“The doctor said to exercise only twice a week at the beginning, so I’d work out at McGill twice a week, following the doctors advice, but I’d also work out at other gyms so nobody would know I was cheating. I lost a lot of weight during the whole ordeal, but I was able to regain my strength and endurance. It was a source of personal pride to be able to return, and to play effectively after such a terrible experience.”
Standout for McGill
in 2000
For Redmen football fans, Chevrier’s remarkable resilience and swift recovery — for the second year in a row — was greatly welcome.
From the opening comeback win over the Concordia Stingers, to the disappointing 50-3 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees in the Ontario Quebec Intercollegiate Football Conference Semi Finals, Chevrier was the centrepiece of the McGill defensive front four which was among the best in the nation.
A unanimous selection as a first team OQIFC all-star, Chevrier, despite being double teamed much of the year, pestered opposing quarterbacks all year long and registered five sacks. He also tallied 48 tackles, and had 12 tackles for loss, shattering the all-time Redmen career record.
Statistics only give part of the story.
Chevrier’s value to the Redmen transcended his on-field performance. He was vital to the 5-3 team as a vocal locker-room leader; and was also instrumental in the continuing development of John Macdonald and Steven Young, who proved to be formidable counterparts at the lineman position.
“I think we shocked some people,” said Chevrier. “We showed that we’re a relentless D-line, and were able to came up with some big plays which helped the team. Steven Young, a converted receiver, was great to play with, and so was John Macdonald. Some young guys like Ray Rashed also stepped up.”
Before the season, Chevrier took a special interest in working with Young to help facilitate his easing into the lineman position. That paid great dividends this season, as he had a tremendous season to help off-set pressure on Chevrier and Macdonald who were frequently double-teamed.
