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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

2018: PAUL CARSON 

Paul Carson has done whatever is required to make the Dinos football program better. 

 

Paul joined the Dinos program in 1984 and after attending high school in both Winnipeg and Calgary. A member of the 1985 and 1988 National Championship teams, Paul is a proud alumnus of the Dinos football program. He was a starter at all three-line positions, capping his career earning Canada West all-star and Canadian Interuniversity Sport second team All-Canadian status at guard in 1988 as Calgary defeated Saint Mary’s University 52-23 in the Vanier Cup.

 

He was offensive line coach for 11 years, including the 1995 Vanier Cup Championship team and the 1993 team that lost in the Vanier Cup to the University of Toronto. Carson began his coaching career in 1989, coaching until moving to Kelowna in 2000. Even when he lived in Kelowna he assisted the Dinos at training camp on several occasions. 

 

He moved back to Calgary in 2014 and gradually got immersed again with the program despite having a family and new career position. He not only is involved with the management side of the program, but midway through the 2016 season took over as offensive line coach. He is an active Board Member and involved with many of the financial decisions affecting the 5th Quarter and the football program. 

 

In addition to being a player, coach, and alum of the program, “Carss,” as he is fondly known, has served as a mentor for several graduating players in helping them secure employment opportunities.

 

“When Paul transferred back to Calgary in 2014, he joined 5th Quarter Board of Directors and returned to coaching the offensive line in 2016. Paul is a very deserving recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award,” states Dinos Head Coach Wayne Harris. 

 

Paul graduated with a major in Economics and is currently employed at TD Wealth in Calgary as Senior Vice President & Branch Manager. 

 

His son, Matt, played five seasons for the Dinos along the offensive line and was drafted by the Toronto Argos of CFL in 2017. His younger son, Sam, is an aspiring young football player at Henry Wise Wood and has assisted equipment manager Johnny Carr during training camp on several occasions. Paul is married to wife Sherry, and in addition to having sons Matt and Sam, has a daughter Lauren.
 

PREVIOUSLY AWARDED

Rick Buckley

Danny Geremia

Wayne Harris

Harry Andersen
Doug Nyhoff
Jason Assen
Marcello Rapini
Paul Colborne
Jack Neumann
Brian Baker
Mike Freiter
Tony Spoletini
Craig Steele
Bruno Geremia
Greg Vavra
Rob Furlan
Chester Krala
Tom Spoletini
Brian McCorquodale
Jim Bailey
John Houghton
Chris Wigg
Colin Sheedy
Cal Broadhurst
Gary Durbeniuk
Dave Bacon
Randy Bergh
Rick Coleman

2017

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

CONNELLAN FAMILY AWARD

Aurora Spoletini2.jpg

2019: MRS. AURORA SPOLETINI

A person for over decades that has worked behind scene for Dinos football is the 2019 recipient of the Connellan Team (Together Everyone Achieves More) Award. Known to some as Mrs. Spolly, Aurora Spoletini has given her time but most importantly her excellent cuisine and passion to the football team.

Since the opening of Spolumbo’s Deli two decades ago, Aurora has coordinated making sandwiches for the team and/or breakfast wraps on road trips. 

For the past several seasons prior to the Thanksgiving break, Mrs. Spoletini has come to the deli before the sun has risen preparing Thanksgiving Day dinner for the team cooking the turkeys and coordinating the sides with the staff. 

 

Her work does not end when the season ends. Each year she coordinated the windup party at the Deli preparing the meal prior to the Christmas break. 

In an indirect way she plays a role in recruiting. When recruits come they often are taken to sample her cuisine whether it’s her pasta, meat loaf, or desserts that are set out for recruits and coaches. No one leaves hungry. 

She does all this with her patented smile and a love for the Dinos football program. 

Mrs. Spoletini, was a vital part of the parents group in the mid 1980’s when her son, Tony, was a member of the team. She still comes to many games. Aurora becomes the first second generation recipient of the Connellan Team Award following in the footsteps of Tony.  

 

The Connellan Award is all about TEAM! Aurora Spoletini epitomizes team. Once a Dino, always a Dino, Aurora Spoletini is that. 
 

PREVIOUSLY AWARDED

Randy Bergh & Shane Wylie

Denis & Denise Kadatz

Cam Sebastian

Gary DeMan

Greg & Jody Vavra
Paul Carson
Jack Neumann
Nate DiLeandro, Daryl Slade & Robert Eaman
Rick & Jan Coleman
Tom &Tony Spoletini
Ken Newans
Kim Vance
Allan Naylor
Gary & Colleen Lewis
Jo-Anne Kobelt
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Campbell
Dave & Maureen Pavelec
John Siroishka & Al Bailey
Connellan Family

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

DINOS ALUMNI PROS

Linden Gaydosh - Carolina Panthers
Dan Federkeil – Indianapolis Colts

Bouka – Philadelphia Eagles

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