Ontario quarterback Ivan West commits to Axemen football

The Acadia Axemen football program has added leadership and production at the quarterback position with the commitment of Barrie, Ont., native Ivan West for the upcoming Atlantic University Sport season.

West, a 6'0, 205-pound quarterback, joins the Axemen after a decorated high school and club career in Ontario. He plans to study English at Acadia.

West most recently played with St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School, where he led the Knights to both the CSASC and GBSSA championships in 2025. He threw 19 touchdown passes and added one rushing touchdown during the season, earning the team’s Veteran Award.

Prior to his time with the Knights, West spent four seasons at Innisdale Secondary School, where he served as a three-time team captain and earned two leadership awards.

At the club level, West competed with the Huronia Stallions in the Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL). He was a two-time team captain and was named team MVP in 2023. That season, he helped guide the Stallions to the OSFL U16 AA provincial championship and earned all-star recognition.

West also posted strong individual numbers during his club career, including 1,005 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions during the 2023 regular season.

His consistent leadership and production across multiple levels have helped establish him as a reliable and composed presence under centre.

West said the opportunity to join the Axemen program represents the culmination of years of work.

“It means everything to me,” he said. “It’d be the ultimate result of all the work I’ve put in over the years. It wouldn’t just be my achievement; it would represent my family, coaches, and teammates who’ve helped me along the way.”

He added that joining Acadia comes with a responsibility to uphold the program’s standards.

“To me, being an Axeman would mean earning the right to be part of that brotherhood and culture, and holding myself to the standard that comes with it.”