Three Manitoba Bison football players have been selected to the sixth annual East West Bowl being played on May 10, 2008 at McMaster University's new Ronald V. Joyce Stadium, in Hamilton. Bison third year receiver Simon Blaszczak, third year kicker Scott Dixon and third year defensive Don Oramasionwu will be competing at the Bowl game for the West roster.

Blaszczak, 24, had a great season as a sophomore with the Bisons as he was tied for third on the team with 18 receptions and led the Herd with three receiving touchdowns despite playing in only four regular season games in 2007. In the 2007 playoffs, the 6'5” slotback was second on the team with 11 catches for 168 yards and one TD. He has amassed 35 receptions for 446 yards and four TDs during two regular Canada West seasons.

Dixon, 24, had a fantastic rookie campaign with Manitoba. The all-time leading scorer in CJFL and BCFC history continued at the CIS level as he became just the third Canada West player to kick six field goals in a game (he did it twice on 09/01/07 @ Regina and 11/10/07 vs. Regina). The 5'8” kicker went 18-24 (75% avg.) and had a longest of 47 yards during the 2007 regular season. Dixon was named Canada West and CIS Special Teams Player of the Week three times during 2007, finished first in conference (6th in CIS) with 75% field goal percentage, first in Canada West (6th in CIS) with 80 points and second in conference (4th in CIS) with 56.5 kickoff average in 2007. In addition, he placed third in Vanier Cup history by making four field goals (4-5) in the championship game.

On the defence side, Oramasionwu, 21, had a breakout season with the Bisons in 2007. He was tied for sixth on the squad with 23 tackles while playing in all eight regular season games. The 6'3”, 255 lbs. defensive end also contributed three tackles for losses and had two sacks for 21 yards. In his three year Bison career, the former Kelvin Clippers player has 28 tackles (four for losses) and two sacks.

Bison football head coach Brian Dobie, who last fall led his Bisons to a perfect 12-0 season and the third Vanier Cup title in school history, will be at the helm of the West squad.

Dobie stated, “This will be a great opportunity for all three players to represent Manitoba at the East West Bowl game. Each player knows the significance of this game as players have used this prestigious selection to showcase their talents to numerous CFL teams. I am also proud to be there in person to coach the West and look forward to the game.”

A National Committee of CIS and CFL head coaches and scouts selected the players who were first nominated by their respective teams. All 27 CIS football schools are represented each year in the East West Bowl. The East West Bowl, in partnership with the NFL/CFL, is designed as a showcase for athletes entering their CFL draft year in 2009; the rosters have been complimented with players entering into their second, third and fifth years that have not yet been drafted.

The objective of the East West Bowl is to showcase future CFL stars to CFL scouts, coaches and fans through a week of practice, testing and evaluation. It culminates in the East West Bowl game where the players get to compete on a national stage against the CIS's best. Thirty-six of the 54 players invited to 2008 CFL evaluation camp were former East West Bowl participants.