Jimmy Allin
Football
First-team All-Canadian Jimmy Allin played Monday’s home opener against the Guelph Gryphons as though he hadn’t spent any time away from the field.
Allin scored three special-teams touchdowns against the Gryphons, two on punt returns and one the result of a 105-yard kickoff return. His punt returning put him into the record books, as he notched 259 yards on the day—the second-highest single-game total in CIS history. He recorded 439 total return yards and seven solo tackles in the game.
Allin remained composed about his achievements.
“It feels great but getting the win feels a whole lot better,” said the 5’11”, 175 pound defensive back. “It was an exciting game. I’m thankful for the guys blocking up front. They did a great job all day.”
Allin said Monday’s game, a 52-49 Gaels win that provided more momentum lifts and drops than anything out of a roller-coaster designer’s wildest dream, gave his friends and family a scare but ultimately kept everyone happy.
“They were watching it on TV and were pretty happy with it,” he said. “It was an exciting game to watch, it was a little more nerve-wracking than they would’ve liked, though. Hopefully we won’t have too many more of those.”
The summer was a tumultuous one for Allin. Though he graduated with honours from Life Sciences last year, Allin was holding out hope for a chance to play professional football. Undrafted, his desire didn’t wane and he was given a trial with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes. After being dropped from the Als’ roster and returned to the Gaels, he insists he isn’t playing with a chip on his shoulder.
“My time there was a good experience,” he said. “It was disappointing at the end, but I didn’t feel like [I had something to prove]. Everybody’s focused on winning the championship this year so that’s what I’m concentrating on.”
Allin remains committed to his dream to play CFL football.
“If I get the opportunity to [continue playing football after university], that’s the ultimate goal for me,” he said. “It would be great if I got a shot to play professionally somewhere.”
If he keeps putting up numbers like he did on Monday, maybe a few heads around the CFL will be turning back toward Kingston before long.
What’s your favourite team in any sport?
I’m a big Ed Reed fan, so I’d have to go with the Baltimore Ravens.
If you were any type of ice-cream, what would you be?
My favourite kind is mint chocolate chip, so I’m going to go with that one.
Which superhero do you have the most in common with?
In highschool, my nickname was Superman so I’ll go with Superman
Boxers or briefs?
Ooooh… boxers.
If you could have any car in the world, what would it be?
Dodge Ram
What’s on your iPod right now?
Little bit of everything, I like to mix it up.
What kind of shoes do you have?
Right now I’m wearing Under Armour sandals
Chinese food or Thai?
Chinese
Hotdogs or hamburgers?
Both, definitely both.
-Amrit Ahluwalia
Jacqueline Tessier
Women’s soccer
Most first-year students arrived on campus last Sunday, moved into their new residence rooms and immediately bonding with their new floormates with spirits high and spirits flowing.
Jacqueline Tessier introduced herself to Queen’s and the university scene in a different manner. She burst onto the OUA women’s soccer scene by finding the net in both of the Gaels’ opening games at Ryerson and the University of Toronto.
The goals came as relief to the 18 year-old striker, who said she worried about how she would fare with the challenges of university-level soccer.
“You just think ‘Am I going to be able to compete at that level?’ and to have that great a start to the season was really great.”
Tessier said she was unsure if she would be able to play soccer at the university level in grade 11, as she was attracting little interest from schools. By grade 12 the offers began rolling in from schools like Wilfred Laurier University, Ryerson, the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan.
“I had only been looked at by a few schools in Canada for soccer scholarships, but I was offered a scholarship and I met the team and they seemed really nice and it seemed like a great environment to play in,” she said. “It also helped that they were top three or four in the league, and I wanted to help them to maybe get top in the division.”
The team’s youth was another endearing quality Queen’s offered Tessier over other schools.
“Other universities have older players who are more experienced, so I wouldn’t have the same opportunity to play as I do at Queen’s,” she said. “I love the opportunity I get to play and hope to use it to the best of my ability.”
Scoring the goals had an added bonus for the young markswoman, as her parents had flown out from her hometown of Winnipeg to watch their daughter play.
“They were watching both of the games, and after each game they were really proud. Even in the second game it was a little disappointing to score and still lose, but just to have them there for my debut was special.”
What’s your favourite team in any sport?
Well, I’d have to say for hockey it would be the New Jersey Devils, for soccer I prefer Manchester United. As countries go, I’d love to see Ireland make it to the World Cup… but that’ll never happen.
If you were any type of ice-cream, what would you be?
Definitely chocolate, it’s the one most people like. The classic favourite.
Which superhero do you have the most in common with?
That’s a hard one! I’d like to think Superman but maybe Catwoman… she’s quick and fast. I don’t know superheroes all that well.
Boxers or briefs?
Definitely boxers.
If you could have any car in the world, what would it be?
Emerald green classic Mustang, ‘68
What’s on your iPod right now?
I got some Missy Higgins, Jack Johnson, Justin Nozuka, Queen and The Who
What kind of shoes do you have?
Skater shoes, high tops, high heels, Vans and Adidas sports sandals.
Chinese food or Thai?
Probably Thai.
Hot dogs or hamburgers?
Oh, hamburgers.
-Amrit Ahluwalia
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