Defensive linemen in Calgary Stampeders camp: 'Game-wreckers' wanted
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'And then on the edges, you've got to be a full-time player … but you've got to be able to stop the run and then get after the quarterback.'
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With 18 d-line hopefuls still in camp Wednesday, Dickenson and his staff have plenty of talent — and options — on hand.
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Beyond Orimolade on the edge, returnee Clarence Hicks has been a standout during camp. As have fellow Americans Cedric Wilcots II and Shaun Peterson Jr., who earned two QB sacks in last Saturday's 31-4 pre-season victory over the visiting Edmonton Elks at McMahon.
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Of the big American fellas inside, returnee Josiah Coatney, fourth-year CFLer Miles Brown and Jaylon Hutchings — who signed with the Stamps last October — are all turning heads.
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Then there's the Canadians in the mix — returnees Kail Dava, Kelon Thomas, Ryan Leder, Justin Sambu and Anthony Federico, 2024 draft-picks George Idoko and Jason Janvier-Messier and 2025 draftee — and Calgarian — Max von Muehldorfer.
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'I think we have a lot of talent,' added Orimolade. 'I think there's a lot of guys that are still like budding, but I think number one, I think we're going to defend the run really well, and that's going to put us in a lot of opportunities to give guys behind the sticks. It makes it easier for d-line to get to the quarterback.'
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The ending
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So far, it stacks up as Orimolade, Brown, Hutchings and Hicks from edge to edge.
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But with so many talents in the mix and Dickenson declaring jobs up for grabs, that could change overnight.
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Plus Canadians starting on the d-line amounts to being ratio-breakers.
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No matter, though … just as long as whoever's got those gigs are game-wreckers.
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'It's a hungrier group,' added Orimolade, when asked about the difference between the Stamps before he left and this year's edition. 'When you've had bad seasons, no one wants that taste in their mouth. They wanted the season to be over just because of all the losing, and it starts to weigh on you mentally.
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'But now it's like everyone has the drive to be better this year. That's a big change. That was kind of missing. You get kind of complacent, and now you have the rejuvenation. It's good.'
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Short yardage
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The Stampeders have released American WR Ishmael Hyman, who appeared in five regular-season games for the Red and White in 2024 and made 18 catches for 220 yards and one touchdown … The Stamps signed global K Jordan Noyes, a native of Gravesend, England, who recently concluded his NCAA career with the Colorado State Rams. In two seasons with the Rams, he converted 29-of-39 field-goal attempts and added 62 converts for a total of 149 points. He also averaged 64.6 yards on 16 kickoffs. In a 2024 game at Nevada, Noyes connected on a 60-yard field goal. Noyes started his NCAA career with 30 games over three seasons with the Utah Utes. He was 8-of-12 on field goals for the Utes, a perfect 45-for-45 on converts and accounted for 79 points. He averaged 61.9 yards on 145 kickoffs … The Stamps placed rookie American FB Ryan Jones on the retired list after he underwent surgery for a broken leg suffered during the Red and White pre-season victory over the host BC Lions on Vancouver Island on Victoria Day … Stamps training camp continues Thursday at McMahon (9:15 a.m.).
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Toronto Sun
3 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
TUMBLIN' DICE: America's Sweetheart Mary Lou Retton's fall from grace
The former gymnast was arrested for impaired driving earlier this month Get the latest from Brad Hunter straight to your inbox Mary Lou Retton celebrates her balance beam score at the 1984 Olympic Games, Aug. 3, 1984 in Los Angeles.. Retton, 16, became the first American woman ever to win an individual Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. AP Photo At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, gymnast Mary Lou Retton won the hearts of America — and the world. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account With a beaming, ready-made Pepsodent smile, the 16-year-old pixie's life ahead appeared sprinkled with rainbows and unicorns. But sometimes life doesn't turn out that way, and a tumble can become a plunge. Now 57, Retton was arrested on May 17 for allegedly driving under the influence in West Virginia. Mary Lou Retton reacts to applause after her performance at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles on Aug. 3, 1984. (AP Photo/Suzanne Vlamis, File) Cops say the companion in the passenger seat of her Porsche was a screw-top bottle of wine. Witnesses later said she was driving 'all over the roadway,' court documents obtained by WDTV revealed. Officers at the scene reported that Retton reeked of booze and was slurring her words. From the podium to the poorhouse to the pokey in a couple decades. GOLDEN GIRL: America fell in love with Mary Lou Retton. GETTY IMAGES THE TRIUMPH The Virginia-born athlete took up gymnastics at the age of 8, inspired by Nadia Comaneci's breathtaking performance at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She then moved to Houston for further, more intense training, and began her remarkable ascent up the ranks of the gymnastics world. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. GOLDEN DAYS: Cover of Sports Illustrated. SI OLYMPIC GLORY Retton captured the all-around gold medal at the '84 games, which were boycotted by the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries. On TV, the world fell in love as she notched four additional medals, silver in the team and horse vault and two bronze medals. She was named Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year. And she got her Wheaties box. Mary Lou Retton, former Olympic Gold Medalist in Women's Gymnastics, looks on during the 2009 Tyson American Cup at the Sears Centre on February 21, 2009 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images QUOTE 'You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high-school events, and people say it's awful … I say it was a good trade. You miss something, but I think I gained more than I lost.' — MARY LOU RETTON Retton was the first female athlete to appear on a box of Wheaties. GENERAL MILLS CELEBRITY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX After retiring from competition in 1986, Retton was sucked into the celebrity-industrial complex. The Republican boosted Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign. She also got down to making serious money. Besides endorsing everything from shampoo, pain relief creams and insurance, she was the first woman on a Wheaties box. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Pint-sized Retton also made a slew of appearances on TV and the movies, including Knots Landing, Scrooged, Baywatch, and others. In 2018, she appeared on Dancing With the Stars. Mary Lou Retton and her former husband, Shannon Kelley. ASSOCIATED PRESS HUBBY The star gymnast married her quarterback in the form of University of Texas star Shannon Kelley. The pair had four daughters before calling it quits in 2018. There were rumours of infidelity and abuse. 'It's something that had really needed to happen for a long time,' Retton told People of the split. 'We still love one another, but we weren't great together anymore.' Dr. Larry Nassar, appears in court for a plea hearing on Nov. 22, 2017, in Lansing, Mich. Photo by Paul Sancya / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SEX ABUSE MISSTEP Super creep Dr. Larry Nassar sexually preyed on young female gymnasts for decades as the team doctor for USA Gymnastics. He was tied in with her Texas coaches. In 2016, Retton met with Senator Dianne Feinstein over her sponsorship of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. But Retton wasn't there for support. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She told Feinstein the bill wasn't necessary despite men like Nassar. Gymnastics, she said, 'was a happy, safe place.' QUOTE 'Mary Lou Retton's legacy is forever tarnished by her unconditional & public support of Steve Penny & the team of other disreputables at USA Gymnastics who allowed so many children to be abused sexually, physically & emotionally for years. Shame on Ms Retton.' — STEVE MANLY STILL RECOVERING: Retton talked about her health struggles on Today, still using breathing apparatus. SCREENGRAB/ TODAY HEALTH CRISIS Retton has been plagued with numerous health problems since her days as a star gymnast. That included having both hips replaced, but worse was to come in October 2023. Her daughter McKenna announced that Retton was 'fighting for her life' after a bout with a rare strain of pneumonia. Retton had a 'long road of recovery ahead.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I'm so grateful to be here. I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support.' — RETTON ON THE TODAY SHOW, JANUARY 2024 Mary Lou Retton on ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars.' (ABC) MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Her daughter McKenna started a crowdfunding effort for the Olympic legend. But that drew criticism. Retton later explained that because of her numerous surgeries and recent hospitalization, she was broke. The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame and her family took in US$459,000. They wonn't confirm how they spent the cash. THAT BOOZE-A-RAMMA The gonzo-ed golden girl refused a roadside blood alcohol test when she pulled over on May 17. She did do three field sobriety tests. Cops said the results showed she was plastered, court documents said. She was charged with DUI and sprung on a $1,500 bond the day of her arrest. Neither Retton, her lawyer, nor her spokespeople have addressed the incident. bhunter@ @HunterTOSun Crime Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Raptors Sunshine Girls
Globe and Mail
11 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Politics not a factor for Canadian athletes chasing their varsity dreams in the U.S.
Despite its challenges, the dream of going to a Division 1 school in the United States was too great for Liam Miller. The pole vaulter from Milton, Ont., who turns 19 on Saturday, is committed to Wichita State University for the 2025-26 year. He recently wrapped up a postgrad year at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, after receiving 21 D1 offers. Though a few classmates joked about Canada being the 51st state during his time at Spire, Miller said the ribbing didn't bother him – or influence his decision. 'Politics never really came into place,' he said. 'Being on a university campus, you're already in sort of a more progressive-leaning place. You're kind of in this academic bubble with a lot of kind-hearted people, and it really never came into play with me. 'It has always been my dream to go to an NCAA Division 1 school,' he added. 'My parents knew that and they've been very supportive throughout the whole way. … Getting a full scholarship is really hard. And I was so fortunate to have received an amazing scholarship from Wichita State.' Brett Montrose, founder and co-CEO of Streamline Athletes, a company that helps high-school track and field athletes get recruited, said it's too early to tell if strained Canada-U.S. relations will play a part in recruiting decisions. 'From a Canadian student-athlete and family perspective, we are not at a point yet where we're seeing many or any repercussions of the political tensions between Canada and the States on their decision making about where to go to school,' he said. 'That's because anybody committing or signing with American or Canadian universities in 2025 likely began their recruitment process before the tensions were at anything close to the height that they are now between the two countries.' For fellow Canadian track and field athletes, Brooklyn Taylor (Connecticut) and Shadae Thompson (Purdue), politics didn't play a factor. The landscape of NCAA sports has changed drastically over the last few years, especially due to the transfer portal. But for Miller, the bigger hurdles were new roster limits and rising international tuition costs that schools now have to factor in. Track and field teams, he explained, are capped at 45 athletes on full scholarship, with no walk-ons allowed. That's led many programs to shed athletes instead of adding more. In addition, his parents will need to help out financially. 'I will be having to pay for a few things,' Miller said. 'They're helping me a lot and I'm very fortunate for that.' Taylor, a hurdler and long jumper from Alliston, Ont., also attended Spire for Grade 12 – but her recruitment process unfolded a little differently. A former competitive dancer, she didn't fully commit to track and field until Grade 11, when she 'really started training' and let dance take a back seat. Already drawing interest from schools in Grade 11, her stock rose once she cracked the U.S. top 15 in the long jump and 60-metre hurdles. Still, like Miller, scholarship offers played a big role in her final decision. 'A lot of the times … the international athletes did still have to pay a decent amount just because of exchange rates,' said Taylor, who received about 30 offers from schools at various levels. 'But I mean, I was lucky. My coaches were really good to work with. I also work really hard on my academics. 'I've maintained a high 90 [per cent] average throughout the entirety of my high-school career. So a lot of the times these coaches aren't even pulling from their sports scholarship money to send me on a full ride sort of thing. They're able to kind of use more academic side of things and keep the sports scholarship amounts for the more academically challenged athletes on their rosters.' Thompson, a sprinter from Whitby, Ont., stayed in Canada for high school at All Saints Catholic Secondary School in her hometown. She received three D1 offers – Marshall University, the University of New Mexico and Purdue. While she will have everything covered at Purdue, she noted the school's use of two-year plans instead of four. 'After two years, if you're performing well, they'll keep you for another two years,' Thompson said. 'So then that would be like your quote, unquote four-year plan. 'But if you're underperforming after those two years, then they have the right to kick you out. And from then on, you've got to figure it out on your own. So I'm kind of on a partial scholarship, you could say, but it's basically a full.'
Vancouver Sun
13 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa Redblacks aim to use final tuneup as tempo setter for "Grey Cup or bust" season
The Ottawa Redblacks have a singular goal this season. 'Grey Cup or bust, man,' said James Peter, the former Ottawa Gee-Gee who will start at middle linebacker for the Redblacks when they take on the Montreal Alouettes in their preseason finale Friday at TD Place. 'We're going Grey Cup, all the way. I totally believe it. 'We definitely have the guys here to do it. We have the coaches, we have the players. We're super adept at all our positions. So I really feel like we have the room to really get this Grey Cup for Ottawa.' The Redblacks finished third in the East Division last season with a 9-8-1 record, thanks largely to a home mark (7-1-1) that was best in the Canadian Football League. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Quarterback Dru Brown, who was good enough in his first year as a starter to get a contract extension, should be even better in 2025. Geno Smith, one of the CFL's best receivers, was signed as a free agent and joins a core group of American pass catchers that includes the exceptional Justin Hardy, Bralon Addison and Kalil 'The Thrill' Pimpleton. Three-time 1,000-yard rusher William Stanback might have been an even bigger get for general manager Shawn Burk, as he gives Ottawa a running game it lacked after Ryquell Armstead was released for undisciplinary behaviour midway through the 2024 season. Not to be overlooked is the addition of solid veteran centre Peter Godber, who will help open holes for Stanback and provide protection for Brown. If a veteran defence sprinkled with all sorts of star power can match/exceed its capabilities under new co-ordinator William Fields, there's no reason not to expect the Redblacks to contend for their first championship in nine years — and Ottawa's second Grey Cup since 1976. 'It's a whole different scheme of football that we have compared to the last two years, but it's more adaptable for us to play fast, physical football,' Peter said. 'We have guys able to fly to the ball a lot more, just based on how the scheme is run. On top of that, guys don't have to think as much, just play freely and play the football that they've been God-gifted with. In terms of our defensive scheme and everything like that, it's all super simple for us. 'So the whole mindset for us is to go out there and dominate.' The Redblacks didn't get the media attention they would have if they had held their training camp in Ottawa, but there were benefits from spending two weeks in the dorms at Queen's University and in a smaller community like Kingston. 'You spend a lot of time with the teammates, and you get to build bonds on the first day, two, three days,' said Daniel Adeboboye, who was acquired from his hometown Toronto Argos in a January trade and will be the Redblacks starting running back against the Alouettes. 'By the end of training camp, it's like your family.' A strong special-teams player like Peter, Adeboboye won two Grey Cups with the Double Blue. He senses the Redblacks have an intangible for success that was prevalent with the Argos. 'I wasn't the No. 1 running back in my time there, but something that I did understand is that, on teams, when everyone knows their role and they do it to the best of their abilities, those are the teams that win,' he said. 'I've been on teams in the past when guys were not content with their job, and they wanted to do this or that. There might not be as much buy-in. But, when you have everyone on the field that wants to win, who wants to be the best at their position, whatever it may be, those are the teams that go the furthest because they understand what it takes. That's when championships are won.' At the very least, there will be pressure on the Redblacks to go further than they did in 2024, when they lost the Eastern semifinal 58-38 to Adeboboye's Argos. But Peter doesn't see that as a problem. 'We had pressure that we instilled on ourselves last year, so it's kind of just a carry forward,' he said. 'The expectations are still the same. The only expectation that's different is to actually win that Grey Cup. So, with that, it's more so that everybody has got to be that thermostat in the room and just turn it up. 'In terms of us on the defensive side of the ball, we've got to go out there and just play fast and physical football, and expectation-wise, it's also the same. We just have to be the dominant group that we are, just carry forward how we were last year, and be even 10 times more dominant, 10 times more physical, and just go there and have fun.' Peter plans on doing just that Friday, the last team tuneup before things get real. 'My mindset is to go in and just show that I'm physical, I'm dominant, I'm able to command a defence, I'm able to get everybody aligned, assigned, and make sure that we're all ready to go and play,' he said. 'We've just go to go out and show that, 'Hey, we are the Redblacks and we're here to win a Grey Cup.' At the end of the day, go out there and ball. 'It really is a tempo setter.'
