LOCAL FOOTBALL PLAYER RETURNS TO CALGARY TO SUIT UP FOR THE DINOS:

After spending the last two years playing for William T. Dwyer Panthers in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Jordan Sylvestre is returning to back to where he started playing football.

Sylvestre was the starting offensive center on the Panthers team that captured the Florida 7A Championship posting an unbeaten season. The Calgary product also played considerably along the defensive line, enough to be a two-way starter much of the season and was one of the team’s captains.

“He is a very intelligent young man and could play both sides of the football for us,” states Dinos Head Coach Blake Nill. “He played against very good competition in an outstanding program,” stated Nill of the 6’1”, 285 lbs. Sylvestre.

An excellent student academically, Jordan will enrol in the Faculty of Kinesiology with hopes of pursuing a medical career. Sylvestre had recruiting visits to James Madison, Princeton, and Leigh Universities in the United States. He was heavily recruited by various Canadian schools including Western Ontario, Queens and Laval.

Sylvestre played bantam football in Calgary with the Hilltoppers organization, winning a City Championship. Jordan then spent one season with Notre Dame Pride in Grade 10 winning a city title before moving to Florida with his family.

“I have a bond with several of the guys already on the team,” stated Sylvestre who was a teammate of linebacker Tyson Lee, the McEwan brothers (Sean and Jack) and Jimmy Underdahl with the Hilltoppers and Notre Dame. In addition to these connections in the locker room,  Sylvestre has many family members still residing in the Calgary area.

“It was a total team effort in the recruitment of Jordan,” stated Nill, referring to role played by recruitment coordinator Matt Berry, academic advisor Sandra Wigg, and the Dinos 5^th Quarter.

“I am looking forward to getting on the field and am excited to be a part of the Dinos program,” Sylvestre stated. The Dinos exhibition trip to Laval at the end of August will serve as a great opportunity for Jordan to be introduced to CIS football.

FOUR DINOS PERFORM WELL AT CFL REGIONAL COMBINE

On Monday March 17, 2014 the CFL Regional Combine took place in Edmonton and four Dinos were looking to impress a gathering of CFL scouts. Those participating were, RB Cuong Thai-Lieu, QB Eric Dzwilewski, LB Doc Cassama and K Johnny Mark.

 

The following table shows their testing results:

 

2014 Edmonton Regional Combine Results
Name	Bench	40-Yard	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
Eric Dzwilewski	DNP	4.79	32.50"	9'8.00"	7.24	4.5
Cuong Thai-Lieu	17	4.71	36.50"	10'5.00"	7.17	4.48
Doctor Cassama	16	4.91	35.00"	9'9.50"	7.16	4.78
John Mark	1	5.06	35.50"	9'5.25"	7.46	4.75

 

These performances were highlighted by a showcase of Dinos Speed,  Cuong Thai-Lieu ran the fastest 40 yard dash of the day and Quarterback Eric Dzwilewski ran the third fastest time of the day in that event.

 

From this combine it is likely that only, Kicker Johnny Mark will be drafted from this group of Dinos. Dzwilewski and Cassama are ineligible for the draft as they are classed as import players, being from the USA and Sweden, respectively. As for Thai-Lieu, he will be challenged to get a shot at the next level as he does not fit the mold of what most CFL teams are looking for in a Canadian Running Back. 

None of the Dinos present were invited to the main combine in Toronto this weekend, but the Dinos will be repesented by H-Back Mac Sarro at this event.

CFL.CA DOES FEATURE ON NATE COEHOORN

The CFL journey of former Dinos Receiver Nate Coehoorn is outlined in a feature article on cfl.ca.

CFL.CA Article

TRIO OF OUTSTANDING GRADUATES FROM HENRY WISEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL COMMIT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY:

As has been the case the past several years, the University of Calgary Dinos will have strong flavour of graduates from the Henry WiseWood Warriors of the Calgary High School Athletic Association.

Defensive halfback Andrew Britton, linebacker James Gaetz, and receiver Isaiah McLellan will join the six-time defending Canada West Champions for the 2014 season. All three played key roles in leading their High School team to the Alberta Provincial Championship Game in 2013.

Britton, Gaetz, and McLellan join a long list of outstanding players who have recently made the move from Henry WiseWood to the University of Calgary. Recent WiseWood graduates to play for the Dinos include current defensive halfback-safety Hunter Turnbull and current slotback Jake Harty, as well as former players Richard Snyder (slotback), Wyatt Getty (safety), and cornerback Michael Lau.

Britton, 5’11”, 185 lbs., was regarded as one of the premier defensive backs in Alberta last year and decided to attend Calgary over the University of Alberta. He hopes to follow in the tradition of outstanding secondary players that have joined the Dinos from WiseWood under Coach Cody Ehrmann. Andrew was his team’s nominee for the Harry Hood Memorial Award for the top player in Division I Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association combining football and academics last year. He also has a wealth of experience on various Provincial teams. He was a member of Team Alberta at the Canada Cup in 2012 and 2013. Andrew hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Gaetz was one of the two graduating High School players to choosen participate in the 68^th annual Montana East West Shrine football game to be held in Laurel, MT., on July 19, 2014. The 5’10”, 200 lbs. Getz was regarded as one of the premier linebackers in High School football in Canada and chose the Dinos despite being recruited by numerous other CIS schools.

McLellan is a promising receiver who has potential to be a solid player in Canada West. The 6’1”, 194 lbs. McLellan chose the Dinos as wanted to remain at home and attend university in Calgary where he plans on taking courses in Education aspiring to become a teacher. Isaiah hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Wise Wood receivers Snyder and Harty and contribute to the Dinos offense in the future.

On the addition of Andrew, Isaiah and James, Head Coach Blake Nill had the following to say, “We are very happy to add three of the top high school players in Calgary. In my time in here at Calgary, WiseWood has provided us with a number of top players, it is my hope these young men develop the same way.”

THREE DINOS NAMED TO 2014 TEAM CANADA JUNIOR

One current Dinos and two future Dinos, were named the roster of the 2014 Junior National Team for Canada. Offensive Lineman Ryan Sceviour who played for the Dinos in 2013 and recruits Defensive Lineman Joel VanPelt and Linebacker Micah Teitz. Congrats to all three young men and good luck a the tournament this summer.

Full Team Canada Junior Roster