By Curtis Wolff
Eleven members of the Dinos football team were recognized for their outstanding play this season by being named to the Canada West all-star team on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Among the players receiving accolades were quarterback Andrew Buckley, receiver Chris Dobko, kicker Johnny Mark and record-setting running back Mercer Timmis. Centre Sean McEwen and guard Suhk Chungh were also honoured for their strong play on the offensive line.
McEwen, who was named an all-star at the guard position last year, was pleased to be recognized again in 2013.
“It’s not as much of a shock obviously, but it’s definitely an honour,” said McEwen. “It means you’re respected by other team’s coaches and other players throughout the conference.”
Five players on the defensive side of the ball were honoured, including veteran linebackers Doctor Cassama and Thomas Spoletini. First-year defensive back Adam Laurensse, second-year defensive back Cyril Iwanegbe and fourth-year defensive lineman Tyler Langlais were also named to the all-star team, an impressive feat considering all of them are first-year starters for the team.
“It is quite an achievement, especially the way the league has been saying how we are young and we need a developing year,” said Langlais. “To show everybody that they are wrong is just a great feeling.”
Head coach Blake Nill was thrilled to have his players take 11 of the 28 available all-star spots, the most of any Canada West squad.
“It is an accomplishment, especially the way it looked like we were going to have a lot of new faces in the program,” said Nill. “To see so many of them step up and be awarded all-stars, it’s great accolades to not only the players but also the coaches that worked with these guys.”
The Dinos hope to keep the awards coming — Canada West will announce their major award winners on Thursday, Nov. 7.