The Cégep Beauce-Appalaches Condors football team was founded in 1972. It took nearly 50 years, but offensive lineman Christopher Fortin was the program’s first product to make it into the NCAA, with the University of Connecticut Huskies.
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“It’s a great honor because I want to help pave the way for the next Condors who are going to want to play in the United States. I knew that Jean-François Bossé [entraîneur de la ligne offensive] was able to bring guys to Canadian universities every year.
“I knew I could get better every day with his coaching, just like with Marc Loranger [entraîneur-chef]which helped me a lot to break into the United States,” mentioned the fellow from Saint-René.
The canadian knife
Fortin joined “UConn” in 2020, but his first season was canceled due to COVID-19. Since last season, he has made up for lost time by seeing a lot of ground, both as a blocker and as a guard.
“Last season, I was ready at times. This season, there is a good rotation of players on the offensive line. I play all positions and I joke that I’m not the Swiss army knife, but the Canadian army knife. In my first game against Utah State, I played four positions. It’s very rewarding to see that they trust me so much, ”he said.
Fortin is also delighted that his team is led by Jim Mora, who previously served as head coach in the NFL with the Falcons and Seahawks.
“He treats the team like an NFL club. It brings us a professional environment, while taking into account that we are student-athletes,” he noted.
Other Opportunities
Fortin could have continued his college career in Quebec, but the lure of a Division 1 team south of the border proved too strong.
“I had opportunities in Canada, but I wanted to go to camps in the United States to show my talent. It went well enough for the coaches to talk about me and invite me to visits. I knew in that moment that I would live the dream of Division 1 in the NCAA, even though I would never have spat on U Sports.
“Buffalo had offered me a scholarship as well, but as soon as I arrived at UConn and saw the campus and stadium, and talked to the coaches, I already felt at home. Why go elsewhere when you feel good? he confided.
Big game in Michigan
Tomorrow, at noon, Quebec football fans will have the opportunity to spy on Christopher Fortin as part of a duel against a major rival. The student-athlete will live a unique experience in the renowned Big House of the Michigan Wolverines, a stadium that can accommodate more than 100,000 people.
“I am extremely excited. The Big House is one of the biggest stadiums in the world. The atmosphere will be special. Of course, when I get to the stadium, I’m going to have to pinch myself, ”he laughed.