SPOLETINI COUSINS ON THE DINOS AGAIN

In the glory years of Dinos football from 1983 through 1985 the University of Calgary won a pair of National Championships and three Conference titles. The roster of those teams as contained a Spoletini, whether it was Tom or his younger cousin Tony. Two decades later another pair of Spoletini cousins are on the roster of the Dinos.

The elder Spoletini’s were Conference all-stars and starters with Tom being a starting offensive tackle on the 1983 Vanier Cup championship squad and a member of the 1984 team that lost a heartbreaker to the University of Guelph in what now is the Mitchell Bowl. Tony was a starting fullback all three years and was Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983 and earned all-star recognition in 1986.  

Calgary won their second Vanier in 1985 with Tony playing a key role as the starting fullback. Unfortunately Tom was not on that team having turned professional with the Calgary Stampeders in 1985 but was in the stands to witness the triumph.

With the return of Thomas Spoletini, son of Tom Spoletini, to the team at linebacker this year for his fifth and final season, and the addition of Giancarlo Spoletini, son of Tony to the receiving corps a second generation of Spoletini cousins are a part of Dinos football.

“This is where I always wanted to play,” stated Giancarlo when signed a letter of intent to be with the Dinos in January. His father could not be prouder.

“It is special to see him with the program that means so much to our family,” states Tony.

“Giancarlo is getting better with each practice making the adjustment to CIS football,” states receiver Dennis Holowaychuk, “he is working very hard.”

Coach Blake Nill is elated to have Thomas back after attending the training camp of the British Columbia Lions in 2014 and the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2013.

“We are still a young team in terms of experience and Thomas provides us with leadership,” stated Nill of the Canada West 2013 all-star linebacker.

Thomas has been a part of four Conference Championship teams and has played in three Vanier Cups but has yet to get that elusive Vanier Cup ring, something he desperately wants and something his father possess.  

Both elder Spoletini’s are still actively involved with the Dinos 5^th Quarter maintaining their passion for the program and enjoying seeing their boys suit up for the Scarlet & Gold colors of the Dinos.