The atmosphere was festive at the Tedondo’s, in the Orleans district, on Saturday afternoon. The football enthusiast welcomed the family and loved ones of his former player to celebrate the start of his university sports career.
Under the colors of the Clearwater Academy in Florida, Mesidor has been named the most useful player to his team four times in ten games this spring. His impressive performances have earned him no less than 30 offers from leading American universities.
Akheem Mesidor went to Florida to study in his final year of high school to play with the Knights of the Clearwater Academy.
Photo: Instagram d’Akheem Mesidor / a_mesidor
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This success in the Sunshine State, the 6-foot, 3-inch, 265-pound colossus owes much of it to “Coach Vic,” who was the first to recognize his talent.
He had a lot of potential. From the age of 10 you could see that he was better than other kids his age
, assure M. Tedondo.
After a long process, the defensive end that grew up in Ottawa finally decided on the University of West Virginia, much to the relief of his mother.
It’s stressful. All the coaches put a lot of weight on the mom so that she tries to convince her baby to choose their university
, explains Carole-Diane Richard, the mother of Akheem Mesidor.
A father figure
Often turbulent when he was a child, Akheem Mesidor long doubted his mother as to the possibility that he had the discipline necessary to reach the highest level. It was his coach at the Gridiron Academy that allowed him to develop a good work ethic, in addition to contributing to his academic success.
Victor Tedondo and Akheem Mesidor have been rubbing shoulders for more than 8 years now.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Reno Patry
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%. I told him: each year, grows by 5% and he graduated with an average of 80%. It’s really a journey “,” text “:” He had an average of 55%. I told him: each year grows 5% and he graduated with an average of 80%. It’s really a journey “}}” lang = “en”>He had an average of 55%. I told him: each year grows 5% and he graduated with an average of 80%. It’s really a journey
, recalls Mr. Tedondo.
My father was not in my life, so Coach Vic was there for me, he was a mentor for me. He taught me respect, character, all the tools to be successful in my life.
business, c'est une relation pour la vie","text":"Ce n'est pas un business, c'est une relation pour la vie"}}" lang="fr">It’s not a business, it’s a relationship for life
, adds the man who served as the father figure.
A promising future
According to Mr. Tedondo, the name of Akheem Mesidor is to be remembered, since it could well be in the spotlight in a few years.
“Oh, he’s going to the NFL. It weighs 265 pounds and can do a back-flip! – Victor Tedondo, founder of the Gridiron Academy.
Akheem Mesidor, an 18-year-old defensive end from Ottawa, will join @WestVirginiaU next fall. Report on TJ from 6 p.m. #iciottgat pic.twitter.com/vmrZTfKixy
– Ismaël Sy (@iciIsmaelSy) December 22, 2019
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He is well placed to find out, since one of his protégés, who plays in the same position as Akheem, is already in the National Football League (NFL). Eli Ankou, a defensive end to the Cleveland Browns, also went through the Gridiron Academy.
The prospect of playing in the best league in the world inevitably trots in the head of the young prodigy. It’s a possibility. If I work hard, if I do what I need to do in West Virginia, I’m going to go to the NFL
, he says, confident.
Before arriving there, Akheem Mesidor will have to take the country roads described by John Denver (New window), since he will spend the next few years at ” West Virginia, mountain mamma ».
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