The titans of Limoilou have put together a recipe that has stood the test of time over the years, but they don’t hesitate to add a more exotic ingredient when they think they’ve unearthed a rare gem.
The Titans, who qualified for the Collegiate Bol d’Or Division 1 to be held on Friday in Trois-Rivières, are reigning champions and finalists in 2021 and are relying largely on the Quebec region player pool for success, but they are an exception as I occasionally paint outside.
“We have a good recipe by relying on local talent, but it feels good to add an outside ingredient,” said head coach Dave Parent, who has led the Titans for 15 years. In the current squad, the Titans only have six out of a total of 63 outside players.
In 2021, the Titans signed Samuel Cahill. The offensive lineman, who comes from Vaudreuil-Dorion in Montérégie, played his school football with the Voltigeurs du Collège Bourget, which will also take part in the Bol d’Or in the youth category.
A challenge that needs to be overcome
“I saw my decision to come to Quebec as a challenge given the very small number of outside players,” explained Cahill. It took some courage, but after meeting Dave I was sold. The Titans have great values. When I left home, it wasn’t just for football, but to develop myself as a person.
From the seed of a leader
What was so special about Cahill that Parent recruited him? “His talent on the field was obvious, but Samuel is more than a football player,” the Titans ace said. He is a leader, having been a captain throughout his career, and a facilitator. There have been good leaders in Limoilou in 15 years, but Samuel is at the top of the list.
“His presence allows others to grow,” Parent continues. He gives his top performance 365 days a year and his teammates have no choice but to surpass themselves.”
Good choice
Three years later, the 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram guard is very happy with his choice. “It was worth leaving the house, even if I only knew one teammate when I arrived,” he concluded. I was the first player from Bourget to choose Limoilou and many people questioned my choice. The same people now understand my decision. If the values are the same, things can only go well. Dave told me very honestly that he was looking for a leader of men and that it went beyond just the field.
“It’s never easy for parents when their 17-year-old leaves the house, but they supported me 100 percent in my decision to pursue Cahill. If they were worried, they never showed it to me.”
A constant commitment
Cahill was well received by his teammates and wasted no time in making a name for himself. From his first game, his record, including the playoffs, has only suffered three defeats in three years.
“We talk a lot about commitment when a young person is choosing their new team and that term is very important to me,” he said. By choosing the Titans, I committed my heart and soul to the program and tried to lead others towards the common goal of winning the final game of the season on Friday in Trois-Rivières.
As a sign of his deep commitment, Cahill does not allow himself to be distracted from his academic future, even though he is very popular. “I did my homework before the season and since then I have been 110 percent focused on our goal of winning the Bol d’Or.”
Cahill’s decision had an impact. Alex Fournier joined him this season and the two play side by side as starters on offense.
“Bourget is my second season and I wouldn’t be here without the coaches who have accompanied me on my journey. I’ll be there for their finale on Sunday.”