MEDICINE HAT, Alta. – Former University of Calgary football offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Dan Federkeil has created a scholarship in honour of his late mother Judy, the Dinos announced Monday.
The endowed Judith Louise Federkeil Memorial Football Award will support the football and educational dreams of a graduate of Medicine Hat High School at the University of Calgary each year.
“I have been given so much in my life that I wanted to give something back,” said Federkeil, who retired after a three-year National Football League career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2009. “I want to help a young kid achieve his academic and athletic goals.”
Federkeil, the 2005 Dinos male athlete of the year, had a remarkable road to his career with the Colts. After joining the Dinos as a 17-year-old out of Medicine Hat High, he played five seasons in the red, black, and gold at defensive end. A two-time CIS all-Canadian in 2003 and 2005, he finished his university career with 111 tackles and 13 sacks and was selected to play in the East West Shrine Game in 2006.
Drafted in the first round, fifth overall in the 2006 Canadian Football League draft by the Toronto Argonauts, Federkeil signed with the Colts as a free agent on May 1, 2006. He made the transition to the offensive line and made their 2006 team, earning a championship ring when the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
He appeared in two games on special teams during the regular season and dressed for the wild card playoff game against Kansas City in 2006. A year later, he was on the active roster all year and started one playoff game in 2007.
Concussion concerns ended his career prematurely, and after retiring in 2009 he returned to school to fulfill a promise he had made to his parents. In June of 2011, Dan graduated from the University of Calgary with a BA in economics.
“The generosity shown by Dan will further enhance our ability to attract the top high school football student-athletes in the province, and we thank him for that,” said Dinos head coach Blake Nill.
For Medicine Hat High School coach Quinn Skelton, the scholarship is just as important for the eastern Alberta community.
“The Federkeil Scholarship means a great deal to our program on so many levels,” said Skelton. “The obvious connection between the U of C and the Mohawks will be made even stronger for future student-athletes. We have had a great relationship so far and we look forward to the future Mohawks moving on to CIS play with the Dinos.
“It also recognizes Mrs. Federkeil and the Federkeil family for their support of our team over the years. Having this in her name is very special and will mean so much to all of us who had the privilege to know her. Dan’s recognition and support for our players is also very special – it means a great deal to me as a coach to have Dan come home and give back to the Mohawk football program.
“This is indeed a special day for football and Medicine Hat High School.”