FORMER DINO MIKE EDEM NOMINATED FOR PAIR OF CFL AWARDS:

Former Dinos linebacker Mike Edem’s fabulous rookie season with the Montreal Alouettes is being recognized.

The 6’1”, 200 lbs.  Edem is the Alouettes nominee not only for the Rookie of the Year but also Canadian Player of the Year.

A native of Brampton, ON., Edem was selected in the first round (3^rd overall)  by the Montreal. He gained a starting spot at free safety during training camp and has been a fixture in Montreal’s starting defence since the opening game.

With one game remaining in the regular Canadian Football League season, Edem has recorded 46 solo tackles on defence and another eight on special teams. In addition he has been a ball hawk on defence with three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and has recorded five quarterback sacks.

Mike joined the Alouettes directly from the Dinos where he played two seasons, one in the secondary and last year at linebacker. He started his CIS career at McGill University and red-shirted due to the transfer rule in 2010.

In 2012 Edem was the Canada West Conference President’s Award nominee for the defensive player of the year, leading the Conference with 55 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for a loss. Earning Conference all-star honours but somehow did not receive all-Canadian status.

Mike plans on returning to the University of Calgary in the winter semester to complete his degree requirements.

The Dinos are extremely proud of Mike’s accomplishments in his rookie season as a professional as he serves as an inspiration to current members of the program.

Like Father, Like Son. Part Two

Defensive back Hunter Turnbull and Linebacker Tanner Doll are following their father’s paths on the football field. They are however taking a different route, than their fathers, in playing for the Dinos.

Hunter Turnbull is a defensive back just like his father, Bill. But unlike Bill, he chose to be a Dino, rather than attend Wilfrid Laurier University. Bill was a starting Defensive Halfback for legendary coach Tuffy Knight and the Golden Hawks in the mid-1970’s. Following his college career Bill played professionally in the Canadian Football League for three seasons with Toronto and Hamilton. Bill is now a successful businessman in Calgary.

Hunter as a true freshman in 2012 dressed for every game and started in the Mitchell Bowl. In 2013, Hunter has started every game at Free Safety. A graduate of Henry Wisewood High School in Calgary, Hunter was a multi-sport athlete and a member of the Alberta Provincial Football Team in 2010 and 2011.

“Calgary was home, I liked the program and the school,” states Hunter who was heavily recruited in his senior year receiving offers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, UBC in Canada West as well as many Ontario schools, including Laurier.

Tanner Doll is also playing the same position, Linebacker, his father played. Garrett patrolled the middle for the Alberta Golden Bears under Head Coach Jim Donlevy from 1981-84. Garret was a three year starter for the Golden Bears and a Conference All-Star. He was a member of the Alberta team that lost in the 1981 Vanier Cup. Garret was selected in the second round (11^th overall) in the 1985 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. He played three seasons for the Stamps before embarking on a teaching career that has taken him to China and eventually back to St. Albert, Alberta where he is now a principal.

Like Hunter, Tanner was heavily recruited coming out of High School in St. Albert, especially by the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“I came to Calgary because I wanted to play for Blake Nill,” Doll states, “but I did have pressure from the community to stay at Alberta,” Doll admits whose father coached him throughout his youth and High School career.

Before joining the Dinos, Tanner was a member of the Alberta Provincial Team for two years and also played for Team Canada Junior. After seeing limited action as a freshman, Tanner starts at middle linebacker and is the long snapper in 2013.

Both Hunter and Tanner are proud to be Dinos, even though their parents played for outstanding coaches and other programs in the CIS.

Like Father, Like Son

People always say the “chips don’t fall from the tree”, such is the case with the 2013 edition of the Dinos football program. Four current players are following their football dreams playing for the same CIS team their father did, while another’s parents played other sports at the University of Calgary.

Let’s take a look at the second generation players that are members of this year’s team and flashback to the accomplishments of their father at the same time.

Quarterback Andrew Buckley is following in the steps of father both academically and athletically. Andrew’s father is Dr. Richard Buckley, who played tight end or slotback with the Dinosaurs as they were known then from 1977 through 1979. Andrew excels academically as his did his father, who retired from football to pursue medical studies. Richard attended Springbank High while Andrew attended Rundle earning a provincial championship in his final two years. He was an Academic All-Canadian the past two years. Richard was a member of the 1977 team that lost in what is now the Mitchell Bowl Final.

Linebacker Thomas Spoletini is also following the path of dad, Tom. A fourth year linebacker, Thomas was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders this past year. Thomas has been a member of three Conference Championship teams (2009, 2011, and 2012). His father, Tom is active with the Dinos 5^th Quarter and was a four year starter at offensive tackle for the Dinosaurs from 1981-84. Tom earned a Vanier Cup ring in 1983 and a part of two Conference Championship teams in 1983 and 1984 and was a Conference all-star in 1984. Tom played professionally with the Stamps for six years and is one of the founders of Spolumbos. Tomas attended Rundle High School while his father is a graduate of St. Francis.

Red-shirt freshman linebacker Carson Stambene is the son two time Vanier Cup Champion running back Joe Stambene. Joe was a member of the 1983 and 1985 National Championship teams. Not a starter, Joe was one of the most intense specialty team players and a solid back up running back during his career, bringing a high intensity level each time he strapped on the pads. Joe is currently employed by the Calgary Separate School Board at St. Francis High School.

Defensive lineman Matt Carson is playing on the opposite side of the football his father, Paul, patrolled in the mid-1980’s. A second year player from Kelowna, Matt’s father Paul was a member of the 1985 and 1988 National Championship teams. Paul earned all-Conference honours and was a 2^nd team all-Canadian offensive guard in 1988. Paul remained active with the program coaching the offensive line for several years including the 1995 when the Dinos were Vanier Cup Champions and has assisted as a guest coach over the years at spring training camp. 

Freshman offensive guard Ryan Sceviour’s parents were not football players with the Dinos but have strong ties to the program. Ryan’s mother, Cheryl (Curda) Sceviour was a starting member of the 1989 National Championship women’s volleyball team, while his father, Todd played five seasons for the Dinos hockey team in the 1980’s.

As one can see their parents were winners with the Dinos, their sons are working very hard in 2013 to match this success.

Timmis in the Record Books

The the Dinos game last Friday nite against the Regina Rams. Running Back Mercer Timmis made Canada West Football history, scoring his 18th touchdown of the regular season. The record was previously held by Dinos great receiver Don Blair. There is little chance of Timmis,with one only one game remaining, will break the national record of 26 touchdowns, set by St. FX Running Back Paul Brule in 1966.

Badlands a Success

This past Friday, the Dinos 5th Quarter Alumni organization held the Badlands pre/post game tailgate. The event was attended by over 100 alumni, family and friends. One friend of the Dinos that stopped by for the Badlands, was Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. The Dinos next home game is this Friday, October 25th against the UBC Thunderbirds. The 5th Quarter will once again be hosting the Badlands event at the Red and White Club. Hope to see you there.

2013 Recruiting Class Having Huge Impact for #3 Dinos

So far this season the #3 Calgary Dinos have had 11 members of their 2013 recruiting class, contribute to their on field success. In various roles as starters, back ups and special teamers, this impressive young group has helped the Dinos to a 6-0 record.

Here is a look at how this group has contributed so far this season:

Adam Laurensse - CB (Edmonton Wildcats, VI Raiders, Bev Facey)
6 GP 6 GS 21.5 Tackles 1 Tackle for Loss 3 Interceptions 3 Break Ups 6 Passes Defended
Canada West Defensive Player of the Week 1 2013

Brett Wade - NT (Regina Thunder, Miller Composite)
6 GP 6 GS 12 Tackles 2.5 Tackles for Loss 2.5 Sacks 1 Fumble Recovery
Canada West Defensive Player of the Week 2 2013

Rashaun Simonise - WR/KR (Vancouver College)
6 GP 6 GS 28 Catches for 419 Yards and 1 Touchdown 701 All Purpose Yards

Iyanu Ojekale - LB (Centennial, Calgary)
6 GP 2 GS 6.5 Tackles 1.5 Tackles for Loss

Brad Friesen - LB (Jasper Place)
6 GP 7 Tackles

Robert Woodson - DB/KR (St. Francis)
4 GP 2 GS 7 Tackles 114 Return Yards

Andrew Driusso - OG/NT (Calgary Colts, Notre Dame)
6 GP 1 GS 3.5 Tackles

Ryan Sceviour - OG (Bowness)
3 GP 2 GS

Brendon Thera-Plamondon - WR (St. Albert)
6 GP Special Teamer

Jack McEwen - NT (Notre Dame, Calgary)
3 GP 1 Tackle

Connor McGough - RB (Cresent Heights, Medicine Hat)
2 GP Special Teamer

Symons 8th Dino to Play for Alouettes in 2013

Dinos Nose Tackle Josh Symons, has been moved from the practice roster to the active roster for the Montreal Alouettes. On Thanksgiving Monday, Josh will be on the field with the Alouettes as they face the Blue Bombers. Good Luck Josh!!

Dinos Visit Hanna

During their recent road trip to Saskatoon, the Dinos visited the Nill family ranch and held their pre game practice at J.C. Charyk School in Hanna. The players enjoyed the experience of seeing where Coach Nill grew up.

Sportsnet U: Can the Dinos Win Outisde the West?

Sportsnet U report Justin Dunk, looks at the possibility of the Dinos having success beyond Canada West in 2013. Link to the article below.

Sportsnet U Article

Timmis and Mark CanWest Players of the Week.

After impressive performances in the dominant victory over U of A, this past weekend. Johnny Mark and Mercer Timmis were named CanWest Special Teams and Offensive Players of the Week.

Dinos Move up to #3

With a dominant victory over the Golden Bears and some losses in the OUA and Q, the Calgary Dinos have moved up to #3 in the CIS top ten this week.