Now that the football season is over, it is easy to forget the tumultuous beginning that the Dinos had. Many members of the team suffered serious injuries and quarterback Erik Glavic fell victim to a right knee sprain in the first week of competition. The team was shrouded with questions about the then 18-year-old rookie quarterback that was set to replace him. Quarterback Eric Dzwilewski quickly silenced any doubts and proved that he was more than up to the task.
Dzwilewski was named CIS football rookie of the year. This is the second consecutive year that a Dino got the Peter Gorman Trophy for rookie of the year after defensive line Linden Gaydosh received the award last year.
In his first start, Dzwilewski led the Dinos to a 24-21 victory over the Regina Rams and showed that he can run as well as pass the ball. From there, he led the Dinos offence to defeat Alberta, Manitoba and UBC and finished with a 4-1 record this season.
“He deserves it,” said head coach Blake Nill. “He won four football games as an 18-year-old quarterback in a very tough football conference.”
Dinos kicker Aaron Ifield was named to the All-Canadians first team and offensive line Paul Swiston to the All-Canadians second team on the same night.
Swiston was also nominated for the J.P. Metras Trophy for most outstanding down lineman, which went to Laval defensive end Arnaud Gascon-Nadon.
St. Francis Xavier linebacker Henoc Muamba beat Dinos linebacker Sam Hurl for the Presidents’ Trophy for best defensive player.
Dzwilewski will take over as the Dinos starting quarterback next year since the Vanier Cup was Glavic’s last game as Dinos quarterback.
“He’s gonna be the guy who leads the team. He’s gonna have to mature quicker and take a more business-like approach,” said Nill. “He’s just an 18-year-old, he’s having fun like with all the kids coming in. Now he has to realize that the football program is resting on his shoulders in a lot of ways.”