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.