Injuries plague football team

By Noah Miller

After a crushing defeat at the hands of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies last Saturday, more bad news surrounding the Dinos football team polluted the air waves on Monday.

In a press release, Dinos sports information director Ben Matchett indicated that the “University of Calgary Dinos will be without All-Canadians Erik Glavic and Anthony Parker for at least part of the 2010 Canada West football season.” Neither player finished Saturday’s game.

“Injuries are tough. This is certainly one of the toughest years I’ve had,” said Dinos head coach Blake Nill.

The Dinos star quarterback Erik Glavic, who could be seen heading off of the field with minutes to go in Saturday’s contest, suffered a right knee sprain and will be out for at least three weeks before his condition is reevaluated.

Parker, who left the game before the half, is suffering from an upper arm injury. According to the Monday press release his status is uncertain, but the likelihood of a Friday appearance against Regina is doubtful.

To make matters worse, Anthony Woodson was assessed as having a concussion after being drilled by Huskies safety Bryce McCall in the third quarter of last Saturday’s game. Woodson will be able to play again “after completing a post-concussion recovery protocol.”

“Football is a game of injuries. Every coach understands that everybody has the ability to have an issue,” said Nill. “We just have to have our young guys step up. That’s how some guys get their shots.”

The loss of all three players comes as a huge blow to the Dinos who could use a healthy offence following their 34-13 loss to the Huskies. Their next game is with the Regina Rams, who clobbered the Manitoba Bisons 45-11 last Friday.

“If [the younger players] are coached right hopefully it can minimize the effect of some injuries to big players.”

Senior linebackers Andree Bonaventure, Geoff Paiement and Chris Folk were also unable to play Friday because of injuries. Their status remains uncertain.