FROM OFFENSE TO DEFENCE TO ALL-CANADIAN:

Sometimes making a change is for the better. For a pair of University of Calgary Dinos moving from the offensive side of the ball, to the defensive side has been rewarding. The coaching staff, the team, and the players involved reaped the benefits of the change. This change saw Halfback Elie Bouka and Defensive End Connor McGough, earn Second Team All-Canadian recognition in 2014.

Elie Bouka started his career with the Dinos as a wide receiver and kick returner but moved to defensive back in late 2013. Connor McGough began his career as a fullback and is now a mainstay on the defensive line at end. Both were named to the Canada West all-star team earlier this month. This was followed up last Thursday, but them both being named to the Second Team All-Canadian Defensive Unit.

“Both Elie and Connor were able to make the transition to the other side of the ball. It shows that we are committed to get the best athletes on the field,” states Dinos Head Coach Blake Nill, “but most importantly reflects the hard work Connor and Elie did to make the transition. It is a testament to their efforts on and off the field,” Nill added.

“Midway through last year I told the coaches I wanted to play defence,” stated Bouka. The coaching staff thought about it and the speedy Bouka donned a different color practice jersey.

Bouka did not play two ways in High School. It was his offensive talents, athleticism, and speed that got the attention of the Dinos and lead to the 6’1”, 205 lbs. graduate of CEGEP Montmorency, heading west.

“I was looking for a new challenge. I owe a lot Coach Marcello Rapini and the coaches who put me in and allowed me to contribute to the team,” states Bouka.

Bouka emerged as one of the top Halfbacks in the Conference starting all eight games recording 13 solo tackles, one interception and two break ups. The third year Arts student from Laval, Quebec had two interceptions in the Dinos 56-0 Conference semi-final win over the University of Regina Rams.

“Elie has been very focussed and hard working as well as being very committed on the field and in the film room,” states defensive secondary coach Rapini, “with each repetition at defensive back Elie got better.”

The change for McGough was less dramatic. The second year graduate of Medicine Hat Crescent Heights played defensive line in High School as well as running back. The Dinos had Anthony Andersen, Bryce Harper, and Mac Sarro at fullback and with all-star Tyler Langlais sidelined with a knee injury incurred in the 2013 Vanier Cup loss to Laval, a void existed at defensive end.

Enter McGough. “I asked to play defence and wanted to show the coaches I could do play the position and help the team” stated the 6’2”, 250 lbs. Sciences student who saw limited action as a freshman in 2013.

McGough was more than a pleasant surprise. Dressing for all eight Conference games Connor finished second in the league with quarterback sacks in his first year on defence.

“Connor has played exceptionally well for us. He wants to get better, has great speed and is highly motivated,” states defensive line coach and former Canadian Football League player Kent Warnock.

Both Connor and Elie, show that hard work and athleticism will find a place on the football field no matter what side of the ball they line up. They will be focused on improving their game this off season in hopes of First Team All-Canadian status and a Vanier Cup victory in 2015.