Class 2012: Dan Zalucky has tremendous respect for University of Calgary football program

Today, CFC shines the spotlight on Class 2012 linebacker and recent University of Calgary commit, Dan Zalucky. Dan began his football career with the Calgary Bulldogs.

Dan Zalucky

Positions:
Linebacker (Middle)

Height/Weight:
6’1, 235 lbs

Teams:
Bishop Grandin Ghosts (high school)
Calgary Bulldogs (peewee/bantam/midget)
Team Alberta

Commitment:
Commitment to University of Calgary

Class:
2012

In his first season of football with the peewee Calgary Bulldogs, Dan won his first city championship. As he moved to the bantam and midget levels, he won another championship and also was twice runner-ups with the team. In his final season of bantam, the star linebacker was named best city offensive lineman. Additionally, he was selected to the Calgary Select Team that travelled to St. Louis.

During his high school career with the Bishop Grandin Ghosts, Dan made the switch from offensive lineman to linebacker. In his rookie season, the team went undefeated en route to winning a Division II championship. For his stellar play on the field, the linebacker was the team’s MVP and offensive MVP.

The next season (2010), the standout had another phenomenal campaign on the field. Consequently, he was nominated as team defensive rookie of the year and was selected on the defensive all-star list. As for his senior year, Dan played a pivotal role in the success of the Ghosts as they enjoyed another undefeated season, which in turn led them to a Division II City championship title. Moreover, he was nominated as team MVP and made the defensive all-star list once again.

“My most memorable football experience was my grade 12 City championship game, as we had lost the prior year by only three points we were determined to win decisively in our last high school year and did so dominating Crescent Heights 35-0,” says the Ghosts’ linebacker.

Representing his home province, Dan was a member of Team Alberta at the Football Canada Cup last July in Lethbridge. The home team won a silver medal at the tournament.

“I overcame a lot ofadversity as many thought I could not make the transition from offensive lineman to linebacker, but I proved them wrong as I made both cuts and made Team Alberta as linebacker,” adds Dan, who was recently selected to the Senior Bowl game in Edmonton as well as a number five ranking in King Football’s top Calgary recruits list.

After he graduates from high school this spring, the defensive standout will move on to play the next level of football at the University of Calgary. Going to one of the top ranked and highly respected football programs in the nation is something Dan is looking forward to in the fall.

“By committing to play for the University of Calgary Dinos, I knew I would go up against some of the best players in Canada and would be able to learn from them,” explains the future Dinos player of his decision to commit to the school. “The coaching staff at the University of Calgary is as well very well respected, and I would be in a better position to learn and improve my existing skills and abilities with their help.”

While his family have supported and enabled him to pursue his gridiron dreams, Dan says it would also have not been possible without the guidance and instruction of his coaches.

“My head coach Dave Holowaychuk and defensive coordinator Wade Buteau have always pushed me to do my best and succeed and I don’t think I would be where I am today without their help,” comments the Ghosts’ defensive standout. “Linebacker coach Brad Richmond took me under his wing and provided me with the training and guidance without which I most surely would not have attained the status as becoming one of the best high school linebackers in Calgary.”

“Lastly but certainly not least, I owe a lot to my peewee coach Mr. McCorquodale, who introduced me to football.”

Academically, the student-athlete has been able to maintain an average over 80 percent and has made honour roll every year. When he attends the University of Calgary, he will study business.

As he prepares to move on to the next level, Dan will continue to use the recipe that has already brought him tons of success in all aspects of life.

“Football has taught me the importance of hard work and provided me with a team spirited attitude,” says Dan. “Life throws adversities at you but commitment and dedication to succeed will help you overcome these adversities.”

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