The 2007 Vanier Cup champion Manitoba Bison football team begins the 2008 Spring Camp with testing already happening on Wednesday, April 23, the first practice occurs on Friday, April 25 and the camp ends with a scrimmage on Sunday, April 27. There are over 100 players (approx. 115) with a mixture of returning, veteran players and newcomers that will be showcased during the annual three-day camp running from April 25 to April 27 at the University of Manitoba.
The Bisons enter the new season after a championship 2007 campaign where the squad ended a 37 year drought between Vanier Cup titles with a 28-14 win over Saint Mary's Huskies in the CIS Championship game during a perfect 12-0 record (regular season plus playoffs).
A healthy amount of players of both sides of the ball return from the 2007 season, plus there will be numerous of battles as ten players graduated (eight starters from Vanier), heading into the 2008 Spring Camp.
Starting on the offensive side, the quarterback position is solid as John Makie returns for his fifth year and builds on his 21-1 record while a Bison starting pivot plus Nathan Friesen and Kevin Hayes are back. At running back, Matt Henry will see the field for the first time since his injury at Vanier. Other players looking to impress at Spring Camp is
Jerome Hofferden (TB who red-shirted last season with Bisons),
Stu Foord (TB who was Regina Thunder MVP plus captain last season and league All-Star in 2006),
Jason Loosemore (FB from Edmonton Huskies competes for vacant spot left by graduate Neil Fulgueras).
At wide receiver,
Jeremy Botelho (PFC All-Star with Winnipeg Rifles) and
Stu Schollaardt (SB from Edmonton Huskies) will battle with a high-end returning group of starters from last season. On the offensive line, there could be some holes to fill and new players to watch for on the OL are
Brent Rintoul (6'7”, 315 lbs. tackle from Vancouver Trojans and BCFC 2007 All-Star),
Eric Cliplef (6'5”, 300 lbs. tackle/guard from Valley City State),
Brent Robbins (6'5”, 320 lbs. tackle from Victoria Rebels) and
Bryce Kristel (6'5”, 300 lbs. tackle from Edmonton Huskies).
Onto the defensive side, there are five starters who graduated after 2007 (one more starter left after finishing school) and a potential four more starters could be picked in the 2008 CFL Canadian College Draft at the end of April. With that in mind, there are several areas to compete for new players. Newcomers at the Spring Camp include
David Bosch (DL for Chilliwack Valley Huskers and Canadian Junior Football League All-Canadian in 2006).
Also on the Defensive Line,
Wyatt Jacobi (PFC All-Star with 2007 CJFL champion Saskatoon Hilltops), Gordon Robinson (BCFC 2007 All-Star with 2006 CJFL champion Vancouver Island Raiders),
Braeden Speer (played with Maples Collegiate) and
Kevin Kwazny (played with St. Paul Crusaders). At linebacker position,
Thomas Irving (PFC All-Star with 2007 CJFL champion Saskatoon Hilltops) will be one to watch.
The defensive back positions lost three starters to graduation with a fourth potentially drafted and there will be spots available. New players highlighted at this Spring Camp are
Marlon Azurdia (halfback and BCFC Defensive Player of the Year, BCFC 2007 All-Star and CJFL 2007 All-Canadian with South Surrey Big Kahuna Rams),
Teague Sherman (halfback/safety with Victoria Rebels) and
Pete Adams (BCFC 2007 All-Star with 2006 CJFL champion Vancouver Island Raiders).
Other local players seeking to make an impact are four Winnipeg Rifles:
Rodney Paterson (Defensive End),
Harpreet Turka (RB and Rifles 2007 Offensive Player of the Year),
Chaanse Fennell (RB) and
Justin Kasak (CB/DB).
BISON FOOTBALL 2008 SPRING CAMP SCHEDULE
Friday, April 25: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Testing Players, Max Bell Centre
5:30- 7:30 p.m. Practice #1
Saturday, April 26:
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Practice #2
2-4 p.m. Practice #3
Sunday, April 27:
10 a.m.- noon Practice #4
3-5 p.m. Scrimmage
6:30 p.m. Team Together (TBA)
Spring Camp Practices will be held at Bison Football practice field and at University Stadium (both at University of Manitoba).
