Two graduates of the Élans de Garneau will continue their careers with the Rouge et Or of Laval University.
Elected to the All-Star team for a second consecutive year, inside linebacker Sean Senez will join the Vanier Cup champions as will cornerback Alexis Lavoie.
“I’m going in red,” confirmed Senez. I’m a guy from Quebec and I participated in the mini Rouge et Or for five years. I have Rouge et Or in my blood. I want to win games, which reduces the number of options. The presence of good friends (Natan Bolduc and Edward Bolduc) also had a certain weight in my decision. In the end, the choice was quite easy.”
Senez made no visits. Neither in Laval nor elsewhere. “At St. Pat’s, we trained on the plains of Abraham in the wind and in a gymnasium the size of a kitchen,” he illustrated. Facilities don’t matter to me. I want to have a chance to win. I didn’t want to waste the other teams’ time.”
A difficult season on morale
Last season was not easy for the Élans who did not collect a single victory in eight games. “It’s incomprehensible to me that you don’t get results when you put in the work and effort,” he said. This is the most frustrating point because I am convinced that there is no one who has put so much time into their preparation. I can’t wait to win.”
“I have never spent a season so unhappy, chasing the author of 46 tackles, which earned him second place on the circuit. In 2023, there was a period of adaptation with the arrival of a new head coach, but we did well defensively.
Full-size cornerback
At the Vanier Cup, the size of the Rouge et Or cornerbacks attracted the attention of the Laurier Golden Hawks. At 6’4″, Lavoie adds even more size to the secondary line.
Photo Steve Roy
“It’s quite rare for a cornerback this tall and it allows me to cover more ground,” he said. I visited Montreal and McGill to compare, but staying in Quebec was a big factor. I have the chance to join a historic program and I couldn’t say no.”
Lavoie has not had an easy season. “I will have surgery on one shoulder in January,” he said. My college degree is finished and I will not be going to school in January to focus on my rehabilitation. I want to be ready for training camp in August. I wouldn’t have been ready for spring camp. I’m going to spend time with the guys though.”
Lavoir missed three games due to his injury. The two teammates will study administration.
