One season after missing out on the playoffs by a single point and in the final game of the regular season, the University of Alberta Golden Bears football program is set to pick up where it left off as the Bears kick-off their 2015 Training Camp at Foote Field this Saturday, August 15.
CAMP STORY LINES:
Who Be QB
With the graduation of fifth-year starters Curtis Dell and Ryan Schwartz, the Bears will look to a brand new CIS starter this season. Returning pivots Scott Pearson, who got into four games last season, and Ben Kopczynski, who guided Team Alberta to the national championship final two years ago, are strong candidates to win the job, but they face stiff competition from the new recruits. Head Coach Chris Morris has brought in Peter Zajdel from Calgary, Brad Baker from Raymond and Reggie Schoeppe from Salisbury High School in Sherwood Park. Zajdel was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of Henry Wisewood High School in Calgary, while Baker led the powerhouse Raymond Comets to multiple provincial high school championships and has just returned from his Mission. Schoeppe, meanwhile, is the top QB recruit in Northern Alberta which gives the Bears great competition for the starting position.
Beard Removal
The Bears also have to overcome two significant losses on the offensive line as David Beard was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos, and made the team out of training camp, while fellow starter Scott Ledieu has moved on after using up final season of CIS eligibility. But Morris, and O-Line coach Tim Prinsen, have returning starters in Logan Trachuk, Mark Korte and Justin Lawrence. The Bears also boast a host of top talent along the o-line including Sam Rybiak, Joe McQuay, Ramey Kharfan and Saskatchewan-born brothersMichael and Peter Kozushka.
Shoring Up The Defence
In 2014 the Bears defence gave up a conference worst 45.4 points per game as well as over 600 yards per game. If the program is to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, the defence will have to improve. The Evergreen and Gold can count on returning starters Connor Ralph, who led Canada West in tackles last season, and Tommy Tsoumpasin the linebacking corps, while the d-line sees the return of Jake Narbonne, Greg Severin, Zak Palek and Marshal Klein. Alberta’s defence did record the third most sacks in Canada West last season, as well as the second most fumble recoveries, but had the fewest interceptions and the second most tackles. New recruit Garrett Meek, who has previously played for Team Canada and the Edmonton Wildcats, will look to earn minutes on the d-line, while St. Albert recruit Rory O’Donovan will push the linebackers. The secondary counts a number of returning starters among the defensive backs, including former Edmonton Wildcat Ryan Migadel, as well as Brandon Foster and Tak Landry, while bluechip recruitShaydon Philip (Team Alberta) will also fight for work in the secondary.
2015 Training Camp schedule
Saturday, August 15
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice – Foote Field
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Sunday, August 16
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice – Foote Field
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Monday, August 17
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice – Foote Field
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Tuesday, August 18
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice – Foote Field
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Wednesday, August 18
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice – Foote Field
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Thursday, August 19
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Practise – Foote Field
Saturday, August 22
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. GREEN & GOLD SCRIMMAGE – Foote Field
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