CFL.ca Staff
2010 represents the dawning of a new era for UBC Thunderbirds football. Coach Shawn Olson brings a tradition of success as a player and offensive coordinator to his rookie season as a CIS head coach. The former Vanier Cup winning UBC quarterback and his new coaching staff promise to create a new football culture at UBC.
All-Star running back Dave Boyd will be a central part of the revamped Thunderbirds squad. Boyd finished second in Canada West with 782 yards (97.8 per game) and added four touchdowns last season.
Cody Husband will anchor the offensive line after barely missing the cut with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats this year, while receivers Spencer Betts and SFU transfer Victor Marshall will help out through the air.
Linebackers Devin Kavanagh and Nathan Kanya are expected to contribute to an improved defence. Both players have had promising off-seasons, with Kanya returning from injury while Kavanagh has positioned himself for a breakout year.
A newly renovated Thunderbird Stadium adds an important component to a season of rebirth for UBC football. Most notably, a turf field was installed over the summer, allowing the T-Birds access to their home field for regular practices for the first time.
“There are a lot of exciting improvements that have happened to this point and things are still being worked on, which is excellent for the football program. The feedback from the players and coaches is very exciting. Everyone is settling in, and now we’re getting down to football,” said Thunderbirds head coach Shawn Olson.
“The big thing is making sure that our guys are becoming a team. I want them to feel like this place is a home to them. There should be a certain amount of pride associated with being a Thunderbird.
“I expect hard work and I expect people to care. Those are essential to success. I don’t expect the players to be perfect. I just expect that we work really, really hard, and that we love where we are and who we’re doing this with. If you do those things, I think the end result will take care of itself.”
2009 Season in review:
2009 regular season record: 3-5
2009 regular season standings: fifth
2009 playoff record: missed playoffs
2009 playoff finish: N/A
Coaching Record
Shawn Olson is entering his first season as head coach for UBC.
OFFENCE
Key returning players:RB Dave Boyd (Duncan, BC), OL Cody Husband (New Westminster, BC), R Spencer Betts (Surrey, BC)
Key recruits (newcomers or transfers): R Victor Marshall (Simon Fraser University), OL Curtis Vizza (Vancouver Island Raiders), QB Ryley Wright (West Liberty Hilltoppers – NCAA Div.II).
Key losses:OL Mike Morris, R Brent Borthistle, OL Oamo Culbreath
DEFENCE
Key returning players: LB Nathan Kanya (Hamilton, ON), LB Devin Kavanagh (Montreal, QC), S Alex Babalos (Delta, BC)
Key recruits (newcomers or transfers): DB Levar Hayden (Vancouver Island Raiders), DL Josh Williams (Vancouver Island Raiders)
Key losses: S Tyler Codron, LB/DB Scott Thiessen
-With files from the UBC Thunderbirds
