The stroll to the sector in Ann Arbor was virtually eerie. 110,000 followers, all chanting in unison. An electrifying sensation that few might comprehend.
Some is likely to be intimidated in such a setting. Peter Bourque, however, was thirsting for an opportunity to immerse himself in it. It is likely one of the many explanation why the Tabor Academy junior determined to make his dedication to the College of Michigan this previous week.
“I knew I wished to play Large 10 soccer on the largest stage,” Bourque mentioned. “Michigan? That’s a chance that’s very laborious to show down. Elite lecturers, and at all times among the finest soccer groups within the nation that’s at all times going to be battling for a Nationwide Championship. That was simply one thing that I assumed I couldn’t cross up on.”
A Hingham native and one of many top-ranked quarterback recruits in Massachusetts, Bourque started his highschool profession at Catholic Memorial. Nevertheless, the rising star was decided to take the subsequent leap. Seeking to develop his recruitment pool, he opted to switch to Tabor Academy when Seawolves coach Jeff Moore took over in Marion.
It didn’t take too lengthy for Moore to appreciate that he and his employees had a particular expertise with Bourque becoming a member of the fold. Throughout his sophomore marketing campaign in 2024, Bourque propelled Tabor to new heights, as they dominated the Unbiased Faculty League by capturing a NEPSAC Bowl title (a 48-20 win over Dexter Southfield final Nov. 16).
“He’s been nice,” Moore mentioned. “He’s a very good child. He does all the correct issues on campus, and he’s a very good teammate. I feel one of many largest issues is that he’s been a winner in all places he’s been. So, we’re actually excited. He performed a pivotal function for us this yr in successful a New England Championship. We’ve some fairly lofty targets forward of us, however he’s finished all the correct issues accurately to place us in the correct place to get there.”
In the course of the Seawolves’ journey to a title, Bourque handed for over 1,700 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns in 9 video games. A twin menace, he additionally scampered for simply over 300 yards and three extra scores.
Previous to taking on because the offensive coordinator at Michigan final December, Chip Lindsey had spent the previous few years on the College of North Carolina. His quarterback for a lot of that interval? Present New England Patriots captain Drake Maye.
Very like Maye, Bourque views himself as a playmaker.
“I watch a whole lot of (Maye’s) stuff,” mentioned Bourque. “We’re very related. Large athletes who can throw the ball very effectively. He’s somebody I mannequin my sport after, and Coach Lindsey did an awesome job of creating him at UNC.”
Fittingly, Lindsey reached out to Bourque over the winter, looking for his subsequent gifted venture. Bourque had additionally began receiving calls from Large 10 rivals, together with Penn State. He even fielded affords from UNC and Georgia.
Nonetheless, Michigan had at all times been on Bourque’s radar. He had already visited the campus final yr through the Wolverines’ November sport towards top-ranked Oregon, and Lindsey helped him shut his determination.
This previous Thursday, the Tabor standout made his last selection, and referred to as Lindsey to make it official.
Bourque might have his school vacation spot solidified, however he nonetheless has two highschool seasons remaining at Tabor. Moore plans to make the most of him in much more methods.
“He’s finished a very good job,” Moore mentioned. “I feel we’ve nonetheless obtained quite a bit left on the desk, and he is aware of that too.”
For Bourque, the journey is really simply starting.
“I’m tremendous excited,” Bourque mentioned. “It’s been a dream of mine since I used to be little to play on the highest degree of faculty soccer.”
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