Monday 29 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Brad Friesen

Name: Brad Friesen
High School: Jasper Place High School Rebels (Edmonton, AB)
Minor Football Program: West Edmonton Raiders

Profile

2012 Football Canada Cup All Star at Linebacker. 2011 and 2012 Member U18 Team Alberta.

Coach's Comment

"Brad is a very athletic linebacker prospect, that we believe has the potential to be a top CIS player."

Highlight Film

Brad Friesen Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Trent Joseph

Name: Trent Joseph
High School: Bishop Grandin High School Ghosts (Calgary, AB)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Midget Stampeders

Profile

2012 Calgary Midget Football All Star. Bishop Grandin Receiver of the Year 2012.

Coach's Comment

"Trent is a big, mobile player, that we hope will develop into a solid H-Back for our offence."

Highlight Film

Trent Joseph Highlights

Friday 26 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Rashaun Simonise

Name: Rashaun Simonise
High School: Vancouver College Fighting Irish (Vancouver, BC)
Minor Football Program: Meadow Ridge Knights

Profile

BC AAA High School Football All Star 2012 at both Receiver and Defensive Back. 2013 Offensive MVP of the BC High School Senior Bowl.

Coach's Comment

"Rashuan will be a force in the years to come, the combination of his Height and Speed, rarely comes around in the CIS."

Highlight Film

Rashaun Simonise Highlights

Monday 22 April 2013

FORMER DINOS FOOTBALL PLAYER NAMED 60TH CALGARY BOOSTER CLUB SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

On Tuesday April 16 2013, Tony Spoletini a former University of Calgary fullback was named the recipient of the Calgary Booster Club Sportsman of the Year.

Spoletini is one of the most prominent Dinos football alumni in the Calgary sports community. The affable Spoletini was the driving force behind the creation of the three artificial football fields at Shouldice Park, that host minor and high school football games. He also worked to develop the football field at Shriners Park in conjunction with the Calgary Shriners Club. Tony helped form the Greater Calgary Amateur Football Association and has played an active role in the development of the organization. He coached at all levels of football from youth to the Dinos in the CIS.

Tony has been actively involved with the Dinos 5th Quarter, helping to raise both the profile and funds for the organization. In addition he has served as color commentator on Dinos football broadcasts with Dave Rowe and has served as emcee for the Dinos annual football fund raising dinner.

Tony has been recognized over the years by Dinos Athletics. He has received the Dr. Lou Goodwin Award for Outstanding Service in 2008 and Football Alberta Outstanding Service Award in 2009 and in 2013 received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of the 1983 and 1985 Dinos football teams.

Spoletini has been recognized by the 5th Quarter receiving the Connellan TEAM Award in 2005 along with his cousin and business partner Tom and was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

In addition to his role with the Dinos and minor football, Tony has been actively involved with the Calgary Italian Club serving as emcee and an active member of the Italian Sportsman Dinner Board.

DINOS 30TH 5th QUARTER DINNER ANOTHER SUCCESS


In excess of 650 people attended the 30th Dinos Fifth Quarter fund raising dinner on April 11 at the Hotel Arts. The sold out crowd was entertained throughout the evening by emcee Tony Spoletini and keynote speaker Roy Firestone.

Firestone is the host of Public Television’s LA Tonight with Roy Firestone. A show that features long form interviews and has been host to some of the nation’s most accomplished and iconic figures. Among Roy’s guests in recent broadcasts were 16-time Grammy Award winner and composer David Foster, legendary songwriter and hit maker Burt Bacharach and tennis legend Andre Agassi.

Firestone thrilled the audience with a multi-media presentation that included singing, impersonations, and humour. It was a performance that brought a unique dimension to the event and will standout in the memory of the guests for years to come.

The evening also included an array of outstanding silent and live auction items such as tickets to the Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl and a University of Alabama home football game. There was also Calgary Stampeders ticket packages, a Denver Broncos ticket package that included luxury suite seats, as well as some oil industry service items.

The evening also recognized the contributions of a pair of individuals who have a given a great deal to the Dinos Fifth Quarter.

Former President Harry Andersen was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.  A partner with Stikeman Elliott LLP, Harry left private practice to become Vice President, Legal & General Counsel for Pembina Pipeline Corporation. He served on the Board of the 5th Quarter for several years and is currently Past President. Andersen served as Dinner Chairman and it was through his efforts while serving as President the 5th Quarter was able to achieve Charitable Foundation status with the Canada Revenue Agency.

The second individual honoured was Greg Vavra. He received the Connellan TEAM (Together Everybody Achieves More) Award. Despite a hectic business life and family commitments, Greg found time to give back to the program on a volunteer basis. From 2006 through 2010, Vavra served as Offensive Coordinator for the Dinos. Greg has continued to be influential in the off-field development of the football program and for the past two years has been President of the 5th Quarter.

The 5th Quarter would also like to thank the Marc Wilson and his staff at the Hotel Arts for making the evening the huge success. Also many thanks to the numerous corporate sponsors that help make this event possible every year.

Thursday 18 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Austen Hartley

Name: Austen Hartley
High School: Bishop Grandin High School Ghosts (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: South Calgary Colts

Profile

A 2012 Calgary High School Division 1 All Star at Receiver. 2012 Offensive MVP of the Bishop Grandin Ghosts.

Coach's Comment

"Austen is a diverse offensive player, that will develop to be a key member of our receiving corps."

Highlight Film

Austen Hartley Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Brendon Thera-Plamondon

Name: Brendon Thera-Plamondon
High School: St. Albert High School Skyhawks (St. Albert, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: St. Albert Storm

Profile

Brendon was the Skyhawks Offensive MVP in 2011 and 2012. He holds two Provincial receiving records.

Coach's Comment

"Brendon is a physical receiver with a lot of football skills. We hope he develop into a vital weapon for our Offense in the future."

Highlight Film

Brendon Thera-Plamondon Highlights

Tuesday 16 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Tyler Ledwos

Name: Tyler Ledwos
High School: H.J. Cody Sylvan Lakers (Sylvan Lake, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Prairie Fire

Profile

The 2012 MVP of the H.J. Cody Sylvan Lakers. The 2011 and 2012 MVP of the Prairie Fire.

Coach's Comment

"Tyler is an explosive young receiver, with the ability to make big plays. As a Slotback his skills will make him a key weapon for our offense in the years to come."

Highlight Film

Tyler Ledwos Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Jack McEwen

Name: Jack McEwen
High School: Notre Dame High School Pride (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Hilltoppers

Profile

A Provincial Champion in 2012 with the Notre Dame Pride, Jack was their Defensive Player of the Year. Selected a Calgary High School Division 1 All Star in 2012 at Defensive Line.

Coach's Comment

"Jack is a very quick and aggressive Defensive Lineman. We hope he can develop into a vital member of our young group at that position."



2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Ryan Sceviour

Name: Ryan Sceviour
High School: Bowness High School Trojans (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Cowboys

Profile

A Calgary High School All Star at Offensive Line. 2011 and 2012 Member of U18 Team Alberta, 2012 Captain.

Coach's Comment

"Ryan was one of the top Lineman in Alberta in 2012. We hope that he will come and compete immediately with our young group at Offensive Line."

Highlight Film

Ryan Sceviour Highlights

Monday 15 April 2013

STEVE BURATTO NAMED DINOS OFFENSIVE LINE COACH


A familiar face to followers of Canadian football at all levels will coach the University of Calgary Dinos offensive line in 2013. Steve Buratto needs no introduction to those who follow the game. Buratto brings three decades of coaching expertise in Canadian Football League.

A native of Idaho, Buratto coached the B.C. Lions to the Grey Cup in 2000 taking over the Lions in mid-season. He also was part of the Baltimore Stallions Grey Cup winning squad in 1995 serving as their Offensive Coordinator.

Buratto was Offensive Coordinator for the B.C. Lions in 2003 and 2004 and served in a similar capacity with the Calgary Stampeders in 2005 and 2006. He joined the staff of the Toronto Argonauts serving as Special Teams and Running Backs coach for three seasons. Buratto spent the 2010 season with the Hamilton Tiger Cats serving as Offensive Line Coach and was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the same capacity in 2011.

Buratto’s first Head Coaching experience in the CFL came in 1984 with the Stampeders.
His first exposure to the CFL came in 1980 serving as Offensive Line Coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he spent three seasons. In 1983 he was Defensive Coordinator the B.C. Lions.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in foreign languages and also a Master of Physical Education degree from the University of Idaho. While attending the University of Idaho he played center for the Vandals on the same team that produced fellow Canadian Football greats Jerry (Soupy) Campbell and Don Matthews.

Buratto replaces offensive line coach Rohn Meyer. He will join the team April 16th to be a part of Dinos spring practices. Then rejoin the team full time in August for the 2013 season.

Friday 12 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Shane Richards

Name: Shane Richards
High School: Crescent Heights High School Cowboys (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Hilltoppers

Profile

Three Time Calgary High School All Star at Offensive Line. 2012 Crescent Heights Lineman of the Year.

Coach's Comment

"Shane has a great combination of size and athleticism. He will take some time to develop as a CIS Lineman, but his potential is outstanding."

Highlight Film

Shane Richards Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Boston Rowe

Name: Boston Rowe
High School: St. Francis High School Browns (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Mavericks

Profile

2011 and 2012 Calgary High School Division 1 All Star at Quarterback. St. Francis Browns Team MVP 2012. Quarterback of 2012 U18 Team Alberta.

Coach's Comment

"Boston is a very intelligent football player with a great level of athleticism. We hope he can develop into a great QB."

Highlight Film

Boston Rowe Highlights

Thursday 11 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Abdulazeez (OJ) Ojetola

Name: Abdulazeez (OJ) Ojetola
High School: Centennial High School Coyotes (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Bulldogs

Profile

2012 Calgary High School Division 1 All Star at Defensive Tackle. Nominee for Centennial Coyotes Defensive MVP 2012.

Coach's Comment

"OJ is very strong for a high school player. It is our hope that he will gain the size to match his strength and become a force in the middle of our defense."

Highlight Film

OJ Ojetola Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Iyanu Ojekale


Name: Iyanu Ojekale
High School: Centennial High School Coyotes (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Bulldogs

Profile

2012 Calgary High School Division 1 All Star at Linebacker. Nominee for Centennial Coyotes Defensive MVP 2012.

Coach's Comment

"Ian is a very athletic young man, that we hope will develop into a top level Linebacker for our program. Similar to fellow Centennial Alumni Sam Hurl."

Highlight Film

Iyanu Ojekale Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Cole Fiedler

Name: Cole Fiedler
High School: Catholic Central High School Cougars (Lethbridge, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Taber Rebels

Profile

Running Back for U18 Team Alberta 2012. Two time recipient of the Credico Cup (a team award for excellence on the field and in the classroom).

Coach's Comment

"Cole is a big, strong kid from Southern Alberta, who has great potential and will find a role in our offense."

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Tyrel White

Name: Tyrel White
High School: Chinook High School Coyotes (Lethbridge, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Lethbridge Junior Bulldogs

Profile

2012 Chinook High School Lineman of the Year. Three Year Captain while playing for the Chinook Coyotes.

Coach's Comment

"Tyrel is a big and athletic young man, that we hope will develop into a very good Offensive Lineman for us in the years to come."

Highlight Film

Tyrel White Highlights

Wednesday 10 April 2013

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Tyson Lee

Name: Tyson Lee
High School: Notre Dame Pride (Calgary, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Calgary Mavericks

Profile

Team MVP of 2012 Alberta Division 1 Provincial Champions, Notre Dame Pride. A Calgary High School Division 1 All Star at Linebacker.

Coach's Comment

"Tyson was one of the top defensive players in the Calgary this year. Local talent has been the key to our success and a player like Tyson is one of the keys to our future."

Highlight Film

Tyson Lee Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Adam Laurensse

Name: Adam Laurensse
CJFL Teams: Edmonton Wildcats, Vancouver Island Raiders
High School: Bev Facey Falcons (Sherwood Park, Alberta)

Profile

CJFL interception leader in 2011 and 2012. A two time CJFL All Canadian in 2011 and 2012

Coach's Comment

"Adam is a long, athletic corner with great ball skills. He will be a great addition to secondary in 2013."

Highlight Film

Adam Laurensse Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Adam Konar

Name: Adam Konar
CJFL Team: Langley Rams
High School: Vancouver College Fighting Irish (Vancouver, BC)

Profile

The BCFC Defensive Player of the Year 2012 and a CJFL 2012 All Canadian at Linebacker.

Coach's Comment

"Adam was one of the top players in the CJFL last season, he has the skills to come in and compete immediately for a starting role."

Highlight Film

Adam Konar Highlights

Tuesday 9 April 2013

2013 Dinos Football Schedule

Exhibition

Saturday, Aug. 24 at Laval, Stade Telus-UL

Regular Season

Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 31 at UBC, 3 p.m., Thunderbird Stadium
Week 2: Friday, Sept. 6 at Regina, 7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Saskatchewan, 5 p.m., McMahon Stadium
Week 4: Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Manitoba, 6 p.m., McMahon Stadium
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 28 at Alberta, 5 p.m., Foote Field
Week 6: Friday, Oct. 4 at Saskatchewan, 7 p.m., Griffiths Stadium
BYE: Thanksgiving Weekend
Week 7: Friday, Oct. 18 vs. Regina, 6 p.m., McMahon Stadium 
Week 8: Friday, Oct. 25 vs. UBC, 6 p.m., McMahon Stadium


Playoffs

Canada West Semi-finals: Nov. 1-2

77th Hardy Cup: Saturday, Nov. 9
CIS Mitchell Bowl (Ontario @ Canada West): Saturday, Nov. 16
Vanier Cup: Saturday, Nov. 23, Stade Telus-Université Laval, Quebec City

Calgary Herald Coverage 

Former Dino to Attempt Comeback with Stamps

Former University of Calgary Dino and Indianapolis Colt lineman, Dan Federkeil has been traded to the Calgary Stampeders and is going to attempt a comeback from concussion issues. More information can be found in the articles below.

Calgary Sun Coverage

Calgary Herald Coverage

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Brett Wade

Name: Brett Wade
CJFL Team: Regina Thunder
High School: Miller Comprehensive High School (Regina, Sask)
Minor Football Program: Regina Minor Football Thunder

Profile

Member of 2012 Team Canada Junior and Member of 2013 IFAF Team World at Nose Tackle.

Coach's Comment

"Given our heavy graduation on the defensive line, Brett is a key recruit that we expect will impact our team immediately."

Highlight Film

Brett Wade Highlights

Monday 8 April 2013

Dinos To Host 2013 Team South Bantam Bowl Tryouts

The weekend of April 12-14, the University of Calgary Dinos Football Program will work in conjunction with Football Alberta to host the selection of Team South for the 2013 Bantam Bowl. The top grade 9 football players in Southern Alberta, will come together to be evaluated by the Dinos Staff and Players along with the Football Alberta Team South Staff. This event is a great opportunity for the Dinos Players and Staff to give back to the Southern Alberta football community and get a preview of the stars of tomorrow.

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Connor McGough





Name: Connor McGough
High School: Crescent Heights High School Vikings (Medicine Hat, Alberta)
Minor Football Program: Parkside Pythons

Profile

2012 RFC Offensive Player of Year Nominee. 6'2 230lb running back.

Coach's Comment

"We're thrilled to have Connor join our program. His combination of size and speed is something we have not seen in our backfield before."

Highlight Film

Connor McGough 2012 Highlights

2013 Dinos Recruit Profile: Robert Woodson

Name: Robert Woodson
High School: St. Francis High School Browns
Minor Football Program: Calgary Cowboys

Profile

Robert was a Calgary High School Division 1 All-Star at receiver. He is the younger brother of former Dino All Canadian Tailback Anthony Woodson.

Coach's Comment

"We evaluated Robert as one of the top athletes in the country. He has the potential to impact our team at several positions."

Highlight Film

Robert Woodson 2012 Highlights


Dinos sign with Nike Team


CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos announced Wednesday an agreement that will see varsity and club teams outfitted exclusively in the iconic Nike Swoosh beginning in the 2013-14 season.

The university has entered into a five-year partnership with T. Litzen Sports, the exclusive service provider of the Nike Team program. The extensive agreement brings Nike Team/T. Litzen Sports on as a significant corporate sponsor and will see Nike-branded Dinos products available in the University of Calgary Bookstore, with a portion of sales to be re-invested in supporting Dinos student-athletes.

“This is an exciting day for the Dinos,” said Athletic Director Ron Wuotila. “Our updated identity and our partnership with Nike signify our commitment to enhancing spirit on this campus. This agreement associates the Dinos with one of the world's most well-known brands – one that everyone wants to wear. Not only will this allow Dinos Athletics to present a more professional face to the world, but the comprehensiveness of the agreement will also allow us to consolidate our purchasing power and be much more efficient in how we allocate our resources.”

Nike is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Based in Dundas, ON, T. Litzen Sports is a Canadian leader in athletics supply and the only Nike Team dealer in the country, featuring international NTS status for the stocking and providing of the Nike Team line of products.  The Dinos/Nike partnership will be facilitated through T. Litzen Alberta Territory Manager Chris Marcil.

“T. Litzen Sports in honoured to have been chosen to represent this Nike partnership to the University of Calgary,” said T. Litzen Sports National Sales Manager Ryan Denholm.  “With the excitement around the updated Dinos identity and the level of excellence regularly displayed by Dinos athletes, it is a great time to bring the world's leading sports brand to campus.”

-UC-