Besides the 9 new faces that are on the 2005-2006 version of the Dinos roster, here are a few other things that the Dinos have added to their program for the upcoming season:

1. Dinos Mentoring Program - The Dinos have fully established a mentoring program for all of their players for 2005-2006. Due in a large part to the hard work put in by Assistant Coach Wayne Thomas and his wife Olwen, the Dinos have been able to match up each of the players on the current roster with either a Dino Alum or a proud Dino supporter to help guide the players throughout their University experience. The mentoring program brings about so many positive things: First of all, it helps to keep the connection between Dino players of the past with Dinos of today. Second, it keeps the Dinos basketball program connected to the community of Calgary. Third, it provides each player with a positive outlet in the community with valuable contacts that can benefit the players in the future. Finally, it gives the players a non-biased opinion of life at University and provides them a challenge to succeed at school and in the future after graduation.

2. Habitat for Humanity - The Dinos are lending a helping hand. On Wednesday, September 28, the Dinos are going to dawn workers clothes to build a house in the Calgary community for the local Habitat for Humanity program.

3. Children’s Hospital - With the construction of the new Children’s hospital on the West Campus of the U of C almost complete, the Dinos have already created a connection with the Children’s Hospital of Calgary. On a weekly basis, the players will try to be a shining light for the lives of those children in need, and will help out by reading, and establishing relationships with the children at the hospital.

4. Pre-season Action - The Dinos will be venturing east this year to open up their exhibition play. The Dinos will travel to the East Coast of Canada to take on the University of Cape Breton, Saint Mary’s University, and Acadia University in what looks to be 3 challenging opponents. The Nova Scotia tour begins October 14 in Sydney taking on the 2005 Division Champion Capers.

The Dinos will also be making their way to Ontario to take on Brock University and McMaster University. Two highly tauted teams, and always competitive nationally, the Dinos will play the Badgers on October 21, and march into Hamilton to play the Marauders on October 22.

What an exciting year it is going to be for the Calgary Dinos. Truly a program building great players, but more importantly, great young men!