CALGARY – For the first two games of the 2026 season, the University of Calgary has started three receivers from the same high school, even though they never played together in high school. That school is Ernest Manning in Calgary.
It is not surprising given who the offensive coordinator of the Griffins is. He is former University of Calgary receiver Michael Klukas. Klukas spent four solid seasons for the Dinos (2015-2018) and, though not drafted, spent time professionally with the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League.
Freshman receiver Emmett Pachett is the youngest of the trio. The 19-year-old Pachett missed last year due to a severe injury, making him a medical redshirt. Pachett did not let the injury deter his goal of playing in 2026. He trained extremely hard and had a solid training camp, securing a spot on the lineup.
Emmett attributes much of his success to senior receiver Matt Sibley.
"He has been a mentor to me on and off the field, urging me to be patient with the process," states Pachett, who did not start playing competitive football until the ninth grade, as he was a competitive gymnast, which helps him with space awareness and balance in football.
Tim Duerr is the second youngest of the group. Now in his third season with the Dinos after spending one season with the Calgary Colts of the Prairie Junior Football Conference, Tim secured a starting spot after being a reserve in 2025. The second-year Haskayne School of Business student notched his first career touchdown in the opening game win against UBC.
Duerr also has high praise for Sibley, who is one of his best friends. "Matt has been like a big brother to me here and given me direction," said the 21-year-old Duerr, whose family are friends with Sibley's family.
The senior member of the triumvirate is Sibley. Sibley was a fifth-round draft choice of the Stampeders and remained with them before returning to the Dinos in July. The 23-year-old Sibley joined the Dinos in 2023 and has scored touchdowns in each of the first two Canada West games.
Sibley enjoys serving as a mentor to the younger receivers.
"It (mentoring and having so many Manning receivers) means a great deal to me," stated Sibley, a final-year arts student who was an Academic All-Canadian in 2024 and 2025.
For Sibley, mentoring the young receivers is a role reversal. He was mentored by veterans when he was with the Calgary Stampeders in training camp earlier this year. "Everyone with the Stampeders helped me, especially Jalen (Philpot), Clark Barnes and others," stated Sibley.
"We have a great staff at Ernest Manning and quarterbacks who could throw the football and air it out," stated Duerr, explaining the reason why Ernest Manning has produced so many receivers playing post-secondary football.
Dinos receiver coach Dallas Boath has high praise for the Manning receivers that also includes Vincent Playfair.
"Coach Klukas does a great job. They are at different levels of their development in their careers. Matt (Sibley) is ready to be a pro. Tim (Duerr) has had an outstanding off-season. Emmett (Pachett) is coming off a serious injury and, with a year of learning the offence, is showing growth as a young receiver," states Boath, who played with Klukas on the Dinos.
Matt Sibley, Tim Duerr, Emmett Pachett and Playfair are all proud to call Ernest Manning High School — "Receiver U."
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