Hart of Queens

By Bill Potrecz - November 8, 2018

Just one look was all it took for Riley Hart to know Queen’s University was right for him.

The 18-year-old, Grade 12B student at Saint Michael Catholic High School realized a dream come true Thursday, signing on the dotted line to play football at Queen’s beginning next season.

Hart, who received a four-year, $18,000 scholarship, officially signed up in the gym at Saint Michael with those closest to him looking on.

“It means the world, especially to have my teammates and family here. Everybody has been helping me out and I wouldn’t be here without any of these guys,” he said. “They put me in positions to succeed and luckily I was able to take that position and run with it.”

Hart said there was interest from other schools, but he kept coming back to Queen’s.

“Queen’s was always somewhere I envisioned myself going,” he said. “I went to Kingston with my friend and ever since then I wanted to go back. It’s a great thing. It’s something I always wanted to do.”

Hart, who plans to major in sociology with the thought of becoming a police officer, is a solid student as well, averaging 82 per cent.

“It’s (education) very important. That’s the whole reason I came back this year to get the credits so I can play university football. Hopefully, I can boost my average with the courses I’m taking now.”

Hart will become the third Mustang to play for Queen’s, joining current Golden Gaels Anthony Federico and Ron Jones.

Shomari Williams, and assistant coach of football recruiting for Queen’s, said the school loves Hart’s skill set.

“The one thing that Riley has that you can’t really teach is speed,” Williams said. “In terms of speed, he will be a deep threat for us and the other element he brings to us is the fact he can return kicks. He has great vision and catches the ball well. He’s going to have an opportunity early to showcase that and his speed and use his vision to open some holes in the kick-returning game.”

Williams said Hart will have to overcome the usual obstacles in making the jump from high school to university.

“It’s definitely a big jump. I think the biggest thing they have to do is strength and that’s going to come with time, but there’s also a mental process that goes with it,” he said. “Now, you’re not a high school athlete, you’re a university athlete and it’s finding the time to balance your books and being a good athlete.”

Williams said Hart will also have to adjust to being among the best players in the country.

“A lot of times the guys we recruit are the best player on the team, the best player in their high school. Now everybody is the best player and being able to handle that. You might not be as good as you were in high school. It’s going to take some time.”

Hart, who also played one season with the Niagara Spears, is well aware he will have to work hard and continue to evolve.

“That’s two worlds colliding. It’s something I can’t imagine and something I will have to find out for myself and here’s hoping I can excel at that.”