ANOTHER FRANCIS ADDITION TO THE DINOS SECONDARY:

The University of Calgary Dinos continues to keep local talent in Calgary. The Dinos confirmed the signing of defensive back Parker Smith to a U Sports Letter of Intent.

A 6’1”, 185 lbs. defensive back Smith played senior football for the 2016 Calgary and Alberta 4A Champion St. Francis Browns the past two seasons.

Smith is a product of the Mavericks minor football system having atom, pee wee, bantam, and midget in their organization. He was a 2017 Calgary Midget all-star and a member of the Alberta U18 team. Parker also played for the Calgary Selects all-star team at the bantam level.

His midget coach was Todd McKay and he played High School football for Tyler Park at St. Francis.

The 17 year old Smith was approached by Concordia, Windsor, and Ottawa but made no officials visits as he felt comfortable staying home and playing for the Dinos.

“Calgary is the place I wanted to go. It is close to home, and a lot of former Browns are here,” stated Smith who also can punt and place kick if needed. “The previous guys form St. Francis helped me decide. Calgary is the best place to put myself to succeed at the next level,” he stated.

Prior to concentrating on football, Parker played competitive soccer.

“Parker has good size. He is an excellent athlete that we are delighted to have to come to our program,” states Dinos defensive Coordinator Matt Berry.

Parker is the son of Brian and Emma Smith.

CRESECENT QB TO BECOME RECEIVER AS A DINO:

The University of Calgary Dinos football coaches realize Paul Garcha is an outstanding athlete despite not having played football until Grade 10. They are glad he picked up the sport when he did.

The Dinos confirmed the signing of Garcha to a U Sports Letter of Intent to play for the Dinos in 2018.

A quarterback at Crescent Heights High School in Calgary, the 6’3”, 180 lbs. Garcha is a product of the Calgary Broncos Midget team where he was their team MVP. He also is a product of the Dinos summer football camps where he was noticed by the coaching staff.  

The 17-year-old Garcha will be used at receiver with the Dinos and the coaches are confident he can make the transition. In addition to playing football Paul played basketball and competed in track while at Crescent Heights.

Garcha played his High School football for former Dinos linebacker Zach McNeill who played for the Dinos for two seasons, and was coached in High School by Jeff Rondeau.

“Paul is a great competitor and leader. He has good size and very good athleticism,” states recruiting Coordinator Matt Berry.

A honor roll student, Paul is undecided on what he plans to take academically.

“This (Calgary) is where I want to be. I really like the coaching and staff with the Dinos,” stated Garcha.

He is the son of Sukh Garcha.

ABERHART LINEMAN JOINS DINOS:

Zachary Xavier wanted to remain close to home and his friends. He can do just that remaining in Calgary to pursue his post-secondary academic and athletic goals. An outstanding student academically, Zachary has signed a U Sports Letter of Intent, to join the Dinos for the 2018 season.

A 5’11”, 230 lbs athletic defensive end, Xavier will enter the Schulich School of Engineering majoring in Mechanical in September 2018.

Zachary is a currently in Grade 12 at William Aberhart High School. He played community football the Cowboys organization under former Dinos football player Tony Spoletini helping them capture back to back Calgary Midget Championships in 2015 and 2016. He was also part of a City Junior Championship team in Grade 10 at Aberhart.

“Tony (Spoletini) was a role model for me. I owe lot to him for my development along with coach Brent Allardyce at Aberhart,” stated Xavier who was approached the Universities of Saskatchewan and Western Ontario but did not make an official visit.

“Calgary has a good academic program and I have lots of friends here with the Dinos,” stated the 17-year-old Xavier who also competed in track and field.

“Zach is a very quick player. He has fast hands and outstanding pass rush ability. He plays with a lot of energy and makes plays all over the field,” stated Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator Matt Berry.

He is the son of Brittany Xavier.