Each week, legendary Dinos Sports Information Director and Hall-of-Famer Jack Neumann gives you the inside story on Dinos Football.

Two former All-Canadian quarterbacks and U SPORTS Most Outstanding Players, Erik Glavic and Andrew Buckley, are sharing their knowledge to the University of Calgary Dinos football program. The Dinos are elated they choose to spend time at football practices at McMahon Stadium. 

VAVRA SET THE TONE
Glavic and Buckley are merely following the lead of the school's initial Hec Crighton Trophy-winning quarterback, Greg Vavra. Vavra, who won the award in 1983, served as Offensive Coordinator for several years and more recently has worked with the quarterbacks and also assisted Offensive Coordinator Ryan Sheahan. 

Greg helped mentor current quarterbacks Adam Sinagra and Josiah Joseph and coached Glavic during his tenure with the Dinos. Vavra was a training camp coach this past spring and remains involved with the program through the Dinos 5th Quarter in various capacities. 

MED STUDENT BUCKLEY GIVES BACK 
Buckley spent the past two seasons with the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders. He retired this past year to pursue medical studies at the University of Calgary, but makes time to attend practices at least once a week. 

"Coming out once or twice a week is a nice break from school," stated Buckley, who has assisted with youth camps during the summer months. "It is great to work with the young quarterbacks and hope to help when possible."

Time permitting Andrew is present for game days helping Sinagra and Joseph. "It is good to help out and give back," he said.

One of the most decorated players in U SPORTS history, Buckley won the Russ Jackson Trophy – which goes to the player combining athletics, academics, and community service – twice, and also captured back-to-back Hec Crighton Trophies in 2014 and 2015. He also was the recipient of the BLG Award as the U SPORTS Male Athlete of the Year in 2016.

QB COACH ERIK 'THE ENERGY' GLAVIC
Glavic has been a regular at practices the past few years helping Sheahan work with the pivots. Glavic, a two-time Hec Crighton Trophy winner at two different schools (Saint Mary's in 2007 and Calgary in 2009) is employed in the oil and gas industry in Calgary. Like Buckley, Glavic was a BLG Male Athlete of the Year recipient in 2010. 

"It is all about giving back. I was coached in football for 19 years, and now I want to put 19 years back," said Glavic, who has been the quarterback coach the past two seasons. Glavic also helped coached in the Calgary Minor Football Association Cowboys program and high school football after his varsity career ended before concentrating his coaching with the Dinos.  

Sheahan values Buckley and Glavic's presence.

"We are privileged to have guys that are MVP-calibre players, MVP-calibre people and MVP-calibre coaches around the program," Sheahan stated. "What is so great for our current players is, it was not that long ago Andrew and Erik were great players. Our players can relate to them." 

FRESHMEN SOAKING IT UP
Freshman quarterbacks Matt Wilson, Matteo Spoletini and reserve quarterback Caleb Cutliffe agree with Sheahan. Both are appreciative to have Buckley and Glavic present to share knowledge and serve as mentors.

"It is awesome having them," said Wilson, who joined the program this season from Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon. "I grew up watching Andrew Buckley on television. He has helped me so much with the little things about the position."

Growing up in Calgary, Spoletini as an aspiring young player saw Glavic and Buckley perform firsthand.

"It is just awesome to learn what they have to offer," said the 6-foot-4, 215-pound pivot. "Both have accomplished so much. I have seen them play big games and now to have them work with me is special." 

"It is inspiring to have (Buckley) here. He has done so much. He is so busy yet he comes here to help us improve," said Cutcliffe, who is in his second season with the Dinos after transferring from Gavilan College.

All former Hec Crighton-winning quarterbacks should be present at McMahon Stadium Friday evening when the Dinos host the University of Regina Rams at 7 p.m. for their final regular season home game. Vavra will be in the stands, Glavic and Buckley on the sidelines, a legacy of quarterbacks who continue to give back.

-UC-