Strength Down the Middle

When third year offensive center Sean McEwen was recoginzed as an All-Canadian two weeks ago,  he joined a proud tradition of excellence at the Center position for the University of Calgary Dinos. There have been nine All-Canadian Centers in the history of Dinos Football, with the first coming in 1971.

Wayne Conrad became the first Dino to earn All-Canadian status at Center in 1971. Conrad went on to a successful CFL career and earn All-Star status in 1975 as a pro. He played from 1972-1977 with Montreal.

Rob Ferguson was an All-Canadian center in 1977 for the Dinos. Following graduation he has been employed with the Government of Canada in the citizenship and immigration department. His father, Les Ferguson, was one of the founders of the Calgary Bantam Football Association and a former Calgary Booster Club Sportsman of the Year. 

Cam Hodgson earned All-Canadian honours in the middle of the offensive line for the 1984 Dinos. Cam is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Edge School, a private school located just outside of Calgary. Cam was a starting member on the 1983 and 1985 Vanier Cup Championship teams that were inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. 

Paul Kerber earned All-Canadian status in 1988 for the Dinos. He was a member of a special group that earned three All-Canadian spots, this group also featured guard Paul Carson and tackle Cam Sackschewsky. Paul has coached many future Dinos in his role as a local high school coach.

Barkley Andersen became the fifth offensive center to garner all-Canadian recognition as a Dinos in 1998. He started at center as a sophomore on the Calgary’s last National Championship team in 1995. Personally having his best season in 1998, when he received this honor. Barkley is currently employed in the oil and gas industry in Calgary.

Evan Haney a member of the 2004 Dinos earned a CIS second team All-Canadian selection. A five year starter Evan received his PhD. in Biochemistry from the University of Calgary. He is now a post-doctoral fellow at UBC. Evan was also an Academic All-Canadian during his tenure at the University of Calgary.

Tim O’Neill was a first team All-Canadian Center in 2007 for the Dinos. He has followed this up with a successful professional career at Center in the CFL. He was the starting Center this season for the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Tim earned a Grey Cup ring with the Calgary Stampeders in 2008 and holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary.

Quinn McCaughan was twice named an All-Canadian while playing Center for the Dinos. A five year starter at U of C, Quinn was named an All- Canadian in 2011 and 2012. He graduated in the spring of 2013 with an Arts Degree.

Sean McEwen joined the Dinos from Notre Dame High School in Calgary in 2011. By the second game of the 2011 season, Sean was starting at guard for the Dinos. His impressive rookie campaign, lead to his being the Dinos nominee for the Peter Gorman Trophy in 2011. Sean played the 2012 season at guard and was the only returning starter along the offensive line returning to the Dinos in 2013. New Offensive Line coach Steve Buratto thought it was best to move Sean to Center, the 2013 season proved that was a great decision. Sean was a conference All-Star, All-Canadian and the team’s nominee for CanWest Lineman of the Year. He was a great offensive leader for the young Dinos in 2013 and will push the group to come back better in 2014.

The success of the Calgary Dinos over the years can be attributed to many factors. After looking at this group, one would have to say strength down the middle, has been a big part of it.