2011 NEWS
Click Here for 2010 news archive
Click Here for 2011 news archive
Gator Gear
Click to Download Order
Sheet
Print off the attached order form and fill out what you want to get.
ask your family and friends if they would like to get some of the team
clothing as well to help show support.
If you would like you name position and number on your hoodies or shorts or
sweat pants you'll have to write on the back of the order form as to what
you want put on. IE: Left arm for "Your Name" Right arm for "Number and
Position"
Each arm is 5$ extra to be done so 10$ in total
and as for shorts and sweats would be 5$ for number and position
If you have any questions email Don.
Forms and money/checks will be collected at our year end awards night later
this month. The votes have been counted and winners of team awards have been decided.
I will be booking us a location this week so keep an eye on you e-mail and
the website!
This stuff looks great so make sure you get your orders in!
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Hollywood Gators
Kudjo, Daniel, Clif
Congratulations to 4 of the Calgary Gators' prettiest players that were selected
amongst thousands, and thousands of auditions, for a new sport select commercial!
Kudjo Fiakpui, Daniel Jules, and Clif Cox were featured in the short ad that
should be on tv soon! We'll get a copy online as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, (formerly known as) 'Beautiful' Brad Richmond was a last minute cut. "better suited for radio advertisements". Sorry Brad!
(i'm told the filming was also almost scrapped at the last minute, due the Gator
players refusing to wear purple jerseys. Eventually, they were convinced the jerseys are most
definately maroon, and not purple!)
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Gator Awards
Just a reminder, I need to get your votes in for the Team Awards, to date,
we only have 8.
The categories are:
>> Offensive MVP
>> Defensive MVP
>> O-Lineman of the Year
>> D-Lineman of the Year
>> Offensive Rookie of the Year
>> Defensive Rookie of the Year
>> Special Teams MVP
>> Gator All-Out Award
>> Most Improved Player Award
The earlier the better as I will need to order the awards as soon as
possible!
Email your votes to cjcox@Shaw.ca
Game 7, @ Edmonton Stallions (W, 30-13)
click here for game 7 player stats
Gator 3 players of the Game
| Offensive - Orin Doneff | |
| Defensive - Clif Cox | |
| Special Teams - Mitch Szigety | |
pre-game writeup
postgame writeup
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The Gators needed a win to secure a place in the playoffs, and they got it
with authority. Clobbering the Stallions QB 9 times for sacks, led by DE
Clif Cox and DT Tony Verbrugge who combined for 6 of the 9. The Gators
secondary is also to thank for making sure there were no viable options for
the Stallions QB to throw to. Even Gators linebackers had some knockdowns,
showing that they are more than run-stopping machines.
The offense moved the ball well on the ground with RB Mitch Szigety piling
up 100 yards on 17 carries. Cody Szigety had a good game as well, picking
up the hard-blitzing Yuri Wishloff several times and doing his part to
protect Strikers back side. Orin Doneff had a stellar game again, grabbing
2 tds in the air and 1 on the ground from a trick-field goal attempt.
The Gators usually take most of the season to gel as a unit, but until this
game we hadn't really seen an entirely unified team. They came hard every
play, and looked more disciplined than we have ever seen them. This squad
is more than ready for a rematch with the Bucs of Central Alberta. This
time, there's little doubt, there will be a much different result.
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Game 6, Calgary Wolfpack (L, 42-22)
click here for game 6 player stats
Gator 3 players of the Game
| Offensive - Orin Doneff | |
| Defensive - Don Scott | |
| Special Teams - Alex Issik | |
pre-game writeup
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There are no two teams in the history of the AFL with such a strong dislike of each other. So strong, in fact, that it borders on outright hatred. Many remember the shellacking the Gators took 2 years ago during the regular season, in which the Wolfpack put up 70 points. 2009 was definitely a rebuilding year for our boys. In the quarterfinal of last year, the Gators handily doubled up on the Pack, ending their attempt at yet another championship.
The Gators have essentially been the same group of hardened veterans, supplemented by a plethora of rookies every year. But each year, that base of veterans grows. And each year, more and more rookies show up to camp. The loss of McEachern has been compensated by the gain of Issik, and losing Wasylyniuk to the Pack midseason has been offset by the gain of Doneff. The Gators always persevere. The Wolfpack on the other hand, while picking up the odd key player every year, have been the relatively same group of vets for the last decade. The Leasons anchoring the offense, big Jim Lightfoot, Ryan Bellerose, Jim Lapointe, Southgate, Squires, the list goes on.
Many players on each squad are friends off the field but come Saturday, no quarter will be drawn nor given. This is football, there are no friends in football, only survivors. Most teams in the AFL reckon the Gators are certainly the meanest and the hardest hitting while the Pack display a lot more finesse. We will see this Saturday which style guides their team to victory. One thing is for sure, this game is not to be missed.
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postgame writeup
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Sometimes football games come down to who makes the least mistakes. While
the Gators only made a few, they were big ones. Blown coverages saw some
large gains and a couple of scores. A few bad decisions and guys pulling up
on their routes early led to key turnovers. That being said, Wolfpack QB
Darryl Leason picked the Gators apart. There's a reason many regard him as
one of the smartest QB's in the AFL. He tested for his openings, looked for
weaknesses and found them.
There were bright spots however, the 1-2 punch from Mitch Szigety and Nick
Berry looked strong. Orin Doneff had a good game, grabbing some tough ones
in tight coverage. Brad Richmond played well and stayed aggressive to the
ball all game. Alex Issik had some good returns on punt and kickoff. And
some second and third stringers got to get their feet wet against one of the
best offenses in the league.
The Gators shouldn't dwell on this game. They have a big one coming up
against the Stallions this Saturday that may eliminate them from playoff
contention if they aren't properly prepared. The same goes for the
Stallions, its a must win for both squads. Sometimes an entire football
season comes down to one game, one play. That one play could make or break
an entire year worth of effort, and the Gators will be ready.
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GAME 5
July 9th, 7pm - Garrison Army, @ Riel Park St. Albert
View Calgary Gators Maps in a larger map
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Thursday Stampede Setup!
2010 Gator's
YeeHahw! The Gators will meet downtown 9th ave, 6th St SW between 6-6:30pm
to assist in setting up the Stampede Parade Route Stands.
View Calgary Gators Maps in a larger map
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GAME 4
June 25, 2pm - Sherwood Park Renegades, @ Shouldice
The Gators are ready to take on the Renegades this week at Shouldice Park at
2PM.
The Renegades gave the Gators a good initial showing in Edmonton last time
these two teams played but still lost 54-20, have had a rough go to start
the 2011 campaign losing their first 3 as well. The Gators by sheer talent
level should win this matchup but I don't believe it will be a walk in the
park by any stretch. While possessing less talent, I don't doubt that the
'Gades will be hungry. And sometimes hunger is all it takes.
The Gators need to win and make some noise doing it. They need to prove over
the last 4 games that they deserve to play in and even win a final. One game
at a time, one quarter at a time, one play at a time.
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GAME 3
June 18, 7pm - Lacombe Athletic Park, Lacombe
The Gators are going to have to come out of the gate strong against an
always surprising CA Buccaneers. The Bucs, who barely lost to two of the
leagues best in their first two contests, are hungry for a win and unless
the Gators tighten up on specials, and move the ball downfield well, they
may be hard pressed to pull one out.
The Bucs have a potent weapon in RB Kenton Poelzer who absolutely
embarrassed the Wolfpack in week 1 with over 200 yards rushing. He may have
a tough go of it with the run stopping power of the Gators front 7, who have
only allowed less than 100 yards in their first two games. It will be a
good match-up to be sure. Bucs rookie QB Steams also looked well in his
first two games, he's moved the ball, led the offence and been a handful for
both the Wolfpack and the Vandals. The Gators have allowed a lot of pass
yards in their first two games but have tightened up so far this week in
practice and are definitely looking more aggressive. DB Tylor Johnson will
likely be stacked up against the Gators SB Mike Wasylyniuk but that will
just free up other potent weapons in Doneff, Campbell, and Edward. Not to
mention, Cowboy has made many talented DB's look ridiculous on his way to
the AFL rookie of the year title last year.
The Gators defence is hungry to face the run, and the Bucs have always been
a stronger running team. I know the front 7 is looking to get down and
dirty and play the hard-hitting defensive style their more accustomed to.
DT Verbrugge is going to be a handful again, he's lighter and much faster
than last year and it's showing with how much trouble O-Lines are having
against him.
QB Dan Craig will likely be leading the charge once again, he needs to have
another solid performance and I believe the Offence will move the ball well
if he does. RB Mike Pan had a decent game last week against some of the
toughest LB's in the league, it will be interesting to see how he does this
weekend. If he has trouble, however, RB Mitch Szigety will be there with
his north-south style that led him to rush for over 130 yards against the
Bucs last year, and with the more punishing O-Line the Gators have this
year, it could easily happen again.
Its not a long drive folks and if you can brave the rain, I suggest you
accompany your Gators and cheer them on to their first win of the season!
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GAME 2
June 11, 7pm - Shouldice Park, Calgary
The Gators are all ready to go for another 'Game of the week' style battle
with the always tough Grand Prairie Drillers. Expect to see some
smash-mouth football folks, these two teams are famous for having some of
the biggest-hitting games of the year against one another.
QB Aldred will be ready to go as always, as well as the formidable Drillers
d-line and linebackers. With the new Gators O-line, this will definitely be
interesting. Anchored by team president, C Don Nelson, the Gators line will
be called upon time and time again to protect their QB and run the ball down
the throats of the Drillers.
The Gators defence looked crisp in practice this week, and much time was
spent going over the Special Teams game. "We're nothing if we don't learn
from our mistakes", said the Gators new Offensive Coordinator.
So all set to go, the Gators are angry after the week one loss and they will
definitely be taking it out on the Drillers. Trust me folks, you won't
regret seeing the Gators angry.
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2011 KICKOFF
June 4, 4pm - Armstrong Field, Lloydminster
Here we go again Gators fans!
The Gators are heading into Lloydminster this weekend for what is sure to be
a grudge match against the 2010 AFL champions.
Lloydminster ran over the Gators last year in the AFL final, doubling up on
the visitors by a score of 52-26. That loss has left a bitter taste in
everyone's mouths, one that can still be tasted months later as the Gators
now have something to prove and the Vandals have nothing to lose.
The Gators have continued with the strong recruiting they have shown over
the last 3 years, picking up some tremendous talent in LB Luke McEachern
(Mike's older, bigger brother), and St. Mary's University product
Jaques-Olivier Lumbala. As well as many former Calgary Colts such as gritty
OL Jeff Chitwood, the hands of SB Orin Doneff, and explosive DE Rafik Ghaly.
All in addition to last years stars as 'Cowboy' Mike Wasylyniuk, former BC
Lion S Mike McEachern, WR Mike Edward, DT Tony Verbrugge, the 'dirtiest in
the AFL' OL Will Dunn, and the combined intensity of LB Brad Richmond and DE
Devron Brown. We have also seen the return of some older Gators in Brendon
'Tuna' Hilts, hard-hitting LB Ken Fournier, and DB Shane Thompson. The
Gators will be led again by the Dan's. Dan Craig and Dan Strikaitis.
With both teams healthy and the Gators much stronger than the year before it
will make for one heck of a rematch.
Meridian Booster Article: Click Here
Bus leaves Deerfoot Outlet Mall, Saturday June 4, 6am!
EARN YOUR KEEP ROOKIES!!
Its a long bus ride to Lloydminster. Its an even longer ride for lazy rookies.
View Calgary Gators Maps in a larger map
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Chocolate Thunder!!
Congratulations goes out to Gator Alumn, Creg Taylor (aka Chocolate Thunder).
Creg, has been making waves as a naturual body builder for several seasons,
but this year surprised everyone with a victory on WipeOut Canada!
Unfortunately, we don't have Creg's performance online yet, but here are
Creg's equally embarassing audition videos. Nice gold gitch Creg!
Audition #1: link
Audition #2: link
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GATOR FUNDRAISER!
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We have set a date and time for the season kickoff party and fundraiser!
It will be Held at our New Sponsor. Dobson's Restaurant and Bar.
Who: Calgary Gators 2nd Annual Silent Auction and Fund Raiser
Where: Dobson's Restaurant and Bar (7116 Macleod Trail South)
When: 6:30-10ish Saturday May 7th 2011
Drink and Food Special's
Great Silent Auction Items
And Raffle!
Tickets are $5 so make sure you pick some up and sell sell sell!!
We will be getting 100% ticket sales towards the team. So the more sold, the
better!
Now we are still looking for More Auction Item's so if you or anyone you
know wants to help out by donating to the cause e-mail or call me anytime.
Remember, the more items we have, the more there is to sell! And that means
more money for the team!
So get the word out on facebook, Twitter, or however you like to communicate
to friends and family.
This is going to be a great year for the Gators so lets kick it off right!
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Pre-Season Message from Gator Pres
I am pleased to inform you all that we're kicking off our 2011 Calgary
Gators season with some up coming indoor workout dates.
We're looking to see the best out of you guys in these early work outs and
also see the level of dedication that you are willing to put into this up
coming season.
We will have to limit our roster this year due to the overwhelming turn
out
expected so make sure you at your absolute best to be the best.
Championships are won in the off season. The hard work now will
payoff
before the season even starts, and when we walk into Lloydminster for that
first
game we will show the AFL and everyone how this is going to be the season of
The Gators.
These work outs are important for us to become more focused on what we
need
to do in in order to be ready on that first opening kickoff to the last
whistle in September.
"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to
unlocking
our potential"
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pre-season indoor workouts
All workouts will be held at The Viper dome.
Located in the parking lot of the baseball stadium at the north end of the
McMahon Stadium parking lot.
View Calgary Gators Maps in a larger map
Everyone has to remember to bring $5 to cover the cost of the field rental
time.
Sat, Feb 19th 9-11pm
Sun, Mar 20th 9-10:30pm
Sat, Mar 26th 10-11:30pm
Sat, Apr 2nd 9-10:30pm
Sat, Apr 9th 9-10:30pm
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Calgary Gators 2011 Schedule
| June 4/5 Calgary Gators @ Lloydminster Vandals |
| June 11/12 Grande Prairie Drillers @Calgary Gators |
| June 18/19 Calgary Gators @ Central Alberta Buccaneers |
| June 25/26 Sherwood Park Renegades @ Calgary Gators |
| July 9/10 Calgary Gators @ Edmonton Army |
| July 16/17 Calgary Wolfpack @ Calgary Gators |
| July 23/24 Calgary Gators @ Edmonton Stallions |
Click Here for 2010 news archive
Click Here for 2011 news archive
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