Join us throughout training camp for frequent updates on the Stampeders’ preparations for the 2012 Canadian Football League season. Camp begins on Thursday, May 31 and runs through the June 22 when the Stamps will play the second of their two pre-season contests.
Rookie camp begins
May 31, 2012
Stampeders rookie camp opened Thursday morning at McMahon Stadium under an overcast sky and comfortable temperatures (but, thankfully, no precipitation).
Yes, folks, the process of preparing for the 2012 Canadian Football League season is officially under way.
The rookies were put through their paces by fifth-year head coach and general manager John Hufnagel and his staff.
“I was pleased,” Hufnagel reported to the media after the initial workout. “They were athletic and we got some things accomplished.”
The veterans do not report for duty until Sunday so when the rookies were broken up into position groups on Thursday, certain drills became problematic. For instance, the only freshman bodies for offensive line coach Mike Gibson to work with at the moment are Mike Filer and Na’Shan Goddard.
“We don’t have a great number out here,” noted Hufnagel, “so we had to adjust practices somewhat. But they got off to a good start and now I want to see how much they retain from one practice to the meeting room to the next practice. It’s all part of the evaluation.”
The rookie crop included five members of Calgary’s 2012 draft class — Filer, defensive linemen Ameet Pall and Jordan Spence, linebacker Wilkerson DeSouza and defensive back Keenan MacDougall. The Stamps also have a pair of non-roster players in camp in Dinos quarterback Eric Dzwilewski and receiver Jimmy Ralph, the younger brother of former Red and White wideout Brett Ralph.
Q&A: Matt Walter
May 31, 2012
Calgary native and former University of Calgary Dinos star Matt Walter took the time to answer a few questions Thursday between practices on the first day of rookie camp. Though classified as a rookie, Walter did attend last year’s Stamps camp before returning for his final season at the U of C.
1. Can you explain to fans what the first day of training camp is like for a football player?
The first day is always very hectic. It all starts with finding your way with the team and getting the playbook mastered, so much of the first day comes down to preparation. As the day goes on, it really becomes a lot of fun once you’re executing and the plays are running smoothly.
2. What did you learn at last year’s camp with the Stampeders that you’re applying this year?
Mainly understanding the playbook and building on what I learned last season, that’s the ultimate goal. A lot of preparation needs to be put in place to understand all the concepts and once you have that, it becomes a lot easier to go out and execute. I’m lucky being that I was here last year so I can build on what I learned from last year.
3. What goals have you set for yourself at this year’s camp?
Ultimately, I would like to back up Cornish. From there, I just want to make as many plays as I can on offence and help contribute to this team any way I can. That’s my ultimate goal and if I can get a touchdown or two, I’ll be pretty happy.
4. As a Canadian running back, how did you feel about the emergence of players like Andrew Harris, Jerome Messam and of course Jon Cornish during the 2011 CFL season?
Of course I think it’s a positive thing. It’s very nice to see that Canadian talent is being given opportunities and succeeding. Its great to see Canadians making the next step and, hopefully, it sets a precedent in future for what’s expected from Canadians. If I can be the next big Canadian some time in the future, then that will be perfect for me.
5. Now that some time has passed, how would you describe your career with the Dinos and what the U of C meant to you?
The U of C program definitely has a place in my heart. I’ve watched it come from the ashes and help build it up to a point where we were winning back-to-back conference championships. I had a great time there and I learned a lot about life both on and off the field from the Dinos. I am very glad I played there but my goal is to make the next step and be a full-time professional football player with the Calgary Stampeders.
Guest coaches named
May 30, 2012
Ike Charlton, Brett Morgan, Mike Roach and Don Yanowsky will serve as guest coaches during the Calgary Stampeders’ upcoming training camp.
Charlton played six seasons in the CFL and retired following the 2010 season with the Montreal Alouettes. He is best remembered for his time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where Charlton recorded 223 tackles and four quarterback sacks. He appeared in 60 regular-season games and four playoff games including one Grey Cup. Charlton was drafted in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2000 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He left Seattle in 2002 and later went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots before joining the Blue Bombers in 2005. Charlton will be working with the defensive backs and his main emphasis will be on the strong-side linebacker position.
Morgan has spent the past six seasons as and offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at high schools in Florida. He is also the president and director of 904 Elite, a football academy in Florida that trains top football players in the region. Morgan was a quarterback at the Providence School of Jacksonville and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of North Florida. Morgan will assist Pete Costanza with the Stamps receivers.
Roach is one of the most decorated coaches in CFL history, having been on the sidelines of CFL teams for 26 seasons. Roach last coached with the BC Lions in 2009 where his defensive line led the CFL with 68 quarterback sacks. Roach had three stints as the Stampeders’ secondary coach, first from 1982-85, then from 1998-2002 (during which time he won two Grey Cups) and finally in 2004. He has also coached in Edmonton – winning a Grey Cup with the Eskimos in 1987 – Ottawa and Winnipeg. Roach will be working with the defensive line.
Yanowsky, who has more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, was most recently the tight ends coach at Louisiana State University. Yanowsky spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons as an assistant coach at Boston College, helping the Eagles to a 20-8 record and bowl game appearances in both seasons. Yanowsky has also coached at East Carolina, Arkansas State, Minnesota, Memphis, Utah and his alma mater, Toledo. Yanowsky was a two-year starter at offensive guard for the Toledo Rockets in 1979-80. Yanowsky will work with the Stamps linebackers.
Stamps rookie camp will begin Thursday, May 31 with main camp opening Sunday, June 3 at McMahon Stadium.
