CALGARY – A person whose name is synonymous with the University of Calgary Dinos football program, Tony Spoletini is the 2019 recipient of the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) "Man of the Year."

Tony joined the University of Calgary Dinos program as a 17-year-old freshman from St. Francis High School, where he played for legendary coach Gary DeMan. "Spolly," as he is known to many, connected with the Dinos football program and played from 1983 through 1986. While with the Dinos, Tony was Canada West rookie of the year in 1983 (a finalist for the Peter Gorman Trophy), a four-year starter at fullback, a conference all-star one season and a member of the 1983 and 1985 Vanier Cup championship teams.

Spoletini played professionally in Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders before retiring in 1991. Upon retirement Tony turned to coaching and was a member of the coaching staff for the Dinos, including 1993 when the Dinos were Vanier Cup finalists losing to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

Today, Tony continues to be passionately involved with his alma mater. He has served as training camp coach on several occasions, is a vital member of the Dinos 5th Quarter Alumni Association helping with fund raising for the annual 5th Quarter Alumni Dinner, and is a popular emcee where his personality, wit, and charm keeps the event entertaining. He is valued as a mentor and resource for the Board of Directors.  His personal efforts have raised substantial dollars for the Dinos football scholarships. He continues to volunteer as a colour man on Dinos Canada West football web telecasts with Dave Rowe of 770 CHQR. 

Tony was the recipient of the Dr. Lou Goodwin Award presented by the University of Calgary to the person who contributes the most outstanding service and support to University athletics in 2008. Spoletini also received the University of Calgary Dinos 5th Quarter Distinguished Alumni Award and the Connellan TEAM Award (Together Everybody Achieves More).

More than just an accomplished athlete, Tony is an outstanding citizen that has continued to give back to the community, and give back to football since hanging up the helmet. His indomitable passion for the sport has never wavered, leading him to become one of the key figures in the growth of Calgary minor football. He was instrumental in the development of the Calgary Area Midget Football Spring league which has provided many players a new opportunity to play football. Additionally he has dedicated hundreds of hours to young athletes by coaching Atom, Bantam, and Midget football.

Tony is credited as being the driving force behind the improvement and development of football venues in Calgary. He teamed with Calgary Cowboys Football Association executives and the Calgary Shriners to fund and build Shriners Field, complete with lights, as a home field for the Midget and Atom football leagues. As vice president of the Greater Calgary Amateur Football Association, he was in charge of fund-raising and one of three members overseeing construction of the facilities at Shouldice Athletic Park. The facility is cited as one of the finest of its kind in Canada, made up of three artificial turf fields, grandstands, press boxes, scoreboards, lights and entry plaza.  

"The University of Calgary and the Dinos are very fortunate and proud to have Tony as one of our prominent alumni," said Athletic Director Jason Kerswill. "We often speak about our goal in Dinos Athletics as helping to develop the "champions of today into the leaders of tomorrow" and it is clear that Tony has demonstrated this with the long list of accomplishments as an alum. His passion and commitment to the Dinos, 5th Quarter and to the football community as a whole have all played a huge part in the Dinos' continued success."

Tony is married to his wife, Lisa. They have three sons: Dominic, Giancarlo, and Matteo.  Giancarlo played for the Dinos for four seasons and was a member of the 2016 team that were Vanier Cup finalists. Matteo is a member of the 2019 Dinos team that will compete in the Vanier Cup this coming Saturday in Quebec City against the University of Montreal. 

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