EIGHT FORMER DINOS TO COMPETE FOR THE 105th GREY CUP IN OTTAWA SUNDAY:

Eight former members of the Dinos football program will be on rosters of the combatants for Sunday’s 105^th Grey Cup featuring the Calgary Stampeders and the Toronto Argonauts.

Veteran offensive tackle Dan Federkeil is the senior member of the group. The 6’7”, 309 lbs. Medicine Hat, AB., native hopes to win a Grey Cup ring to along with his Super Bowl ring he received while a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.

Quarterback Andrew Buckley is second on the depth chart behind starter Bo Levi Mitchell. The Rundle College grad spent five seasons with the Dinos becoming the first player to capture back to back Hec Crighton Trophy (Most Outstanding Player) and Russ Jackson Award (Top player combining academics, community service, sportsmanship and athletics) in consecutive season in U Sports.

Other former Dinos on the Stampeders roster include defensive lineman Michael Klassen and receiver Anthony Parker and running back Anthony Woodson.

The Argos have a trio of three former Dinos on their active roster. Heading the list is their starting offensive centre, Sean McEwen. The 24-year-old McEwen, in just his second season as a professional, is a finalist for Offensive Lineman of the Year and was a Canadian Football League all-star. The 6’4”, 297 lbs. McEwen was selected third overall in the 2015 CFL Draft and was a starter directly from Notre Dame High School for the Dinos.

Other former Dinos with the Eastern Champions are defensive lineman Lindon Gaydosh and defensive back Robbie Woodson, the younger brother of Calgary Stampeders, Anthony Woodson.

Gaydosh is a former number one overall draft choice (2013) and four-year starter with the Dinos while Woodson also was a four-year starter with the Scarlet & Gold. The 22-year-old Woodson was selected 27^th overall in the 2017 CFL draft and started at defensive half for the Dinos in the 2016 loss to Laval in the Vanier Cup.

Last year Dinos graduates Jake Harty (receiver) and long snapper Tanner Doll received Grey Cup rings as members of the Ottawa Red Blacks.

MARCELLO RAPINI U SPORTS RECIPIENT OF THE GINO FRACAS VOLUNTEER COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD:

University of Calgary secondary coach Marcello Rapini is the 2017 U Sports recipient of the Gino Fracas Award as U Sports Volunteer Coach of the Year. Rapini will be in Hamilton, ON., to receive the award as part of Vanier Cup festivities on Thursday. Rapini has been the Canada West Conference nominee the past two years.

Dinos Head Coach, and former Gino Fracas Volunteer Coach of the Year, Wayne Harris states, “Marcello is very passionate, you can’t find a more passionate coach out there. He sets high expectations for everyone. He is most deserving of this honour.”

Rapini began his involvement with the Dinos football program in 1985 and a member of two Vanier Cup championship teams. His contributions to the team continued after his playing career carving a niche as one of the team’s most respected position coaches. He began his coaching career as secondary coach in the early 1990’s and was involved for four seasons before business commitments forced him to step away. Rapini returned to the fold in 2006 and has been with the program since.

Currently Vice-President of Marketing for Perpetual Energy in Calgary, Marcello makes time for football despite a demanding career in the oil and gas industry. He rarely misses a team meeting, film session, or practice despite his position at Perpetual, often taking his vacation to coach at fall training camp.

Marcello is also one of the rare coaches whose players “play for him” and has the unique ability to inspire his athletes. He prides himself on teaching players the proper technique, the ability to communicate and react to the situation presented on the field.

Marcello’s intensity and passion on the field is matched by his commitment off the field. He is dedicated to providing career opportunities for Dinos student-athletes playing a huge role in helping young graduates transition into the business community. In addition he is involved helping current players find suitable summer employment through his contacts with the downtown business community.

This past year Marcello developed a program called LENDING LEADERS recruiting donors to help defray operating costs of the football program that has raised in excess of $150,000.

Marcello’s contributions have not gone unnoticed within the Dinos family. In April 2010 Marcello received the Dinos 5^th Quarter Distinguished Alumni Award for his unwavering contribution to the program. Two years later the Marcello Rapini Award was established.

This endowed award at the University of Calgary is awarded annually to a deserving defensive back and was funded by business and personal associates of Rapini in recognition of his vast contribution to the program.

MARCELLO RAPINI CANADA WEST NOMINEE FOR THE GINO FRACAS VOLUNTEER COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD:

University of Calgary secondary coach Marcello Rapini is the 2017 Canada West nominee for the Gino Fracas Award as the U Sports Volunteer Coach of the Year.

Rapini began his involvement with the Dinos football program in 1985. He was a member of two Vanier Cup championship teams. His contributions to the team continued after his playing career carving out a niche as one of the team’s most respected coaches. He began his coaching career as secondary coach in the early 1990’s and was involved for four seasons before business commitments forced him to step away. Rapini returned to the fold in 2006 and has been with the program since.

Currently Vice-President of Marketing for Perpetual Energy in Calgary, Marcello makes time for football despite a demanding career in the oil and gas industry. He rarely misses a team meeting, film session, or practice despite his responsible position at Perpetual, often taking his vacation to coach at fall training camp.

Marcello is also one of the rare coaches whose players “play for him” and has the unique ability to inspire his athletes. He prides himself on teaching players the proper technique, the ability to communicate and react to the situation presented on the field.

Marcello’s intensity and passion on the field is matched by his commitment off the field. He provides career opportunities for Dinos student-athletes playing a huge role in helping young graduates transition into the business community. In addition, he is involved helping current players find suitable summer employment through his contacts with the downtown business community.

This past year Marcello developed a program called LENDING LEADERS recruiting donors to help defray operating costs of the football program raising more than $150,000.

Marcello’s contributions have not gone unnoticed within the Dinos family. In April 2010 Marcello received the Dinos 5^th Quarter Distinguished Alumni Award for his unwavering contribution to the program. Two years later the Marcello Rapini Award was established. This endowed award with the University of Calgary is awarded annually to a deserving defensive back with the program and was funded by business and personal associates of Rapini in recognition of his vast contribution to the program.

Always looking to better himself as coach, Rapini, was a guest coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Saskatoon five years ago.

Current Dinos Head Coach and former Gino Fracas Volunteer Coach of the Year Wayne Harris states, “Marcello is very passionate, you can’t find a more passionate coach out there and he sets high expectations for everyone.”