday on Knight-Newbrough Field.
For the complete list of 2024 OUA all-stars,
visit oua.ca
