CALGARY – Defensive lineman Max Bataar is making history. In the 55-year history of the University of Calgary Dinos football program, Bataar is the first Mongolian-born player; he might even be the first ever Mongolian born football player in U SPORTS. 

Nicknamed Max, Dulguunbileg Baatar spent the first nine years of his life in Mongolia with his parents and siblings. 

His parents went through the normal channels to immigrate to Canada to seek a better opportunity not just for themselves but for their children. They were granted permanent residency and Canadian citizenship this past year. Both parents were accountants in Mongolia. His mother uses the accounting skills she acquired in Mongolia in Canada, while his father works in construction. 

Bataar, who will turn 21 later this month, never played any organized sport in Mongolia. As a young boy, the only sport he played was street basketball. The first exposure to organized team sport came four years after he arrived in Canada when he played community basketball. 

Because of his size he was approached by his high school coach, Cody Ehrmann, to give football a try.

"I did not like playing football at first," stated Bataar, who never played the sport until he tried out for the Henry Wise Wood High School junior team. "I used football to overcome my fears. Football has taught me a lot about character, perseverance, work ethic and accountability."

Bataar gained a regular spot on the defensive line in 2018, though he has missed the last three games due to a lower body injury. He dressed for three games in 2016 and saw action in four contests in 2017.

Not heavily recruited, Bataar was approached by Head Coach Wayne Harris to try out for the Dinos in mid January of his Grade 12 year. He received no scholarship funds in his first year.

"I was a nobody," laughed Bataar.

An excellent student, Max is taking biochemistry courses with the hopes of eventually entering Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Excelling in the classroom Max is something Bataar is proud of. He has been a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian the past two seasons while taking a challenging course load. 

When he joined the Dinos in 2015, Max had a pair of fabulous mentors. Bataar had the benefit of learning his craft from last year's starting nose guards Brett Wade and Jack McEwen. He has the utmost respect for both of them both on and off the field. 

"The work ethic, tenacity and no quit attitude is what I learned from them," said the 6-foot-1, 265-pound Bataar, who admits that this year's injury set him back mentally. He's hoping to return to action either against Regina at home this weekend or at Alberta in the final regular season conference game. 

"Max has developed into our best run defender prior to his injury and stepped up his play. His attitude is fabulous and he loves the game," said defensive line coach Kent Warnock. 

Bataar is most appreciative of those who helped him along his journey to becoming a valuable member of the defending 2016 and 2017 Canada West champions. 

"I have had huge support from my family and my high school coach Cody Ehrmann. Coaches Warnock, Chris Antsey, and Tim Burris have pushed me," said Bataar, who was just 17 years old when he joined the team in 2015 as a raw freshman. 

Quietly, Max has become a leader.

"He leads by example. He served his time learning and worked hard," Warnock said. 

Burris summed up Bataar, stating, "Max Bataar is the definition of a Dino." 

-UC-