CALGARY – A member of the Teitz family has been with the Dinos football program since 2014.

Senior defensive lineman Nate is the last of three Teitz brothers to wear the Scarlet & Gold. For the Teitz family, Dinos football has been a family affair. More about that later.

The Dinos football program has had a decade of having a Teitz on the team. It began when Micah joined the program from Springbank Community High School in 2014.

Nate, now 23 years old, joined the program as a "red-shirt" freshman in 2019, the year the team won the Vanier Cup following older brothers Micah and Daniel. Nate knew the expectations from his older sibling's experiences.

Micah had a superb college career before turning professional with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League after being selected 14th overall in the 2018 CFL Draft. Daniel was a linebacker on the 2019 Vanier Cup Championship team. Medical reasons forced him to retire from football and he is now building a solid career as an investment banker.

"Micah showed how dedicated you had to be and the leadership one needs. He also told me how to hold yourself accountable to a higher standard," stated Nate, who is proud of his brother's CFL career that now has him playing for the Calgary Stampeders. "I am very proud of his professional career, especially being the Riders Most Outstanding Canadian nominee in 2021," Nate stated.

Nate benefited from being on a Championship team even though he did not dress for the game, but was at the Vanier Cup game as a practice player and saw Daniel compete in the championship game.

"My freshman year was a period of growth for me. I got to see what it takes to build a championship team and hope to use those skills in the future," stated Teitz, who will graduate in December with an Economics degree.

For the Teitz family, Dinos football has been a family affair. Mother, Hope, has been active with the Dinos parent's group and has hosted defensive line team dinners. Sister, Abby, not only has attended the majority of the games at McMahon but sang the National Anthem for five years. Micah's wife helped in the U of C Sports Medicine Center as part of the medical staff at a couple of home games in 2019. Even after he turned professional Micah has assisted with Spring Training Camp for the Dinos.

Nate acknowledges his parent's role in the trio's success in football.

"Both our parents encouraged us to play by helping pay gym fee memberships and always being there to support us even at road games, if possible," stated Nate, who as the youngest was toughened up by his older brothers during pick up games.

Nate is hopeful of having a professional football career like Micah, but realizes life exists after football if he does not have a CFL career. He spent the past summer working an internship for the Alberta Treasury Branches as an Acquisition Specialist.

"I learned how to engage with different groups of people, as well as learning to work with a different type of team," Nate stated.

Defensive line coach Chris Anstey has had the pleasure to interact and coach each of the Teitz brothers. He has the utmost of respect for the entire family.

"All of them were brought up with a tough work ethic, with a commitment and perseverance that is very rare. They are extremely proud and supportive of each other," stated Anstey. "Nate has emerged as a great leader. On the field, he is a true grinder and gives it all."

The Teitz family a proud decade of excellence being part of Dinos football in so many facets. Micah, Daniel and Nate – Once A Dino, Always A Dino.

-UC-