
PETER CONNELLAN AWARD


2025 Winners
RYAN BURGIS & JEFF GABRIEL
Two outstanding individuals are recipients of the Connellan TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Award in 2025.
Ryan Burgis and Jeff Gabriel have been behind the scenes for the Dinos football program for the past two decades. Ryan and Jeff not only have supported the program monetarily but most important helped serving as mentors for many members on the football team.
Burgis and Gabriel were regulars at home games before Jeff was transferred to To-ronto, and Ryan still is a regular along the sidelines. Both have made, at their own expense, trips to see the Dinos play on the road when time permitted.
Jeff and Ryan have aided players securing jobs in their related fields through their numerous contacts in the downtown business community and helped making the transition from student-athlete to being integrated into the work force. In addition, both have been instrumental in contributing to various football scholarships currently in place at the University and the Dinos 5th Quarter Awards.
They have supported the Dinos 5th Quarter Dinner purchasing tables and asking others to purchase tickets or tables and been involved as Lending Leaders for the past decade.
Ryan and Jeff have always wanted to assist in what is best for the TEAM. They are worthy recipients of the Connellan TEAM Award are truly TEAM individuals.
PREVIOUSLY AWARDED
2023
2019
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2007
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
Dr. Nick Mohtadi
Mrs. Aurora Spoletini
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
DISTINGUISHED DINO

2025: ROB HOZJAN
When it comes to someone who quietly worked behind the scenes to help Dinos football one person’s name comes to mind, Rob Hozjan.
Though not an alumnus of the University of Calgary Dinos football program, Rob has quietly served the Dinos helping the program in many ways the last 7 as the General Manag-er. Rob’s contributions have been so vast that the 5Q board voted unanimously to make Rob an associate alumni paving the road to Rob winning the Distinguished Alumni Award. Rob is now a Football Alumni and is the second person who is not an alumnus to receive such recognition.
For over a decade Rob has been an invaluable volunteer behind the scenes. He worked with three Head Coaches, Blake Nill, Wayne Harris, and now Ryan Sheahan. He helped mentor some players in the pursuit of their careers, helped with the budget, and coordinated both travel and meals for the team on the road. Rob has assisted in various logistical events in Calgary such as Senior Night and other events following home games. Rob has also contributed to the program financially in many ways such as supporting the 5th Quarter Dinner and being a Lending Leader.
Rob’s organizational skills have been invaluable, so much so, that he was chosen to receive a 2019 Vanier Cup ring for his efforts. He was responsible for all the arrangements when the team traveled to National Championships allowing the coaching staff to concentrate on having the team prepared for their opponents.
Welcome aboard Rob as an official Dinos football Alumni and thanks for your continued support of the program.
PREVIOUSLY AWARDED
Tony Loria
Paul Carson
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
2024
2018
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
DINOS ALUMNI PROS

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Dan Federkeil – Indianapolis Colts
Bouka – Philadelphia Eagles