CALGARY – Dinos football has always been in the minds of the Schmuland family from Kelowna, B.C.
Easton and
Everett Schmuland are sons of former University of Calgary defensive lineman Trent Schmuland. Trent was a four-year starter with the Scarlet & Gold from 1990 through 1994. He earned Conference All-Star honours in 1993 and 1994 and All-Canadian recognition in 1994.
Father Trent earned a reputation as a tenacious worker and outstanding leader. He was a part of the 1992 and 1993 Canada West championship teams, including the 1993 team that lost a tough 37-34 Vanier Cup Final to the University of Toronto.
Both boys knew their father's legacy in the Dino program and wanted to be Dinos coming out of Kelowna Secondary School, where their father was defensive coordinator and also assisted with the BC provincial team.
"We learned a lot about him once we got into the Dinos program," stated the 24-year-old Easton.
Easton and Everett are key members of the current Dinos program, but in different ways. One contributes on the field. The other is a key component off the field. One is one of the team's outstanding linebackers and special teams players. The other was the team's video analyst and now is a defensive assistant.
Younger brother Everett was one of the leading tacklers in the conference last year, recording 52 tackles, including 39 solo tackles. The 22-year-old is entering his final year at Haskayne School of Business.
"Everett is one of the most cerebral players on our team. He contributes in so many ways in a variety of spots on defence, plus is a great long snapper," states defensive coordinator
Ben D'Andrea.
Everett and his father both were captains in their fourth year with the team, something their father is extremely proud of.
Easton's playing career with the Dinos was cut short due to injury. That didn't keep him from being around the team. He focused on academics and became one of the team's video personnel. This year he will be a defensive assistant to D'Andrea, working with the linebackers.
"I enjoy football and want to give back to the game," stated Easton, who received his mechanical engineering degree this past June and, like his brother, played high school football in Kelowna with former Dinos free safety and current Montreal Alouettes safety Nate Beauchemin.
"The Dinos football program meant a lot to me, and I am proud both are a part of it," stated Trent. "Easton is a great student of the game, and I am proud Easton has shown great leadership."
"Both are first-class people who have been incredibly reliable in my first two seasons here. We are thrilled to have Easton on our staff and were elated to see Everett participate in the East-West game this past spring, as he was most deserving. The apple does not fall far from the tree," states head coach
Ryan Sheahan, who has heard of the exploits of their father from numerous alumni.
Easton and
Everett Schmuland, following their father's legacy but taking different paths doing it.
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