Huskies Liam Stewart, Jassin States-McClean named AUS Football All-Stars; Matt Elliott named Assistant Coach of the Year

A trio of Saint Mary's Huskies were honoured by Atlantic University Sport as 2023 All-Stars and Award winners on Friday. Receiver Liam Stewart and defensive back Jassin States-McClean were named All-Stars, while assistant coach Matt Elliott was named Assistant Coach of the Year.

Liam Stewart, a third year criminology major from Port Coquitlam, BC, has been named an AUS All-Star at receiver for the second straight season. Stewart started seven games for the Huskies leading the team in receiving yards (404), and ranking second on the team in receptions (18) and touchdowns (3). His season was highlighted by his dominant performance in a 33-18 win over the Acadia Axemen on Oct. 13, as he caught three receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns, and was named Player of the Game and Saint Mary's male athlete of the week.

"Liam has followed up his 2022 All-Star season with another outstanding performance," says Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah. "He has been a deep threat all year and his ability to make the big catch in tight situations makes him a threat on every play. As he continues to grow and develop the sky is the limit for his future."

Jassin States-McClean, a fifth year arts major from Halifax, NS, has been named an AUS All-Star at cornerback for the second straight season. States started six games for the Huskies, recording 11 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups.

"Jassin came back from the BC Lions training camp and showed why he was drafted," says Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah. "He has the ability to play with speed and run with anyone or play physical. He once again locked down the boundary corner spot and really forced offenses to play with 11 players as he completely shut down the man over him."

Huskies H-Backs coach Matt Elliott has been named the 2023 AUS Football Assistant Coach of Year (Phil Hughes Award), and will be the AUS nominee for the prestigious U SPORTS Gino Fracas Award.

Elliott has been involved with Saint Mary's football since his time as a student-athlete dating back to the late 90s. He has held the title of assistant coach since 2017, spending his time as a receivers coach, a running back coach and this last season, as the H-backs coach.

He also oversees the team's GameStrat operations, which entails the use of instant replay and data analysis for real-time coaching purposes and helps organize community service events.

Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah praised Elliott's dedication to the game of football, whether it be at the minor, high school or post-secondary level.

"Matt is the prime example of what this award exemplifies," says Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah. "Working full-time as a lawyer in the Armed Forces raising a family and yet still has time to give countless hours a week to the Huskies program. Matt has been a Huskie since he played in the late 1990's. He has coached for over 10 years at a variety of positions, oversees our sideline video system and on top of that still has time to invite players to his house for a BBQ. Having Matt recognized for this award speaks to the character of the person this award is named in honour of but also speaks of the character of Matt."

A former player with the Huskies, Elliott has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 20 years, and now works as a Legal Officer for the Department of National Defence. His work with the Canadian Armed Forces has led to volunteering opportunities with Hunt for Heroes – who facilitate mental health awareness and outdoor adventures to CAF veterans, first responders, and their families.

Elliott will now move on to be the AUS nominee for the U SPORTS Gino Fracas Award – an award given annually to an assistant coach who does not make a full-time living coaching football for the university.

Elliott becomes Saint Mary's ninth recipient of the AUS Assistant Coach of the Year award, joining Joe Taplin (2013, 2012, 2007), Devin Murphy (2009), Ted MacLean (2004), Steve Sumarah (2000), Gord Beattie (1999) and Scott Annand (1995). He'll look to become the second Saint Mary's recipient of the U SPORTS Gino Fracas Award, joining Joe Taplin who received the honour in 2013.