FROM OFFENSE TO DEFENCE TO ALL-CANADIAN:

Sometimes making a change is for the better. For a pair of University of Calgary Dinos moving from the offensive side of the ball, to the defensive side has been rewarding. The coaching staff, the team, and the players involved reaped the benefits of the change. This change saw Halfback Elie Bouka and Defensive End Connor McGough, earn Second Team All-Canadian recognition in 2014.

Elie Bouka started his career with the Dinos as a wide receiver and kick returner but moved to defensive back in late 2013. Connor McGough began his career as a fullback and is now a mainstay on the defensive line at end. Both were named to the Canada West all-star team earlier this month. This was followed up last Thursday, but them both being named to the Second Team All-Canadian Defensive Unit.

“Both Elie and Connor were able to make the transition to the other side of the ball. It shows that we are committed to get the best athletes on the field,” states Dinos Head Coach Blake Nill, “but most importantly reflects the hard work Connor and Elie did to make the transition. It is a testament to their efforts on and off the field,” Nill added.

“Midway through last year I told the coaches I wanted to play defence,” stated Bouka. The coaching staff thought about it and the speedy Bouka donned a different color practice jersey.

Bouka did not play two ways in High School. It was his offensive talents, athleticism, and speed that got the attention of the Dinos and lead to the 6’1”, 205 lbs. graduate of CEGEP Montmorency, heading west.

“I was looking for a new challenge. I owe a lot Coach Marcello Rapini and the coaches who put me in and allowed me to contribute to the team,” states Bouka.

Bouka emerged as one of the top Halfbacks in the Conference starting all eight games recording 13 solo tackles, one interception and two break ups. The third year Arts student from Laval, Quebec had two interceptions in the Dinos 56-0 Conference semi-final win over the University of Regina Rams.

“Elie has been very focussed and hard working as well as being very committed on the field and in the film room,” states defensive secondary coach Rapini, “with each repetition at defensive back Elie got better.”

The change for McGough was less dramatic. The second year graduate of Medicine Hat Crescent Heights played defensive line in High School as well as running back. The Dinos had Anthony Andersen, Bryce Harper, and Mac Sarro at fullback and with all-star Tyler Langlais sidelined with a knee injury incurred in the 2013 Vanier Cup loss to Laval, a void existed at defensive end.

Enter McGough. “I asked to play defence and wanted to show the coaches I could do play the position and help the team” stated the 6’2”, 250 lbs. Sciences student who saw limited action as a freshman in 2013.

McGough was more than a pleasant surprise. Dressing for all eight Conference games Connor finished second in the league with quarterback sacks in his first year on defence.

“Connor has played exceptionally well for us. He wants to get better, has great speed and is highly motivated,” states defensive line coach and former Canadian Football League player Kent Warnock.

Both Connor and Elie, show that hard work and athleticism will find a place on the football field no matter what side of the ball they line up. They will be focused on improving their game this off season in hopes of First Team All-Canadian status and a Vanier Cup victory in 2015.

GENERATIONAL LINEBACKERS WITH THE DINOS

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s University of British Columbia’s Kevin Konar and University of Alberta’s Garrett Doll were nemesis to the offenses for the University of Calgary Dinos. They often saved their best games for those against the Scarlet & Gold.

Konar and Doll were key middle linebackers as their teams won Conference titles and played in Vanier Cups. Konar was on the UBC team that lost 16-3 to Queen’s in the 1978 Vanier Cup. Doll was on the losing side for Alberta in the 1981 Vanier Cup, when they fell 18-12 to Acadia. Both went on to careers in the Canadian Football League and much success following football.  Garret Doll is a High School principal in St. Albert while Kevin Konar earned his MBA and is an Associate Portfolio Manager with RBC Dominion Securities in North Vancouver.

Their sons, Adam Konar and Tanner Doll, are starting middle linebackers, not with their father’s Alma Maters, but with the University of Calgary, a school that their fathers battled against during their distinguished collegiate careers, three decades ago.

Former University of Calgary head football Coach Mike Lashuk has the upmost respect for Adam’s and Garret’s fathers remembering them vividly coaching against them.

“Both Kevin Konar and Garrett Doll were fabulous players in the league,” recalls former Dinos head coach Mike Lashuk. He now enjoys watching their sons plays for his team at McMahon Stadium in 2014.

After a stellar career at UBC that saw him earn three Conference all-star honours and two-time All-Canadian status, Kevin Konar was drafted fifth overall in the 1980 CFL Draft. Kevin went on to have a great professional career with the BC Lions earning all-Canadian honours at linebacker in 1985 and 1987. In a 10-year career Konar played in 162 games for the Lions.

Doll spent four years at the University of Alberta earning unanimous Conference all-star recognition in 1984. Doll’s career, although not as lengthy as Konar’s, was productive. Garret was selected 11th overall by the Calgary Stampeders playing three solid years for the Stamps from 1985-87 before retiring from the game.

“I was aware how good my father was but he was pretty humble about it,” states Adam. Both Konars attended Vancouver College and excelled at the high school level. “He coached me through community ball and up to Grade 10,” recalls Adam. In speaking about his father’s accomplishments, Adam states, “everywhere he (Kevin) played he has been recognized for his great play.” Kevin has been inducted into the Vancouver College Hall of Fame, the BC Lions Ring of Honour and UBC Athletic Hall of Fame. Adam remains in constant contact with his father about football. “We speak before and after most games,” Adam states.

Tanner Doll is also aware of his father’s pedigree. “My Dad does not talk about his career but I know he flew around out on the field and was pretty good,” states Tanner who wears number 40, the same number his father donned for the Stampeders.

Like Adam, Tanner played for his father in youth football but unlike Adam, Tanner had his father for his High School coach at St. Albert Catholic High School.

“I could not have played at this level if not for my father,” states Tanner referring to the fact that he did not start football until he was 11 as their family was residing in China where his parents taught school before eventually settling back in St. Albert.  

Adam was recruited out of High School by Coach Blake Nill but chose to spend his initial year from High School at UBC. A Day one starter for the Thunderbirds at linebacker as a freshman, Adam squared off against the Dinos when UBC lost in the Canada West Final in 2011. Konar spent the following season with the Langley Rams of British Columbia Junior Football League. He transferred Calgary in 2013 but missed last year with a knee injury incurred in the Spring Camp with the Dinos.

“I wanted to stay close to home initially but my father knew Coach Nill and felt it would be good for me to come to Calgary,” states Konar. “The coaching and the school are really good,” stated Konar who led the Dinos recording 34 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles despite missing the first game of the season against the University of Alberta.

Doll, a fourth year Communications student was recruited by the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as Calgary.

“My father was involved with the recruiting process. He felt this was the best spot for me and I have not regretted the decision,” states Doll who also serves as the team’s long snapper.

Both Konar and Doll have praise for their linebacker coach Wayne Harris, son of the legendary Calgary Stampeders Hall of Fame player, Wayne Harris.

“Other than my father, Coach Harris is the only other coach I have played for. He is awesome,” states Doll who recorded 17 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles in eight Conference games. Konar agrees, stating “the coaching here has been great.”

Both Adam and Tanner want to achieve something their dads did not achieve during the college careers, a Vanier Cup Championship. Tanner started in the 2013 Vanier Cup against Laval as the Dinos came up on the short end of 25-14 score. 

FROM SOUTHERN ALBERTA TO STARTING ON THE DEFENSIVE LINE:

Between the two of them they have a year of experience at post-secondary football when the season started. Now they are mainstays on the defensive line, playing in a rotation for the University of Calgary Dinos. Both are graduates of the strong football programs in cities outside of Calgary. Sophomore defensive end Connor McGough and freshman defensive end Joel Van Pelt hail from Medicine Hat and Lethbridge respectively.

McGough saw limited action last year on the offensive side of the football and special teams as the Dinos advanced to the Vanier Cup championship. In the offseason he was moved to the defensive side of the football at the start of spring camp, a position he played in High School.

Van Pelt, a freshman has dressed for all but one Conference game as an 18 year old. One of the prized recruits coming out of High School in Western Canada, Joel gained a wealth of experience playing for Team Canada.

“I asked to play defence and show the coaches what I could do,” states McGough. “I am thankful that I am getting more playing time and have adjusted quickly,” stated the Crescent Heights graduate. Statistics show that. Connor finished second in the Conference with four quarterback sacks, while collecting16 solo tackles, six assisted tackles including a pair of tackles for losses and one pass breakup.

“He more than held is own in that game against experienced players from Laval,” recalled defensive line Coach Kent Warnock, when speaking about the performance of rookie Joel Van Pelt.

“I am so fortunate to go up against great offensive linemen like Sukh (Chung) and our tackles (Braden Schram and Jordan Fillipelli) in practice. They are awesome and make me better,” states Van Pelt, who was the team’s nominee for the Peter Gorman Trophy as the top freshman in Canada West.

“The more games I play the more experience I get,” Van Pelt states who recorded six solo tackles, four assisted tackles and one pass breakup. He also had two tackles for losses.

Kent Warnock has been impressed with his two young defensive ends, “Joel has great size and length for a young player and has a great upside. He has taken a regular turn in our rotation. You can tell he has had good coaching when he came here.” In speaking about McGough, Kent think,  “Connor has excellent speed for a player with his size, and is highly motivated to succeed.”

Both Van Pelt are McGough are grateful to have someone as knowledgeable Kent Warnock coaching them. “It’s awesome to have someone with his knowledge, coaching me and trying to improve my technique,” acknowledges McGough. Van Pelt states, “Kent helps me so much with my technique and helps me get better daily.” The pair will be a key to the defensive success for many years to come.

Reflections on the 1983 Vanier Cup

You started the season 0-2 in what was the Western Intercollegiate Football League and then managed to win eight straight games and capture the Vanier Cup with a new Head Coach. What turned the season around and when were you confident that you could perhaps win the Conference title?

The fact it was Peter’s (Connellan) first year took everyone time to gel. There was no panic from the coaches, the system did not change and we found our way. We knew we had talent on both sides of the football. When we ran off four straight wins we knew we would be in the mix in our Conference that was so tough.

What is your memory the events surrounding the Vanier Week festivities in 1983?

I was in Toronto the year before for the nomination for the Hec Crighton but it was special to have the entire team with me in 1983. I remember the warm up and throng of Queens fans entering the stadium. We knew we were in a hostile environment that was very collegiate. I remember they (Vanier Cup organizing committee) did a very good job staging the events we attended, it was first-class.

What was the pressure during the week and going into the game against Queens with you being the University of Calgary’s first Hec Crighton Trophy winner and trying to win the school’s first ever Vanier Cup?

I do not remember feeling the pressure but was comfortable with the people I was surrounded with. We were very good friends and knew if everyone played well we would be fine. It was a very novel situation so I enjoyed every minute of it.

What is your fondest memory of the Vanier Cup win over Queens?

The last touchdown drive that put us in front is a lasting memory. What was very special was having our families down there (Toronto). The event that University put on afterwards made it very special for the players and families.

You led the entire game by a large margin until Queens recovered a punt fumble to go ahead before your game winning touchdown drive what is your recollection of that drive and how confident were you could take lead back?

I remember everyone being calm. We went into that drive with just over three minutes remaining. No one was in panic mode. There was a concern that we missed on some drives to score touchdowns instead of field goals. We knew what we needed to get the game won.

What do you remember of the celebrations once you returned home with the Vanier Cup?

We all were surprised by the media coverage and the engagement from the city as a whole. It was great fun to be treated so well by everyone. The entire community was behind us.

Explain the bond that currently exists to this day between the players and parents from the 1983 Vanier Cup Championship team?

We all went on, got married and raised families and have our careers. My wedding party was three players from that team. We have gone on to give something back to the community and the program. The combination of personalities and success basically is the bond that ties everyone together for such a long period of time. The entire group, players, coaches, and support staff remains a special group, very special even after all these years.

What did the Vanier Cup win do for you inside and outside of football?

Inside of football it created a chance for me to go to the next level, outside the name recognition allowed me to go into business. There was an element of trust when I showed up to meet someone I did not know that created opportunity for me that would not have been there if I had the 1983 season.

What did you after your varsity career?

Greg went on to play five years in the Canadian Football League. In 1984 he became a starting quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders winning six games. He graduated with BComm and Law degrees from the University of Calgary. He operates an oil and gas company in Calgary with his father that he still is involved with today.  He served as Offensive Coordinator for the Dinos for five years under Head Coach Blake Nill. Greg remains extremely active with the Dinos football alumni (Dinos 5^th Quarter) serving as their President giving back to program. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the University of Calgary Athletic Hall of Fame and along with his teammates are members of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame along with the 1983 and 1985 Vanier Cup Championship teams.

Reflections on the 1985 Vanier Cup

What is your fondest memory of your Vanier Cup win in 1985?

Winning the game, basically shutting them (Western Ontario) out except for the first drive. It was my last college game and a good way to end my college career with the guys I played with for four years.

What was the difference between winning in 1983 and winning again in 1985?

In 1983 the focus was on our offense with Greg Vavra, Tim Petros and our offensive unit.  We had such a prolific offensive attack, but this team was built on defense. Field conditions were poor so defense was so important in the 1985. 

The Dinosaurs were just 2-2 at the midway point of the 1985 season then went unbeaten the rest of the way outscoring their opponents in the playoffs by huge margins including the Freezer Bowl against Carleton Ravens in Calgary. What turned the season around?

We had a veteran team and were motivated after what happened in 1984 when we had such a great team coming up short at Guelph after winning in 1983. We wanted to go out on top as many of us were in our final year of school. Our conference was really tough that year. We went 6-2 but some of our wins were really close games.

Describe the feeling of winning two Vanier Cups in the span of three years?

Simply an awesome feeling with great friendships of the guys we had from 1983. In 1983 I was in my first year as a starter and only in my second year with the team. In 1985 I was a senior with experience.

After Western Ontario scored on their initial drive of the game, they never made it beyond your 45 yard line for the remainder of the game, how confident were you in your defence?

We knew we had a great defense with a solid front seven and great secondary. All the media attention was on them in the Ontario press. I believe, their quarterback Samways was the All-Canadian so we knew to be ready, and had confidence our defence would be able to stop them. We were not fazed at all after the first drive. We blocked the convert and took it from there. We had great experienced coaches such Peter Connellan and Rick Coleman and just reloaded. Darcy Kopp anchored our secondary and Wade Buteau was an awesome middle linebacker, both were experienced leaders and players.

What is your fondest memory of the trip home?

Having the Vanier Cup next me on the plane ride was awesome. Somehow I wound up with it and a picture of that was on the front page of the Calgary Herald.

How did winning the Vanier Cup affect your professional career in football and your career after football?

It had a great influence. I had the opportunity to go the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp and was a final cut. Playing in big games definitely helped my experience in so many ways. I was fortunate to be on two Vanier Cup Championship teams and two Grey Cup Championship teams in football which is a total team sport.  

How do you remain in touch with the players that you played with on those two Championship teams?|

I look back at the bond of friendships I had made with the teammates. We are still friends with many of those guys. The bulk of our guys were local players and southern Alberta players. Our parents were close and we remain close after these years. We see other around town all the time and with myself coaching I see lots of the guys. A couple of their sons now play for us.

What are you doing now?

I am defensive line coach with the Dinos and work for a medical device company BSN that manufactures medical products. Football helped me get the job because of the creditability as a patient and one of the products we sold was casts. I took the career from there. Never come across any situation in business where the honesty you get from film with your peers, good or bad, makes you accountable. Kent was drafted first overall in the Canadian Football League Draft in 1986 and had tryout with Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League and was one of their last cuts. He also played in the prestigious East West Shrine game. He joined the Calgary Stampeders and later played for the BC Lions winning Grey Cups with both teams. He was CFL all-Canadian in 1990.