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Kellen Forrest for Dinos Athletics
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Dan Federkeil (BA ‘11) by no means anticipated to finish up as certainly one of his technology’s most embellished Canadian soccer gamers.
However when he joined the College of Calgary Dinos soccer workforce on the age of 17, it was the beginning of one thing particular.
The Drugs Hat native ended his profession as one of many uncommon athletes with each a Tremendous Bowl and Gray Cup ring, and can now enter the Dinos Corridor of Fame as one of the crucial profitable gamers this system has ever produced.
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When he joined the Dinos as a defensive lineman, his first 12 months was speculated to be a growth 12 months. However plans modified in a rush.
“That was the plan, proper? I’m speculated to redshirt the primary 12 months and progress into beginning after that,” Federkeil stated.
Nevertheless, accidents to the beginning defensive finish thrust Federkeil into the highlight, and he by no means regarded again.
At 17 years and two months, he turned the youngest-ever participant to decorate for the Scarlet & Gold.
In 5 years on the Dinos’ defensive position, Federkeil recorded 111 tackles and 13 sacks. He was a two-time All-Canadian and was named the 2005 Dinos Male Athlete of the 12 months.
Federkeil got here in at 17 years previous, and left a professional prospect. He believes that lots of credit score for his growth needs to be given to his Dinos teammates.
“I feel the factor that helped me progress probably the most was my teammates,” Federkeil stated. “The enjoyable degree of competitors we had happening for stuff was fairly useful. I’m certain most individuals concerned in sports activities perceive how a lot of a grind it may be, so then, mentally and emotionally, you get worn down simply as a lot as you do bodily. So although we didn’t have probably the most profitable workforce, it was nonetheless a extremely good group of fellows.”
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That group of fellows helped Federkeil get drafted by the Toronto Argonauts within the first spherical of the 2006 CFL Draft. However Federkeil wouldn’t play a snap for the Argos and as an alternative set his sights south of the border.
Federkeil’s objective of enjoying within the NFL turned a actuality as he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Nevertheless, the transfer to the U.S. additionally got here with a place change.
The Colts needed Federkeil on the offensive line. And although he didn’t have a lot expertise on offence with the Dinos, the Colts didn’t have to see a lot.
“All of it simply actually happened simply from brief yardage work with our offence with the Dinos,” Federkeil stated of the swap. “They preferred how I obtained off the ball higher realizing the snap depend than reacting to the ball. And yeah, they labored me out as an offensive lineman. They preferred what he noticed. They preferred the chances going ahead.”
They made the fitting selection, as Federkeil ended up enjoying 4 seasons with the Colts and began off with a bang when he received the 2006 Tremendous Bowl in his rookie season.
Accidents ended his time within the NFL, however Federkeil wasn’t prepared to hold up his cleats simply but. After taking a while off from soccer to let his physique get well, Federkeil noticed his alternative to return to the sector.
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“I used to be watching, humorous sufficient, a Stampeders sport and stated, ‘I might do higher than that man,’ ” Federkeil stated.
He wasn’t flawed. Federkeil would go on to begin 59 regular-season video games, 4 playoff video games and three Gray Cups with the Calgary Stampeders, bringing dwelling the last word prize in 2014.
Federkeil introduced his retirement from skilled soccer in February 2018, marking the top of a storied profession he by no means noticed coming.
“Rising up, there wasn’t any, ‘Hey, this man’s going to be a future star,’ ” Federkeil stated.
That’s precisely what he turned.
Federkeil will probably be inducted into the Dinos Corridor of Fame throughout a ceremony on Monday, together with the opposite members of the Class of 2024: Sam Effah (observe & area), Hayley Wickenheiser (hockey), Erica Wiebe (wrestling), Les Gramantik (coach, observe & area) and Gord Franson (builder, soccer).
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