DINOS ANNOUNCE TRIO OF HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS:

Head Coach Blake Nill confirmed that three outstanding high school players have committed to the University of Calgary Dinos football team for the 2014 season.

                                                   

Giancarlo Spoletini is a talented receiver from Rundle College in Calgary. The son of former University of Calgary fullback Tony Spoletini, Giancarlo was a three year starter for Rundle. In 2013, he was named his team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, a season that saw Rundle loose in the provincial semi-final to Cardston. The 6’1”, 180 lbs. Spoletini joins an impressive list of Rundle graduates that have suited up the Dinos including his cousin Thomas Spoletini, quarterback Andrew Buckley, and Michael Klassen a member of the Montreal Alouettes.

“I have always wanted to play for the Dinos. It feels surreal to follow my dad, uncle and cousin. The University of Calgary is a good school and the Dinos are a good team to be a part of,” states Spoletini.

“Giancarlo has great hands and is a very determined young man. I believe he will develop into a valuable asset for our offence.” Stated Head Coach Blake Nill.

                                                 

The Dinos are also pleased to confirm the signing of linebacker Micah Tietz of Springbank High School just outside of Calgary. Tietz is 6’2” 210 lbs. linebacker that has had an outstanding career in the high school ranks and with the Alberta Provincial team. This past summer Micah was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player at the Canada Cup. This honour earned Teitz a spot on the U18 Team Canada, that is currently competing in Texas at the International Bowl. Micah is regarded as one of the top graduating linebackers in the country for 2014.

“Micah has great football instincts and has been training very hard to make the step to the next level.” Said Coach Nill.

The third recruit the Dinos are proud to announce is Joel Van Pelt a 6’5”, 250 lbs. defensive lineman from Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Van Pelt is an excellent student and all around athlete. On the football field Joel was a tournament All-Star at the 2013 Canada Cup and was selected to the U18 Team Canada that is currently competing in Texas as a part of the International Bowl. On the basketball court, Van Pelt starts Winston Churchill basketball team and that spent the Christmas break playing in a basketball tournament in southern California. Joel plans to enter the Schulich School of Engineering this coming fall.

“Joel is a big, athletic young man, that has a tremendous upside on the football field” Stated Coach Nill.

WE MEET AGAIN, MY OLD FRIEND

The University of Calgary Dinos and the Laval Rouge et Or have reached an agreement to play their 2014 pre season game at Peps Stadium in Quebec City. The game is likely to be played on Saturday, August 30th. This game will mark the Dinos return to site where they're season both began and ended in 2013. Unfortunately both contests where Laval victories, but the experience gained by the Dinos in those contests will hopefully translate into great on field success in 2014. 

 

Calgary and Laval, will once again join together on the practice field before stepping in front of large crowd at Peps for the exhibition showdown. Last season, the opportunity to practice with the defending Vanier Cup Champions, was invaluable for the young Dinos squad. The high level at which the Rouge et Or practiced, set the bar for the rest of the Dinos season. 

The trip to Laval also serves as a conclusion to training camp by forcing the players to compete at such a high level. This cross country voyage also proved to be a great team building experience for the Dinos in 2013. The whole team packed into an aging residence, politely nicknamed "Alcatraz", allowed the squad to form bonds that translated into a tight knit group that found great success on the field over the next twelve weeks.

The hope of the staff of the Dinos, is that this experience once again lays the ground work for great success in 2014. Only this time being able to depart "La Belle Province" with a victory.

 

DOBKO SIGNS FREE AGENT CONTRACT WITH MONTREAL ALOUETTES:

Graduating receiver CHRIS DOBKO has signed a free agent contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. After going undrafted last season Dobko returned to the Dinos to complete his eligibility, determined to get a shot at professional football. “Over the past year, Chris has really matured. He was a talented player, but being snubbed by the CFL, lit a fire in him. Chris took his preparation to a new level this year and it showed in his performance on the field and his leadership in the locker room.” Declared Coach Blake Nill.

The 6’, 200 lbs. native of St. Albert, AB., had fabulous senior season earning Conference all-star recognition for a third consecutive season. He became the school’s all-time leading receiver thanks to 33 receptions in Conference play winding up with 155 career receptions. His 33 receptions were for 526 yards for an average of 15.9 per catch and 87.7 yards per game.

The 23 year-old Dobko is in his final year of Arts courses at the University of Calgary. During his time as a Dinos, Chris had the distinction of playing for five Canada West Championship teams, as well as competing in three Vanier Cups.

Chris joined the Dinos in 2009 after spending one year with the Edmonton Wildcats of the Prairie Junior Football Conference. In his high school days he was Most Valuable Player in the Edmonton Metro League in Grade 12.

Dobko will have no shortage of former teammates when he attends the Alouettes camp. No fewer than six former Dinos are with the Alouettes, safety Mike Edem, running back Steven Lumbala, defensive end Mike Klassen, long snapper Jared Zaleski, corner Jamal Knowles, and defensive linemen Josh Symons.