CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of football alumnus Tim Petros at the age of 58.

Petros was the first Dino to win the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the Vanier Cup MVP in Calgary's 31-21 win over Queen's in 1983. In that game, he rushed 25 times for 260 yards, a Vanier Cup record that still stands today.

Petros joined the Dinos from John Diefenbaker High School in 1979 where he was co-recipient (ironically with quarterback Greg Vavra) of the Henry Philip Taylor Award as the top player in Division II High School football in Calgary in 1978. Following his freshman season, he was a starting tailback for four seasons (1980 to 1983) and member on the 1980 University of Calgary team that lost a tough Canada West Final in Edmonton to the eventual Vanier Cup champion Alberta Golden Bears. 

"Tim was a very dedicated intense football player," said former head coach Peter Connellan, who led the Dinos to four Vanier Cup titles, including 1983. "He was one of the major reasons and one of the leaders for the success of the 1983 Vanier Cup winning team. He helped set the tone with his passion and his commitment."

A multi-purpose back, Petros finished his career with 120 receptions and rushed for 2791 yards on 458 carries in his career with the Dinos.

Following his college career, Petros played seven seasons for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, one of 10 players from the 1983 team to play professionally. He was selected in 5th round (42nd overall) in the 1984 CFL Draft. He finished his professional career with 2,228 career rushing yards and 1,007 receiving yards. 

Petros, along with other members of the 1983 Vanier Cup championship team, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Calgary Athletic Hall of Fame. 

"As good a football player as Tim was, he was a better friend, father and husband," said University of Calgary Hall of Fame quarterback Vavra, who was a teammate of Petros throughout his university career. 

He is survived by his wife, Laura, his son Nik, and daughter Jordan. 

-UC-