Dinos Place 23 on CFL Rosters as Camps Open

With the open of the 2014 CFL season, there are 23 Dinos fighting for roster spots in camps across the country. There is at least one Dino on every roster across the league this season. The most Dinos once again are concentrated on the roster of the Montreal Alouettes, there are 8 of them in camp this year. Participating in the Calgary Stampeders Camp, is Dinos quarterback Andrew Buckley, this allows Andrew to gain exposure the the next level, before returning for his senior season. Listed below is where you can find all your Dinos in the CFL this season.

BC Lions:
Kirby Fabien - OL
Tom Spoletini - LB

Edmonton Eskimos:
Nate Coehoorn - REC

Calgary Stampeders:
Matt Walter - RB
Anthony Parker - REC
Dan Federkeil - OL

Saskatchewan Roughriders:
Sam Hurl - LB
Johnny Mark - K

Winnipeg Blue Bombers:
Paul Swiston - OL

Hamilton Tiger Cats:
Tim O'Neill - OL
Carson Rockhill - OL

Toronto Argonauts:
Anthony Woodson - RB

Ottawa Red Blacks:
Jordon Verdone - LB
James Green - HB
Alex Krausnick-Groh - OL

Montreal Alouettes:
Chris Dobko - REC
Jamahl Knowles - DB
Mike Edem - DB
Mike Klassen - DL
Jerod Zaleski - LS
Steven Lumbala - RB
Josh Symons - DL
Mac Sarro - HB

DINOS FRESHMAN PLAYER WINS PRESTIGIOUS CALGARY ITALIAN CLUB SCHOLARSHIP:

University of Calgary receiver Giancarlo Spoletini was the recipient of one of the Calgary Italian Sports Club scholarships that were award last week at the 52^nd annual Calgary Italian Sportsman’s Dinner that featured Fox Sports announcer Joe Buck as they keynote speaker.

Spoletini is currently completing his Grade 12 at Rundle College. He will enter the University of Calgary this coming fall and study Economics. To receive a scholarship from the Calgary Italian Club the individual must have academic requirements, displayed a level of sportsmanship, with his parents or grandparents being of Italian heritage. He is the son of former University of Calgary fullback Tony Spoletini who started on the 1983 and 1985 Vanier Cup Championship teams.

Over the years many outstanding players for the Dinos have been the recipients of awards from the Calgary Italian Club. Current players with the Dinos that are past recipients are linebacker Carson Stambene and receiver Michael Klukas, while Giancarlo’s cousin, Thomas Spoletini was a recipient in 2009. Spoletini graduated from the Dinos this past year and will attend the BC Lions Training Camp at the end of the month.

Senior Bowl Recap 2014

This past Monday Football Alberta held the 25th Annual North South Senior Bowl. The North Team emerged victorious 14-10. There were eight future Dinos on the roster of the South Team, QB Bailey Wasdal (MCLA), REC Will Maxwell (St. Francis), REC Isaiah McLellan (Wisewood), LB James Gaetz (Wisewood), DB Andrew Britton (Wisewood), DB Aaron Statz (ND), DB Nick Statz (ND), and DB Kendrick Ankamah (MCLA). Aaron Statz of Notre Dame in Calgary was named the Defensive MVP of the South Team. Aaron blocked two kicks in the game, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown. Congrats to all those future Dinos that participated.

Spring Camp 2014: Win the Yard

Offence and Defence battle for bragging rights during a cold Saturday of Spring Camp.

Spring Camp Report Final

The University of Calgary Dinos concluded their five day 2014 Spring Camp with an intersquad scrimmage at Hellard Field on Sunday afternoon. With the exception of the first practice, once again the weather was less than ideal with constant wet snow and drizzle throughout the afternoon.

Veteran inside receiver Jake Harty did not participate in the final couple of days of the camp due to an injury and wanted to be in ideal condition for the East West Bowl that is being held this week in London, On. Joining Harty for the trip to the East West Bowl will be offensive linemen Sukh Chungh and Sean McEwen.

“Given the weather conditions throughout the camp, I was impressed by the effort and tempo that the players had. The challenge now will be for everyone to work hard over the summer to get ready for two days in August,” states Head Coach Blake Nill who left immediately after the camp to serve as Head Coach for the West team in London.

Unfortunately defensive lineman Eric Egan suffered a serious knee injury during the scrimmage. Egan was having an excellent camp after being red-shirted last season.

New players that impressed from outside of Calgary were receiver Scott Naujoks who spent three seasons with the Winnipeg Rifles of the Prairie Junior Football Conference, kicker Callum Duke from Mount Douglas High School in Victoria, BC., as well as defensive lineman Joel Van Pelt from Winston Churchill in Lethbridge. Local products that impressed were linebacker Micah Tietz from Springbank, AB., a bed room community outside of Calgary, receiver Dallas Boath from Centennial High School, and defensive back Andrew Britton from Henry Wise Wood.

Linebacker Tyson Lee, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, who redshirted last year had a strong game in the scrimmage and will challenge for playing time in 2014. Nose guard Reilly Nicholls, a walk on last year added weight in the off-season also had a solid camp.

Current Canadian Football League players Kirby Fabien (BC Lions) and Mike Klassen (Montreal Alouettes) were present at the scrimmage game despite the inclement weather as was Anthony Woodson (Toronto Argos).

The team would like to thank the guest coaches that volunteered their time over the weekend, Glen Scrivener (Winnipeg Rifles), Sam Hurl, Bryan Brandford, as well as Nathan Mollard from the Okanagan Sun who observed the camp.

Spring Camp Report 3

The Dinos went through their fourth day of practice once again in cold, snowy, and windy conditions at Stampeder Field at Shouldice Athletic Park. On several occasions the coaching staff and players stated the conditions are similar to the post season weather the Dinos had to play in when they defeated the Universities of British Columbia, Manitoba and Western Ontario to advance to the Vanier Cup at Laval. The weather reminded some players of the conditions they had when they played in Vanier.

The Dinos are extremely grateful to the staff at Shouldice for having the field cleared so that spring camp could proceed on schedule.

“I was pleased with the tempo and execution especially given the conditions,” stated Head Coach Blake Nill.

Freshman defensive lineman Joel Van Pelt from Winston Churchill in Lethbridge has shown excellent technique for such a young player. Van Pelt is an excellent athlete having starred on the basketball court leading his team the provincial final but has chosen to concentrate on football. On the other side of the line former Kamloops Broncos offensive lineman Tanner Borowicz has been impressive.

Freshman defensive back Andrew Britton (Henry Wise Wood) of Calgary has shown promise in the secondary according to secondary coach Marcello Rapini.

All-Canadian Cyril Iwangebe and conference all-star cornerback Adam Laurensse have had excellent camps thus far in the secondary. Hunter Turnbull has been moved outside to cornerback and has not looked out of place at his new position. Sadly, Boston Rowe, a talented athlete has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Rowe was a redshirt freshman last year at quarterback and the coaches were looking forward to giving him significant reps in the secondary during spring camp.

Running backs Quinten Chown and Bryce Harper are in a battle for backup tailback to Mercer Timmis. Chown saw significant action last year on special teams making several big plays.

At the conclusion of the Saturday practice members of the team and coaching staff assisted with a Midget Development Camp for players from Calgary and surrounding area.

Spring Camp Report 2

The Dinos went through their third day of spring camp at Hellard Field under cold and wet conditions. The weather was less than ideal but football is played in adverse weather conditions thus you practice in the same conditions.

Friday evening’s practice marked the first time the coaching staff viewed the freshman players from outside Calgary. Out of town player players include kicker Callum Duke (Mt. Douglas) Victoria as well as Lethbridge products Joel Van Pelt and Ross DeLauw. Other players from outside of Calgary are wide receiver Scott Naujoks from St. Pauls from Winnipeg, receiver Scott Childs (Ballenas), Parksville, B.C. Another out of town player is offensive lineman Tyler Borowicz from Drumheller, AB., via the Kamloops Broncos of the BCFC.

Training camp equipment assistant Liam Semeniuk also arrived from Vernon, B.C., along with Sam Carson from Kelowna. Sam is the son of former Dinos Assistant Coach and player Paul Carson. Sam helps with equipment chores.

Players that have stepped up from last year include defensive linemen Riley Nicholls, Eric Egan, and wide receiver Michael Klukas. Klukas saw action last year down the stretch but has been outstanding thus far.

Former Dino linebacker and two-time Canada West President’s Trophy nominee Sam Hurl is also helping with training camp. Hurl was a member of the Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Another spectator at the camp was Canadian Football League player and former Dino star running back Anthony Woodson. Woodson is the older brother of sophomore inside halfback Robbie Woodson.

The Dinos will hit field Saturday afternoon and again Sunday afternoon with a scrimmage..

Spring Camp Report 1

The University of Calgary Dinos have completed two days of their five practices at Shouldice Park for spring camp. The Dinos are using Shouldice because of the installation of the new turf at McMahon Stadium is currently being installed.

Notable players not returning are a pair of Conference all-stars—linebacker Thomas Spoletini and receiver Chris Dobko. Both have graduated and will tryout with CFL teams, Spoletini with the BC Lions and Dobko with Montreal. Depth players Adam Ballingall (work commitments and academics) and Thomas Knitter (graduation) will also be missed. Cuong Thai Lieu (graduation) means the Dinos have to find a running back to work with Conference MVP Mercer Timmis.

Stepping into the sport left behind by the departure of Dobko, will be former Rookie of the Year Brett Blaszko. Matt Lamoureux (Calgary Colts) and Tyler Ledwos (Sylvan Lake) will battle at wideout. Lameroux missed all of last year due to serious foot injury suffered in training camp, while Ledwos redshirted last season. Freshman William Maxwell (St. Francis) a provincial track champion has shown well and with his speed gives the Dinos an added dimension outside. Another freshman receiver Giancarlo Spoletini has shown he can block and make the catch in traffic.  

Connor McGough saw considerable action on offense last year as a fullback, moves to defensive end and has made the transition with ease. Boston Rowe, a redshirt freshman quarterback last year is a fabulous athlete and has been moved to free safety. Rowe has displayed outstanding football instincts thus far.

Freshman defensive lineman Sam Dyer (William Aberhart) has shown well for a young player as has Micah Teitz, a promising linebacker from Springbank.

Friday’s practice will have the freshman players from outside Calgary join the sessions. Key out of town players are defensive lineman Joel Van Pelt and linebacker Ross Delauw both from Winston Churchill, Lethbridge).

Fullback Mac Sarro and linebacker Doctor Cassama are not participating due to pending drafts with the CFL and NFL respectively but have been attending workouts. Injured defensive linemen James Bradley and Tyler Langlais are also not participating in the camp as well as linebacker Adam Konar.