FIRST IMPRESSIONS MEAN A LOT

Darius Ciraco liked what he saw the first time so much, he came back for seconds. The University of Calgary football program could not happier because of it.

The 6’4”, 290lbs. Ciraco was one of the most sought after recruits along the offensive line this past recruiting year. Ciraco delayed his decision until June because of the numerous offers received from the elite programs in Canadian Interuniversity Sport football. He ultimately chose the Dinos. Offensive line coach Steve Buratto and Head Coach Blake Nill are thrilled to be working with a player of Ciraco’s ability.

“Darius has outstanding talent given his freshman status. It was a team effort to recruit him,” states Nill.

“It was the complete package that made me come to Calgary. The Haskayne School of Business is outstanding, the opportunities presented to be outside of football once I graduate are tremendous in Calgary, and I was impressed with the support of the Dinos Alumni and 5^th Quarter,” stated Ciraco.

One of the unique things that happened to Darius on his Calgary recruiting visit was a chance meeting with Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations, Brian Burke at lunch at Spolumbo’s Deli.

“That was pretty cool.  My parents and friends at school thought that was pretty good,” stated Ciraco who grew up in Burlington, Ontario and saw Burke on television on numerous occasions while working with Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ciraco’s resume is impressive. He was an all-star at last year’s Canada Cup Tournament and was a member of Canada’s U18 team that played in Texas this past winter. This summer he suited up for Canada’s U19 Junior National Team that participated in a tournament in Kuwait.

Since joining the Dinos, Ciraco has dressed every game so far this season and has seen playing time in two of the three contests.