The Acadia Axemen are excited to add veteran experience to their receiving core with the commitment of Xander Matheson.

The 6’0, 185 lb receiver comes to Acadia from the Edmonton Wildcats of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). In the 2023 season the Grand Prairie, Alta. native finished with 19 receptions for 231 yards and a 12.1 yard per reception average.

Matheson was previously with the University of Alberta where he spent the last three seasons.

“Xander has the potential to be a factor in our receiving core right away,” said head coach Jeff Cummins. “He is tough, hard working and athletic. We hope he can jump right in as an older veteran player to make an impact.”

Prior to joining the Golden Bears, he was a member of Team Alberta for the annual Border Bowl against Saskatchewan. He was an MVP in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, while also receiving the viewers choice award each year.

From 2017-19 he played for the St. Joes Celtics in the Mighty Peace Football League (MPFL). He was the 2017 rookie of the year, following that performance by winning the Celtics receiver of the year and MPFL receiver of the year awards in 2018.

In 2019 he was a Celtics team captain, receiver MVP, team MVP, MPFL receiver MVP and overall MPFL MVP.

“My commitment to Acadia is a reflection of all my hard work and perseverance,” said Matheson. “The opportunity to play for such a respected program, under an experienced and knowledgeable coach, in such a gorgeous place is an honour. It means I get to continue pushing myself both as an athlete and as a man.”

Matheson will be working towards a sociology degree while attending Acadia.