CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos head football coach Ryan Sheahan is pleased to announce John Nicastro as Regional Scout. 

The Nicastro name is familiar to Calgary football circles. John has been a successful football coach with local youth teams the Mavericks and Hilltoppers organizations of the Calgary Minor Football Association past 15 years – the last four with the Hilltoppers. 

His son, Peter, was a key member of the offensive line for the Dinos when they won the 2019 National Championship. Peter has established himself as an outstanding professional player in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts, earning a Grey Cup ring in 2022. Drafted 7th overall in the 2021 CFL Draft, he was the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year in 2022. 

Sheahan is elated to have John Nicastro on board. 

"It's an honor to have an experienced coach like John join our football staff," Sheahan said. "He's a good man who has given a ton of time and energy to football in the Calgary community. As a parent of a Dino Football alumnus, he is well versed in the high standards we have here when looking for future prospects to help elevate the program."

For Nicastro, it is all about giving back to the program that helped his son get to the next level. 

"People volunteered for my son, and I feel I have to and want to give back," stated Nicastro. "My son went through the Dinos program and the program helped him fulfill his dream at playing at the next level." 

In addition to his football knowledge, John can assist in the recruiting process, having seen the recruitment process his son went through. 

"I can put on the 'parent hat' as I have been through the recruitment process," Nicastro stated, whose son had numerous U SPORTS offers before deciding on attending the University of Calgary. 

John has a deep connection to the Dinos program and also deep connection to the youth programs in Calgary. He hopes to deepen the connection between the Dinos and highly regarded youth programs in Calgary and surrounding area. 

"I love the game and wanted to be involved in football. I am thrilled about being part of Ryan's staff," Nicastro stated.

-UC-