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.