Queen’s left its mark in Waterloo as a wave of talent took centre stage at the annual East-West Bowl on May 10. Gael’s quarterback, Alex Vreeken, Kin ’26, receiver Russell Weir ArtSci ’27, and linebackers Steven Kpehe, Kin ’26, and James Pace, ArtSci ’27, were all selected to represent Team East.
The East-West Bowl showcases the top 106 U Sports football talents before their draft year, giving them a prime stage to impress CFL scouts. The teams are split geographically: the East squad features players from the AUS, RSEQ, and OUA East—including Queens, while the West team draws from the remaining OUA and Canada West conferences. This best-on-best competition offers a unique opportunity for prospects to elevate their draft stock through standout performances.
Team West prevailed with a 32-20 victory, however, all the Gaels who participated had eyecatching moments. Highlights included a 45-yard from Vreeken, an interception caught by Weir, and solo tackles from both Kpehe and Pace.
Kpehe looked back fondly on his week in Waterloo, where the laid-back atmosphere gave him and his fellow standouts the freedom to let their talent shine. “Honestly, it was a great time, I loved it.” Kpehe said in an interview with The Journal.
“Just really being out there and having fun, it really lets you appreciate the game of football,” Kpehe said.
For Weir, it was a game of firsts, making his first start as a full-time wide receiver. Over the offseason discussions between Weir and the team grew for ability to make the switch a reality. “It was a great opportunity to be able to get that first real game at receiver” Weir said. When asked about the transition he filtered his appreciation towards the Queen’s Wide Receiver room who, “Have been a major help all offseason.”
Pace was very thankful for Queen’s as a program for giving him the opportunity to attend East-West Bowl. “It’s an honour, being one of four guys out of a program like Queen’s is definitely something that is huge.” Pace said in an interview with The Journal. “It was one of the best weeks of my life, and something I’ve been looking forward to for the last three years [at Queen’s],” Pace said.
“Queens was the best decision I’ve ever made. Representing my team, my coaches, my teammates at an event like that was amazing,” Pace said.
Both Kpehe and Pace are hoping the confidence of playing at the East-West game will carry over into this season, both feeling fired up and excited what they can achieve on both the offensive and defensive sides.
The Queen’s Men’s Football team opens up their season at Richardson Stadium on August 23 against the Western Mustangs.
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