CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders announced Tuesday that they have signed current University of Calgary Dinos basketball star Henry Bekkering to a contract for the 2008 Canadian Football League season.
Bekkering, who was drafted in the fifth round (35th overall) by the Stampeders in the 2007 CFL College Draft, becomes the second Dino this spring to sign with the Red and White after offensive lineman Tim O'Neill, a first team all-Canadian in 2007, inked a contract mid-March.
The 6'6”, 240-pound forward known for his otherworldly leaping ability on the hardwood will bring his athleticism to the gridiron, where he will train as an inside receiver with the aim of cracking the Stamps' practice roster.
Despite the signing, Dinos basketball coach Dan Vanhooren fully expects Bekkering to return to the floor for his fifth and final year of eligibility in 2008-09.
“This is a great opportunity for Henry,” Vanhooren said. “It's a chance for him to learn, and it will give him the ability to choose between a pro football career and a pro basketball career in Europe when he graduates. We've been assured that this will in no way affect his ability to play basketball for us this fall, so we're thrilled for him.”
Should he remain on the Stamps' practice roster past August 15, the date CIS training camps begin, Bekkering will be charged a year of eligibility and will be unable to compete in CIS football for the 2008 season. However, the University of Calgary has received assurances from Canadian Interuniversity Sport that his basketball eligibility will not be affected.
The Stampeders' rookie camp opens Friday, May 29 at McMahon Stadium, while the main camp gets underway June 1.
Bekkering transferred to the Dinos after three years at Eastern Washington in the NCAA's Division I. He redshirted with the basketball program in his first season there but did play football, suiting up as a kicker for the Eagles. After two seasons of basketball, the Taber, Alta. native elected to return to Canada to play with his brother, Ross, also a forward with the Dinos men's basketball team.
The Dinos posted their best record in more than 30 years in the 2007-08 season, posting an 18-4 regular season mark, reaching as high as No. 2 in the CIS Top Ten poll, and hosting the Canada West Final Four in front of a sold-out Jack Simpson Gym.
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