After two seasons with the Western Mustangs, linebacker Olivier Ruest will play in the RSEQ next season.
Back home since Monday, Ruest met with head coach Greg Marshall before his departure to inform him of his decision, which has nothing to do with football. “Personal reasons and the desire to change the environment motivated my decision,” explained the former Limoilou Titans color bearer. I had to go home because I wasn’t happy anymore.”
The experienced coach understood Ruest's choice very well. “Greg wants the best for his players and his people,” he said. He is helping me with this transition. Even if I return to Quebec, going to Ontario was 100 percent the right decision when I left the college ranks. I learned English, although I didn't speak a word when I arrived in London; It was a personally enriching experience for me to leave home and I played a good level of football. However, I weighed the pros and cons and it was time to go home.”
Ruest already has a good idea of where he wants to go in 2024, but he doesn't want to show his intentions just yet. “I already have a team in mind,” he confirmed, “but I prefer to wait until everything is confirmed before I talk about it.”
Ask for compassion
If it is clear that he wants to return to Quebec and continue his career in the RSEQ, Ruest, who was used primarily on special teams in his two seasons with the Mustangs, must get the green light from USports.
He will seek compassion from the organization that oversees Canadian collegiate sports. “If I don’t win my case, that means they don’t have the well-being of student-athletes at heart,” he emphasized, without going into detail. I’m not happy and I need to go home.”
Ruest is following the same path as Jordan Béland, who earned a starting spot in his first collegiate campaign. The two were teammates at Limoilou and took over at Western in 2022. The defensive end returned to Quebec last year after one season with the Mustangs. He had lost his passion for football.
The passion is still intact
At Ruest, his passion is intact, he assures us. “I want to play in the RSEQ and am aiming for the CFL in the future. I was dominant on special teams at Western and it's a gateway to the CFL. I remain a defensive player and want to play linebacker, but my play on special teams is an important aspect.
After the 2021 season, three leading linebackers finished their collegiate careers in the Quebec region. Mohamed Elshal of the CNDF chose the University of Montreal carbines; Marc-Djonay Rondeau of the Élans de Garneau chose the Ottawa Gee Gees; while Ruest turned to Western. The top two were selected to the All-Star team.