This week, we had a little chat with Guillaume Boucher, Defensive Coordinator of the Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or since 2014. He suited up for them from 2004 to 2007, so the ethos of the school’s program is no secret to him. Immediately after his career at his alma mater, Boucher made his way to Lennoxville for four years, where he made his coaching debut with the Champlain-Lennoxville CEGEP Cougars.
During our interview, we feel that the young man is invested day and night in a job that excites him. He juggles between his family, endless video sessions and practices with his players. Two of our Alouettes who happen to be Vert et Or alumni played for him. He considers them as friends, almost brothers. “During your college years, you build very close ties with your athletes. You don’t forget what you go through and these relationships often last a lifetime.”
Alexandre Chevrier – “I saw him play in CEGEP and I wanted this guy with us. I did everything I could to get him to Sherbrooke. It was a good team effort and we got him! He played in the third division (Valleyfield CEGEP) so some recruiters from schools were probably more hesitant to make him an offer. For us, he was the best linebacker available in all divisions. He was a starter with us. In his third, fourth and fifth years, he was among the best in Canada at his position. We noticed him for his speed and intelligence. He understands the game plans easily and explains them to others.”
Alexandre Gagné – “He is extremely physical and intense. He makes you pay the price if you have to play against him. His opponents don’t want to carry the ball if he’s covering you. If he hits you, it’s going to hurt.”
André Bolduc – “He is a gentleman, he has a lot of charisma. I played for him in my last year at Sherbrooke and I was impressed by his numerous plays. He has an amazing football IQ. André adapts his language to share his messages to both rookies and veterans. He is able to get the maximum out of an athlete.”
