SUN QB HAPPY TO BE A DINO

The University of Calgary football Dinos continue to make inroads into the British Columbia Interior in pursuit of future players for the team.

The Dinos confirmed the signing of quarterback of Josiah Joseph to a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent. Joseph spent the past two seasons for the Okanagan Sun of the British Columbia Football Conference. This past year he split playing time with veteran Cam Bidore. Joseph is the second player with BC Interior roots to sign with the Dinos. Earlier the Dinos confirmed the signing of Vernon Secondary School linebacker, Carson Labrecque.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Sheahan flew to Kelowna during the season to evaluate talent with the Sun. Joseph also made a visit to Calgary in April 2015 but elected to return to the Sun and continue his academic studies at UBCO.

This past year Joseph broke the passing percentage in the BCFC and was named top offensive back for the Sun.

“Calgary is a great opportunity for me to come and compete for a spot. I like the culture present and the family aspect of the team,” stated the 6’3” 210 lbs. Joseph who attended Mount Boucherie High School in West Kelowna. While at Mt. Boucherie, Josiah excelled in both football and basketball earning Kelowna High School Athlete of the Year for excelling in both sports.

Former Okanagan Sun President Paul Carson had high praise for Joseph. "We are very excited that Josiah has committed to the Calgary Dinos program. He is a tremendous young man who has a bright future at the CIS level. Josiah is a mature and talented young man who has a tremendous amount of upside. The entire Okanagan Sun organization wishes him well".

“Josiah is a big athletic quarterback with a strong arm. He has great leadership skills and that was shown when he helped the Sun to the Canadian Junior Final,” states University of Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris.

 Josiah will enrol in the Faculty of Kinesiology in January 2016 beginning his academic career at the University of Calgary as well as training with the team in the off-season.

Carleton, St. Francis Xavier, and the University of Regina approached Josiah about attending their schools but he felt Calgary was the best fit for him from an academic and athletic standpoint.

Josiah is the son of Randy and Shannon Joseph.

Dynamic Warrior Joins Dinos

Receiver Dan Blackmore knew where he wanted to play post-secondary football all along. The 5’11” 185 lbs. graduate of Henry Wisewood High school did not make any visits that were offered him choosing to stay home and play for the hometown Dinos.

“This (Calgary) is where I wanted to go to play. Many of our alumni have gone through the program and have liked it. Everyone that I spoke with was honest, open and they want us to be more than football players but well rounded men,” stated Blackmore who was approached by Simon Fraser University, the University of Alberta and Queens University but signed a Canadian Interuniversity Letter of Intent last week.

Blackmore was a member of Team Alberta in the 2015 Canada Cup tournament in Quebec. In addition he was a Calgary Midget Football Association all-star playing for the Bulldogs program in 2015.

This past year he played tailback for the Warriors but will be used as a receiver with the Dinos. He played three years of High School football playing receiver initially.

“Dan is a versatile athlete who played several positions in High School at Henry Wisewood. His rugby background will make him a solid special team player as well as a dependable receiver,” states Dinos Head Coach Wayne Harris.

Blackmore will enrol in the Haskayne School of Business in September 2016.

He is the son of Karl and Sarah Blackmore.

PROVINCIAL CHAMP NICASTRO JOINS DINOS

The University of Calgary Dinos today confirmed the signing of offensive lineman Peter Nicastro to a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Letter of Intent. Peter joins the Dinos after a very successful High School career that saw him play both ways for the St. Francis Browns, who captured both City and Provincial 4A Championship. He started for the Browns senior team as a Grade 11 student when they lost in the Calgary City Final to Notre Dame Pride in 2014. Peter’s high school coach was Taylor Park.

The Dinos have a had great tradition of offensive linemen from St. Francis over the years such as Tom Spoletini, Shawn DeSantis, and Chris Vail and hope Peter can follow that group and make a solid contribution.

A graduate of the Calgary Mavericks Minor Program, Peter was a Calgary Midget Football League all-star in 2015 at offensive guard.

The 6’2”, 265 lbs. Nicastro hopes to take business courses at the University of Calgary.

“Calgary is my home. The Dinos have a great program in all areas including a great alumni and it is home to me. I did not want to move away from my family,” states Nicastro.

Dinos offensive line consultant Rohn Meyer admires Nicastro’s tenacity. “Peter will grow into a very good player for this team. He is a physical kid who plays with an edge,” Meyer states.

Recruiting coordinator Matt Berry was well aware of Peter’s ability for quite some time. “We have known about Peter for the past two to three years are delighted that will be joining us,” Berry states.

Nicastro was approached by UBC, Simon Fraser, Queen’s and was offered a visit to the University of Ottawa before signing with Calgary within a week of closing out his high school career.

Peter is the son of John and Giovanna Nicastro.