Dino Recruits to Represent Calgary at Montana All-Star Game

A pair of University of Calgary incoming freshmen offensive line players will close out their distinguished High School career south of the 49^th parallel.

Logan Bandy and Tyler Packer will compete against each in the 71^st Montana Shrine all-star football game in Billings, Montana on Saturday July 15 at Rocky Mountain College at 7 PM MST. This marks the fourth year that players from the Calgary High School League have been selected to compete in the event.

The Montana High School all-star game is one of the oldest in USA. Proceeds from the game go to support the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane, WA.

“It is great to see these players go down there and compete. It is important to us to keep the connection between us (Calgary Shrine Temple) and them (Montana Shrine). For the past, several years two U Sports players have competed in Tampa at the East West game, and we now have two our own players competing at the High School level,” states Al Azhar Potentate Karl Fraser.

Bandy, is a 6’5”, 250 lbs. offensive tackle will compete for East team coached by Chris Murdock of the defending state champion Billings Broncos. Bandy was a key player on the last year’s City and Provincial 4A Champion St. Francis Browns. He was in the CFC Top 100 graduating High School players last year and was recruited by numerous CIS schools.

He started for one year on the Alberta U16 team, and for two years on the Alberta U18 team. He was Lineman of the Year in the Calgary Bantam Football Association, and a league all-star in the Calgary Midget League in 2016 in the Mavericks organization playing for Scott Rideout and Todd McKay.

“I am extremely pleased to represent Calgary in this game. I could not think of a better way to represent my school and close out my High School career,” Bandy stated.  

The 6’6”, 285 lbs. Packer will lineup for the West team coached by Tony Arnston of Helena High School. A product of the Hilltoppers organization in the Calgary Minor Football Association Tyler won numerous awards as a youth player including winning the Aaron Neidergesaess Heart of a Champion Award in 2013 and 2016 and their Rookie of the Year in 2014. Packer also was starting member of the Hilltoppers Division II City Championship team and a Calgary Midget Football Association all-star offensive tackle in 2015. During a stellar high school career Packer was a CFC Top 100 player.

“This game means a lot to me with the charity and the hospital. It is a great opportunity to represent my school and be a part of an amazing cause,” stated Packer.

“I am confident both Logan and Tyler will be very good players in that game,” stated University of Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris.

Both players received cheques from the Calgary Minor Football Association to help defray the cost of attending the practices and for other incidentals with respect to their trip.  

Finally, an interesting fact about the Montana Shrine Game, current Calgary Stampeders Head Coach Dave Dickenson was the Offensive MVP in 1991.

Six Dinos Draft Picks Make CFL Rosters

A quartet players from the 2016 Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl Champion University of Calgary Dinos are have made CFL rosters.

Defensive lineman Connor McGough and offensive tackle Braden Schram have made the active roster of the Hamilton Tiger Cats while defensive back Robbie Woodson will be playing just up the 401 Highway for the Toronto Argonauts.

McGough, the fourth overall selection in the 2017 Canadian Football League Draft joins former Dino running back Mercer Timmis with the Tiger Cats. McGough should be familiar with Tim Horton’s Field. He was a starter last November when the Dinos lost a hard fought 31-26 to the Laval Rouge et Or. Connor enjoyed a solid four-year career with the Dinos earning All-Canadian honors in 2016 as well as being a Canada West all-star in 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Schram is an excellent example of perseverance and dedication. He commuted from his hometown of Manning, AB to Peace River driving 100 KM back and forth to practice. He red-shirted with the Dinos for two years as a linebacker before becoming a starter at offensive tackle and earning all-Canadian and All-Conference honors in 2016. He was selected 13^th overall in the 2017 draft.

Woodson was a four-year starter since joining the Dinos in 2013 at inside halfback from St. Francis High School. Just 21 years of age he is one of the youngest players in the CFL. Robbie was a Conference all-star in 2015 and 2017 and was selected 24^th overall by the Argos. He joins former Dino Sean McEwen in Toronto and becomes the second member of his family to play in the CFL following his older brother, Anthony, who is currently with the Calgary Stampeders. His father, Anthony, also played in the CFL.

“We are excited about the opportunity for our players that are leaving our program and going to play at the next level. This shows how hard they have worked while at the University of Calgary. We wish them all the best at the next level,” stated University of Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris.

All-star receiver Austen Hartley also remains in the East being on the practice roster of the defending Grey Cup champion Ottawa Red Blacks. Hartley was the team’s leading receiver last year despite missing games due to injury. Austen was selected 53^rd overall by Ottawa.

Receiver Denzel Radford was selected 48^th overall by the Montreal Alouettes. Radford was traded during training camp to Saskatchewan and will be in the lineup playing special teams when they face the Montreal to open the CFL season.

“We are thrilled they (Austen and Denzel) made it and are proud of their efforts. They are two individuals that were essential to Vanier Cup run and will be missed,” stated Dinos offensive coordinator Ryan Sheahan.