‘Dinos East’ team part of Als’ lineup
Calgary Stampeders’ fans probably won’t want to hear it, but there are certain to be pockets in the stands on late Saturday afternoon who will be cheering lustily formembersof the Montreal Alouettes — specifically those who toiled in this same McMahon Stadium for years as Calgary Dinos.
There are, in fact, four former University of Calgary football players in the Als’ lineup — safety Mike Edem, running back Steven Lumbala, defensive tackle Michael Klassen and SAM linebacker Jordan Verdone. Defensive back Jamahl Knowles is also on the practice roster.
Suffice to say, the game against Calgary was the one
We haven’t been home since we left for training camp. I’ll get to see my family today for the first time in two months, so it’ll be pretty special FORMER DINO STEVEN LUMBALA
circled on all their calendars.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” smiled Lumbala, now a proud member of the ‘Dinos East’ special teams. “We haven’t been home since we left for training camp. I’ll get to see my family today for the first time in two months, so it’ll be pretty special.” Lumbala, a St. Francis High School grad, was the fifth overall pick in the 2013 CFL draft, after posting four stellar, all-star and allCanadian worthy seasons at the U of C. His role on the Als is unlike that which he played in university, where he carried the ball and often the team, and one that he has wholly embraced.
“It’s definitely a different phase of the game,” he admitted. “It’s one-third of the football game so you really have to be strong in your technique because huge plays on special teams often can determine the outcome of a game. I stepped in with the mind set to work and do whatever was necessary for me to play. Thus far everything is going really well. I’m lucky to be healthy and playing well on special teams, so I want to keep that going.
“It’s been a great experience,” continued Lumbala, who on Friday had a chance to pick up his degree from the Haskayne School of Business. “I’ve gotten to learn a whole ton, been surrounded by great veterans who’ve had a lot of success in the league so I’m in a really good place right now.”
The best thing for him and his Dinos’ teammates is the fact that they’re all facing this brave new world together.
“All the time, we stick together for sure,” chuckled Lumbala, just a few doors down from the U of C lockerroom. “We work out together, post-practice, or hang out in our free time. We have a good time together.”