Kerry Blues Veteran Commits to Laurier
Grade 12 student-athlete, Hugo Thomas, has committed to spending the next chapter of educational journey in Waterloo, representing the purple and gold of Wilfrid Laurier University.
The St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) wide receiver will join the Golden Hawks this fall while pursuing a business degree.
“I chose Wilfrid Laurier University because of the winning culture, the coaching staff, and the amazing academics,” says Thomas. “From the beginning, it felt like a place where success is expected—not just on the field but in the classroom too. The coaches made me feel valued and showed real belief in my development as both a player and a person. I wanted to be part of a programme that pushes you to be your best every day.”
Thomas will enter Laurier’s honours BA programme with a focus on business management, allowing him the flexibility to explore different areas of study while building a strong foundation in business and leadership.
“Laurier’s strong reputation in business and management stood out for me, as well as the strong support system available to student-athletes,” says Thomas. “I like that the programme emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and real-world application—all things that connect directly to athletics. The balance between academics and athletics is something Laurier does well, and that was important to me.”
His passion for football was ignited in Grade 6, playing flag football, before transitioning to tackle football in Grade 9 at SMCS.
“I grew up playing football on my elementary school team and spending hours throwing the ball around with friends,” adds Thomas. “I lived in Revelstoke, B.C., and Collingwood, Ontario, and in both places, football was something I loved doing any chance I got.”
During Thomas’ teenage years, he thrived as a multi-sport athlete, splitting his time between basketball, hockey, track and field, in addition to his commitment to football.
“Growing up, I was always active in sports, and I truly believe it helped me build a strong athletic foundation and my competitive spirit,” he says.
In 2024, Thomas received the SMCS JV Most Outstanding Player and Character Award. The next season, he was named an Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL) All-Star (2025) and was also selected as a Toronto All-Star that year. In 2026, Thomas earned an All-Ontario Honourable Mention.
“Hugo represents everything you hope for in a captain—his character is defined not just by how he plays the game, but by how he carries himself every single day,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, Sr. Kerry Blues coach and community engagement and learning lead. “Around football, he leads with toughness and accountability, holding himself to a high standard and bringing others with him. He understands that leadership is not about being the loudest voice; it is about consistency and doing the right thing when no one is watching. His commitment to Laurier speaks volumes about who he is. They (Laurier) are not just getting a football player; they are getting a leader of character.”
At SMCS, Thomas was a four-year member of the Kerry Blues football programme, where he experienced first-hand the discipline and accountability required to compete at a high level.
“My experience playing football at St. Mike’s was honestly a 10 out of 10,” says Thomas. “The expectations were high, and nothing was handed to you. You had to earn everything. There were tough practices, hard losses, and long days, but seeing the growth from Grade 9 to Grade 12 and building those bonds with my teammates made it an unforgettable experience.”
Thomas credits SMCS not only for his football development but also for the foundation it provided him with in the classroom, preparing him for the next level.
“St. Michael’s taught me discipline, time management, and accountability,” he says. “Balancing academics and athletics forced me to stay organized and consistent. I spent a lot of time training, recovering, and improving, and I thank all my coaches and trainers for their support and guidance. The culture at SMCS emphasizes hard work and character, and that mindset is something I will carry with me to Laurier.”
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