REDS Add Three
(FREDERICTON, NB) On the eve of the opening of their training camp, the UNB REDS men’s soccer team is naming three members of their 2024 recruiting class.
Defender Colin Ernst-Fontaine, from Ottawa, midfield Rease Robertson, of Alberton, PE, and midfielder Scanlon Wiebe, from Kenora, ON, have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and have joined the REDS ahead of the 2024 Atlantic University Sport season.
“We’re excited about this trio joining our program,” said REDS’ head coach Barry Morrison. “Scanlon is a strong and physical midfielder who has great ability to recognize space and break up play. Colin’s size and physicality will be a great asset to our backline. We look forward to seeing him grow through our program, and Rease is an exciting and brave player, who will bring great creativity to our attacking core.”
The 18-year-old Ernst-Fontaine comes to the REDS after a season at the Ribeiro-Moojen pre-university soccer academy, near Montreal. Previously, he was a member of the boys’ varsity team at Ottawa’s Franco-Cité High School.
“UNB was my school of choice as I think Fredericton will be a great place to spend the next four years, as a student and an athlete,” said Ernst-Fontaine. “It was also appealing to have the opportunity to play in a high-level soccer program and study at a great institution.”
Ernst-Fontaine describes himself as a hard-working and supportive teammate.
“In my first season of university soccer, I want to adapt and get a spot on the squad,” he said. “My long-term goals include getting my degree and playing an important part in the team’s success during my time at UNB.”
“He has a wealth of high-level experience,” said Coach Morrison. “We believe he’ll be able to translate this into an immediate impact on the field.”
Robertson, 17, was a member of the AAA team at Westisle Composite throughout his high school career. He participated in national championship tournaments with PEI FC’s U15 and U17 sides and was a member of the Winsloe-Charlottetown Royals of the Maritime Super Series.
“I have experience playing high-level soccer, including trips to two national championships,” he said. “I’m a very easy person to get along with and feel I’ll gel with the team easily.”
“His drive, both as an athlete and a student, will see him have a big impact on the UNB community,” said Coach Morrison. “We’re looking forward to Rease bringing exciting moments to the BMO Centre.”
Robertson, whose grandfather is a UNB alum, says his short-term goals include earning playing time and maybe even a starting role with the REDS. Long-term, he’d like to help bring another national championship to UNB.
Wiebe, also 18, brings an impressive resume to UNB, having played at Kenora’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the Lake of the Woods Lightning Academy, and the EE Sports Management Academy. He also spent time in Manitoba’s Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Program.
Wiebe played in the Premier division of the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association for several seasons and, more recently, played in the Manitoba men’s premier division.
“I was very impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and great campus,” said Wiebe. “The strong team and amazing coaching and facilities make me really excited to be here.”
Wiebe has spent considerable time training overseas with programs in England, Germany, and Bulgaria.
“I bring commitment, dedication, and hard work along with a team and winning mentality,” said Wiebe. “I’ll bring a willingness to learn as well.”
“He’ll add great energy to our midfield,” said Coach Morrison.
Wiebe says his goals as a RED include helping the team reach the national championship tournament and performing well there.
Ernst-Fontaine will study Kinesiology while attending UNB. Robertson and Wiebe will study Engineering.
Last season, the REDS went 6-3-3 (W-L-T), good for third place in the AUS standings. UNB fell to eventual conference champs STFX in the AUS semi-finals.
The REDS open their 2024 schedule on home turf against the Cape Breton Capers on Friday, August 30th. That game is scheduled to start at 7:15pm.
UNB’s pre-season schedule begins August 14th at Laval and includes home games against Universite de Montreal and the X-Men.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: Submitted