CALGARY – The University of Calgary community mourns the loss of former Dinos Football head coach Mike Lashuk, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. 

Born in Edmonton, Lashuk left an indelible mark on the Dinos during his 13 seasons of coaching from 1969 to 1976 and 1978 to 1982, amassing an overall record of 57-49. His leadership launched the Dinos into prominence with the team's first conference championship and their inaugural appearance in the Vanier Cup in 1975. 

Lashuk's recruitment and coaching efforts contributed significantly to the Dinos' 1983 Vanier Cup championship team, including quarterback Greg Vavra. 

"I owe a great deal of gratitude to Mike. He shared his knowledge generously and he made me a better player and a better man," shared Vavra.

Lashuk's ties to Dinos Football stretch from the start to the present day. He coached alongside Dr. Dennis Kadatz, the first Athletic Director and first football coach at UCalgary, and Peter Connellan, who led the program to four Vanier Cups. Lashuk also recruited the Dinos' two most recent football head coaches as student-athletes, Wayne Harris and Blake Nill.

"Mike Lashuk set the table for the incredible success the Dinos Football program has had in its history. Not only did he lead the program to its first Vanier Cup appearance in 1975, but the 1983 team that won the first of our five Vanier Cups had Mike's fingerprints all over it," said Dinos director of athletics Ben Matchett. "He remained engaged and involved with the program for decades after his coaching career ended, including a stint as an analyst on our radio broadcasts in the mid-2000s. We are saddened by his passing and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and the many players, coaches, and staff he impacted throughout his career."

Before his tenure at UCalgary, Lashuk played professionally as a fullback for Edmonton in the Canadian Football League. He captured the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy as the Canadian Rookie of the Year in 1957 and continued his career for seven seasons before retiring. 

The Dinos extend our deepest condolences to Mike's family. 

-UC-