CALGARY – After months of 6 a.m. dryland workouts, the University of Calgary Dinos football team finally gets a chance to take the field next week as the annual Spring Camp, presented by Perpetual Energy, kicks off at McMahon Stadium.

Returning players along with members of the 2013 recruiting class and walk-ons will participate in the five-day camp, which runs from May 1-5. The week culminates with the Red-White Scrimmage on Sunday, May 5 at 1:45 p.m.

A total of 96 players will suit up over the five-day camp, with around 60 of those returning from the 2012 team. Practice will begin at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with a 12:45 p.m. start on Saturday. The scrimmage will kick off at approximately 1:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

The Red-White game will take on a more competitive feel this year as the squad will be split into two teams and play an actual game, as opposed to the offence-versus-defence set-up in previous years. The game will consist of four 12-minute running-time quarters.

“We’re excited about adding a more competitive structure to the scrimmage,” said Canada West coach of the year Blake Nill. “This week is really about giving the returning players a chance to get back on the field and giving the recruits their first taste of football at the CIS level. After a long winter in the weight room, it’s always good to be back on the football field.”

One day after the scrimmage, the Dinos will again host a CFL Draft Party in their locker room facility beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 6. Several Dinos student-athletes are likely draft choices in 2013, led by defensive lineman Linden Gaydosh and linebacker Mike Edem who were ranked No. 3 and No. 10, respectively, on the CFL’s pre-Draft rankings last week.

Nill’s Dinos have had a CIS-best 10 players selected in the past two CFL drafts.

The Dinos will open fall training camp on Saturday, Aug. 17, with a non-conference game against the defending Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or slated for the following Saturday, Aug. 24 in Quebec City. Calgary opens its defence of five consecutive Hardy Cups on the road Aug. 31 at UBC, with the home opener slated for Saturday, Sept. 14 against the Saskatchewan Huskies at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary Dinos Spring Camp Schedule

All sessions at McMahon Stadium

Wednesday, May 1 – Friday, May 3
Practice, 5:45-8 p.m.

Saturday, May 4
Practice, 12:45-3 p.m.

Sunday, May 5
Practice/Warm-up, 12:45-1:30 p.m.
Red-White Scrimmage, 1:45 p.m.

Monday, May 6
CFL Draft Party, 10 a.m. in Dinos locker room area

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