WOLFVILLE, N.S. By Frank De Palman - They both arrived in Wolfville in September 2012 ready to start academics and basketball at the next level.
Now, as they enter their final semester at Acadia, fifth-year seniors Kyle Arseneault of Fredericton and Dartmouth's A.J. Simmonds share some bittersweet feelings as they march to the end of their last season as Axemen.
"I would say it is a pretty bittersweet feeling to be going into my last year ," said Simmonds a six-foot point guard out of Auburn High school. "I'm really excited about this year we have a great group of guys and I know it's going to be a really good year for all of us but at the same time I don't really want the year to end because I know it's the last time I will ever be able to put on the jersey and go to war with them."
Arseneault, a six-foot-five forward with a deft outside touch, shares those sentiments.
"I'm very excited to welcome the pressure of winning an AUS title, something I have set my eye on since I got here, and haven't been able to do so thus far. So its very exciting going into this season with the final push and to make sure I give it all I got for the last run at it."
Head coach Kevin Duffie shares the emotions as he readies to see the two quality athletes wrap up their solid basketball careers together.
"They were two phenomenal additions to our program, two five-year guys that have become part of the wallpaper here at Acadia," said Duffie.
"Kyle has had a great career and worked himself into a starting role and an AUS all-star over his time. "
Duffie describes Arseneault as a consummate professional who is always ready to deliver both mentally and physically.
"He is probably one of the most respected guys by his teammates based on those attributes," said Duffie.
Arseneault also played baseball and football growing up in New Brunswick. Football competed with basketball and he played both during his high school years. He had the choice of playing either sport going into university but opted for basketball.
The coach describes Simmonds as a quality individual who has been deeply impactful on many levels.
"He is someone who is loved in the community, by his teammates and coaching staff."
Simmonds is the second consecutive Auburn High School product to wrap up five years at Acadia. He will leave Acadia one year after Shaquille Smith, who left in the spring of 2016.
The two have developed a deep friendship over the years and will leave a hole when they graduate.
"I am very sad to see them go. But they will head off and do great things with their lives."
For Simmonds, who has been playing basketball since he was about five years old, Acadia was a top choice when it came to deciding about where to go to school.
"Acadia was one of my favorite schools right away, every time I came up to watch games I
loved the atmosphere here and I thought the style our team likes to play really fits my game best. Coach Duffie and (Steve) Baur coached me on the u17 provincial team, which allowed me to get to know them and get a feel for how they coach. And it's not to far from home so my family is able to come watch all my games, which was a huge plus for me."
After he graduates, Simmonds, who is studying sociology, hopes to travel and explore his options outside the province. However if that is not an option, he hopes to enter the work force and work with youth.
Arseneault, who is also studying sociology, would like to explore playing basketball at the pro level if possible.
If that door does not open, he would like to find work in a sports-related industry or perhaps law enforcement.
Arseneault is the Axemen's third leading scorer so far this season, averaging 15.6 points per game, while Simmonds is averaging 5.7 points a game coming off the bench
The 4-3 Axemen get January under way with a trip to Antigonish on Friday, Jan. 6 to take on the St.F.X. X-Men, who also hold a 4-3 record.