FIRST IMPRESSIONS MEAN A LOT

Darius Ciraco liked what he saw the first time so much, he came back for seconds. The University of Calgary football program could not happier because of it.

The 6’4”, 290lbs. Ciraco was one of the most sought after recruits along the offensive line this past recruiting year. Ciraco delayed his decision until June because of the numerous offers received from the elite programs in Canadian Interuniversity Sport football. He ultimately chose the Dinos. Offensive line coach Steve Buratto and Head Coach Blake Nill are thrilled to be working with a player of Ciraco’s ability.

“Darius has outstanding talent given his freshman status. It was a team effort to recruit him,” states Nill.

“It was the complete package that made me come to Calgary. The Haskayne School of Business is outstanding, the opportunities presented to be outside of football once I graduate are tremendous in Calgary, and I was impressed with the support of the Dinos Alumni and 5^th Quarter,” stated Ciraco.

One of the unique things that happened to Darius on his Calgary recruiting visit was a chance meeting with Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations, Brian Burke at lunch at Spolumbo’s Deli.

“That was pretty cool.  My parents and friends at school thought that was pretty good,” stated Ciraco who grew up in Burlington, Ontario and saw Burke on television on numerous occasions while working with Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ciraco’s resume is impressive. He was an all-star at last year’s Canada Cup Tournament and was a member of Canada’s U18 team that played in Texas this past winter. This summer he suited up for Canada’s U19 Junior National Team that participated in a tournament in Kuwait.

Since joining the Dinos, Ciraco has dressed every game so far this season and has seen playing time in two of the three contests.  

SPOLETINI COUSINS ON THE DINOS AGAIN

In the glory years of Dinos football from 1983 through 1985 the University of Calgary won a pair of National Championships and three Conference titles. The roster of those teams as contained a Spoletini, whether it was Tom or his younger cousin Tony. Two decades later another pair of Spoletini cousins are on the roster of the Dinos.

The elder Spoletini’s were Conference all-stars and starters with Tom being a starting offensive tackle on the 1983 Vanier Cup championship squad and a member of the 1984 team that lost a heartbreaker to the University of Guelph in what now is the Mitchell Bowl. Tony was a starting fullback all three years and was Conference Freshman of the Year in 1983 and earned all-star recognition in 1986.  

Calgary won their second Vanier in 1985 with Tony playing a key role as the starting fullback. Unfortunately Tom was not on that team having turned professional with the Calgary Stampeders in 1985 but was in the stands to witness the triumph.

With the return of Thomas Spoletini, son of Tom Spoletini, to the team at linebacker this year for his fifth and final season, and the addition of Giancarlo Spoletini, son of Tony to the receiving corps a second generation of Spoletini cousins are a part of Dinos football.

“This is where I always wanted to play,” stated Giancarlo when signed a letter of intent to be with the Dinos in January. His father could not be prouder.

“It is special to see him with the program that means so much to our family,” states Tony.

“Giancarlo is getting better with each practice making the adjustment to CIS football,” states receiver Dennis Holowaychuk, “he is working very hard.”

Coach Blake Nill is elated to have Thomas back after attending the training camp of the British Columbia Lions in 2014 and the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2013.

“We are still a young team in terms of experience and Thomas provides us with leadership,” stated Nill of the Canada West 2013 all-star linebacker.

Thomas has been a part of four Conference Championship teams and has played in three Vanier Cups but has yet to get that elusive Vanier Cup ring, something he desperately wants and something his father possess.  

Both elder Spoletini’s are still actively involved with the Dinos 5^th Quarter maintaining their passion for the program and enjoying seeing their boys suit up for the Scarlet & Gold colors of the Dinos.

DOUBLE TROUBLE IN THE SECONDARY:

Two of most things are always better than one. Such is the case with the addition of the identical Statz twins to the University of Calgary Dinos secondary in 2014. The Dinos are grateful to have this pair of solid freshman, join their ranks.

Aaron and Nick Statz join the Dinos after stellar High School careers at Notre Dame High School in Calgary. While playing for the Pride under the direction of former Dinos player Dave Diluzio, Aaron and Nick were starters as the Pride won City and Provincial Division 1 titles last year.

“Both players are fundamentally sound. They came from a quality program at Notre Dame,” states secondary Coach Marcello Rapini. “They are extremely coachable and very smart players,” he stated.

Aaron, the oldest of the duo by eight minutes is 5’10” and weighs 170 lbs. He plays field corner in the secondary and is in his first year of studies at the Haskayne School of Business.

Nick, is slightly smaller than his older brother at 5’9” and l65 lbs. Nick is being used at boundary corner in the secondary and is in his first year of Kinesiology studies at the University of Calgary.

“The game is a great deal faster at this level than High School,” states Aaron who made trek to Quebec City for the Dinos pre-season game against the defending Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or. Unfortunately Nick did not make the trip due to a pulled groin suffered in practice prior to the exhibition game

The addition of Aaron and Nick Statz marks the first time since 1984 that the Dinos have had a pair of twins on their roster. The Peterson twins from Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in Calgary, Doug and Darren suited up in the Mid-80’s and were prominent members of the 1985 National Championship team. Like the Statz twins, Doug and Darren Peterson were players in the defensive backfield. Doug was a cornerback and kick returner, while Darren was a halfback. Darren earned Conference all-star and second team all-Canadian honours 1987 at halfback.

The Statz twins are hoping make their mark with the Dinos and be a part of a Vanier Cup Championship team as well.