Kerry Blues Receiver Commits to Dalhousie University
A four-year St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Kerry Blues football veteran and a consistent name on the SMCS Honour Roll, Grade 12 student-athlete Rayan Wahid has committed to Dalhousie University to continue his student-athlete career.
Wahid will head to Halifax this fall to join the Tigers football programme alongside his Kerry Blues teammates Gregory Qiao and Andrew McGinnis, while pursuing a bachelor of commerce degree.
“I chose Dalhousie University for several reasons,” says Wahid. “The co-op programme stood out to me immediately, as it offers real work experience that complements my academic studies. Beyond that, Dalhousie has an incredible student life, and it’s in a location that I really love. When Dalhousie started to recruit me, it really felt like the right fit all around—a place where I could genuinely thrive both on and off the field.”
That desire for balance is what drew Wahid to Dalhousie, combining his passion for competitive football and the flexibility to excel academically.
“What I really admire about the Dalhousie football programme is the winning culture they have built,” says Wahid. “It is a programme that takes the game seriously while still allowing student-athletes to fully pursue their degrees. I also appreciate the freedom the programme offers and the emphasis on real work experience through co-op. Being able to compete at a high level while still setting myself up professionally is exactly what I was looking for.”
Football has been part of Wahid’s life for as long as he can remember, dating back to age seven when he began playing touch and flag football in elementary school during recess.
“I officially started playing tackle football in Grade 8, but the game has always been a big part of my life growing up,” notes Wahid, who has excelled at the receiver position since joining the Kerry Blues. “I grew up playing organized flag football in the TFFL (Toronto Flag Football League). This shaped my love for the game, and from the schoolyard to organized leagues, football has always been at the centre of my athletic life.”
He adds, “My school football experience at St. Michael’s is honestly one of the best parts of my time here. The brotherhood we built, the wins and losses we shared, the early morning practices, and the friendships I made along the way were all incredibly special. It is something I will carry with me for a long time.”
“Rayan represents what Kerry Blues football is all about,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, senior football coach and the school’s community engagement and learning lead. “He brings toughness and commitment to everything he does. On the field, he never takes a play off. Off the field, he carries himself with great character and maturity. He is the kind of player who makes his teammates better and makes our programme proud. Dalhousie is getting a great young man.”
For Wahid, excelling in the student-athlete journey means not only athletic success but also academic excellence. His academic success includes four years on the honour roll in addition to carrying a top six average above 90 per cent.
“Academics have always been important to me, and maintaining that standard while playing football has been a real priority. St. Michael’s prepared me extremely well, especially in balancing academics and athletics. The school holds you to a high standard in the classroom, and that discipline carries over onto the field. As well, athletic development is prioritized, and the coaching I received helped me better understand the game and sharpen my skills in a way that I believe will translate well to the next level.”
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