The Dinos gave us a lot to write about this season. We get to pick athletes of the year too–just cause we feel like it. We deserve it. We’ve worked hard too.
– Gauntlet Sports Staff
Dean Fisher
This year, the Dinos football team enjoyed its best season since 1995’s Vanier Cup victory. And while football is a team game in which the sweat and pain of many people go into making a winner, there is no question that the Dinos wouldn’t have been half the team they were if not for running back Dean Fisher. When sophomore sensation Alan Giaccalone went out with a back-injury suffered in the off-season, the onus was on the fourth-year Fischer to step up and carry the brunt of the running. And step up he did. Fischer proceeded to dominate the Canada West conference. His 1062 yards rushing on 180 carries were among the best in the CIAU and his 13 touchdowns, an exponential growth from seasons past, were enough to lead Canada West in scoring. His superb numbers led to his appointment as a league all-star, and the conference’s Hec Crighton nominee for CIAU Player of the Year. Unfortunately for the Dinos, their stud running back rolled his ankle early into their first-round playoff game against the Regina Rams, and was unable to carry his team any further. While Fisher surely did not want to end his university career in such fashion, during the 2000 season he proved his skill and leadership are unique and unfallable, and as such, he is the Gauntlet sports writers’ Male Athlete of the Year.
-Ryan Laverty
Rick Say
Swimmers don’t usually get the respect they deserve. They donít have the exposure of basketball players who have the whole Jack Simpson Gymnasium to display their skill. They have their pool where most sports fans never get to see their amazing feats. But if fans got to see Say swim, they would see an Olympian and a Dino. They would also see three gold medals from the CIAU Championships in three different events. Say won the 100, 200 and 400m Freestyle events and led the Dinos to a second-place finish at the meet. If it wasn’t for a certain overpowering running-back, Say may have well gotten our nod for Athlete of the Year.
– Kris Kotarski
David Kooperberg
Twenty minutes of teeth-gritting strength. Muscles relaxed and tensed as two fighters jockey for a position on the mat. A marathon of cheers, sweat and passion ends with the University of Calgary wrestler rising to the sound of a standing ovation from the crowd. It’s a true story involving David Kooperberg and it sums up a fantastic year for this Dino. Going into the Canadian Finals, he was the favourite to take gold in the 72 KG weight class. His heroicc win over the University of ALberta finalist proved he doesn’t shy away from the pressure of performance, truly deserving of the accolades he receives.
– Daorcey Le Bray
Brad Neve
"After taking gold in the 82kg weight class, Neve can grab his horse and gallop into the sunset."
– Daorcey Le Bray
"A true leader and great champion. Neve is accountable for many Dino wins."
– Ryan Laverty
"Unspoken, unsung and absolutely untouchable."
– Lawrence Bailey
"His gold medal will intimidate all the other accountants."
– Kris Kotarski
John Riad
"Wow. Riad scores a lot."
– Daorcey Le Bray
"Simply Riadical. ‘Nuff said."
– Ryan Laverty
"Prolific scorer who actually managed to avoid the injured list."
– Lawrence Bailey
"It would be cool to see what Riad and his long arms could do with healthy teammates."
– Kris Kotarski
Matt Holmes – Colin Embley
"A point-winning front line that strikes fear into the hearts of men."
– Daorcey Le Bray
"Like chips without the dip. They’re good on their own, but amazing together."
– Ryan Laverty
"Kurri and Gretzky? Hull and Oates? Yeah…they were good too…"
– Lawrence Bailey
"They share more ice time than a figure-skating pair."
– Kris Kotarski
Bill Byma
"The third best attacker in the country and yet we wish he hadn’t cut his hair."
– Daorcey Le Bray
"Sacrificed getting paid to make another run at the national title."
– Ryan Laverty
"Displayed; passion, devotion and inspiring leadership."
– Lawrence Bailey
"Looks really nutty when he’s drunk and wearing a straw sombrero. Great volleyball player though."
– Kris Kotarski