Eight Dinos crack CFL rosters; Walter to return after stint with Team Canada

CALGARY – Canadian Football League teams trimmed their active rosters to 46 players apiece Saturday, and eight alumni of the University of Calgary Dinos made the cut.

Led by the receiving tandem of Anthony Parker and Nathan Coehoorn, who were selected in the first round, third and fifth overall, respectively, three of the Dinos’ six draftees from their impressive showing at the CFL Draft in May stuck with their clubs.

Parker, selected third overall by the Calgary Stampeders, cracked the Stamps’ 46-man roster as a rookie, joining veteran offensive lineman Tim O’Neill, a former All-Canadian centre for the Dinos. Coehoorn made the cut in Edmonton, while offensive lineman Alex Krausnick-Groh was named to the active roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Running back Matt Walter, drafted in the fifth round of May’s draft by the Stampeders, was released on Saturday after appearing in both of Calgary’s pre-season games as a blocking fullback and on special teams. He gained one yard on two carries in Calgary’s win at Edmonton Friday night.

There’s a consolation prize for Walter, however. He was added to the roster for Canada’s entry at the World Football Championship, which kicks off in Austria July 8, joining Dinos coach Blake Nill (defensive coordinator) along with OL Reed Alexander and DL Josh Symons. Alexander was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in May but elected not to attend camp, focusing on Team Canada instead.

Walter will return to the Dinos for a fifth and final season of CIS eligibility, and it should be a record-breaking one. Already the University of Calgary’s all-time touchdowns leader, Walter is within striking distance of two more career records: he is just 55 carries behind Elio Geremia’s (1983-87) 577 on the rushing attempts list, while his 3,472 career rushing yards trails Geremia by 312 yards.

Other former Dinos cracking CFL rosters for the opening of the 2011 season included veterans Augustin Barrenechea (Hamilton), James Green (Winnipeg), and Dylan Steenbergen (Montreal).

In Winnipeg, Paul Swiston, the 2010 Canada West lineman of the year, enters the season on the nine-game injured list, which leaves the door open for a possible return to the Dinos in the fall. He’s joined on the injured reserve by Deji Oduwole, who will sit out the Blue Bombers’ season opener on the one-game injured list.

DINOS ON CFL ROSTERS
As of Sunday, June 26, 2011

ACTIVE
FB Augustin Barrenechea, Hamilton
R Nathan Coehoorn, Edmonton
OL Mark Dewit, Hamilton
FB James Green, Winnipeg
OL Alex Krausnick-Groh, Saskatchewan
OL Tim O’Neill, Calgary
R Anthony Parker, Calgary
OL Dylan Steenbergen, Montreal

1-GAME INJURED LIST
DL Deji Oduwole, Winnipeg

9-GAME INJURED LIST
OL Paul Swiston, Winnipeg

by Ben Matchett

The Dinos are three-time defending Canada West champions and have made back-to-back Vanier Cup appearances. Calgary opens the season Sept. 3 on the road at Manitoba before the home opener slated for Friday, Sept. 9 against the UBC Thunderbirds at McMahon Stadium in the University of Calgary’s annual KICKOFF game.

Season tickets go on sale in early July. Check www.goDINOS.com for further information.