Cochrane Cobras receiver Jack Tocher has committed to playing for the University of Guelph Gryphons once he graduates from Cochrane High this spring.
Cochrane Cobras receiver Jack Tocher has committed to playing for the University of Guelph Gryphons once he graduates from Cochrane High this spring. Tocher, who is having a fantastic year with the Cobras, relished the fact that he has the chance to return to his hometown.
“I'm from Guelph, so I'm really happy about signing there, I'm excited to go home and continue the legacy my dad started when he was there, ” Tocher said.
Tocher's father, Dan, was a receiver for the Gryphons from 1986 to 1990. He was named a Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) All-Canadian in 1989 and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) first team All-Star in 1988, 1989 and 1990. Dan remains second the overall receiver in Gryphon football history with a total of 2,019 yards on 146 receptions, and 11 touchdowns. He also set an OUA record at that time for receptions in a career with a total of 146 when he graduated in 1990.
The son of the Gryphon legend said Guelph was always on his radar, and that it made the most sense for him and his family.
“I was trying to keep an open mind about maybe going somewhere else, but Guelph being my hometown and the team my dad played for, it certainly had its advantages over other schools, ” Tocher said.
Tocher's only official offer came from Guelph, but he had conversations with OUA powerhouses McMaster and Western.
“A few months back, the (Guelph) director of recruiting Todd Galloway contacted me and eventually flew out here for a home visit and gave me a presentation and then offered me a scholarship, ” Tocher said.
“After that, I had talked to them a bit when I was in Nova Scotia when I was playing for Team Alberta, and flew out there for homecoming a few weeks ago, then signed when I got back. ”
Tocher competed for Team Alberta at the Football Canada Cup back in July, where his team finished in fourth place. Tocher finished the tournament with three catches for 23 yards.
Cobras head coach Rob McNab couldn't contain his excitement for his young star.
“I was proud of him, he's a great kid… you've got to have the schooling in order to go down and play at Guelph, which is great, ” McNab said.
“Any time your program is putting players in USport, it's a huge achievement. This is our fifth receiver in five years that has signed from a small school like ours, so it's pretty awesome … as they say, he's signed, sealed and delivered. ”
