2012 regular season record: 2-6
2012 regular season standings: 5th in Canada West
2012 playoff record: n/a
2012 playoff finish: n/a
Coming off an injury riddled 2012 season, the UBC Thunderbirds are eager to get back to the form that saw them reach the Hardy Cup Championship in 2011. After a 0-4 start to 2012, the ‘Birds went 2-2 in their final four games of the year to finish 2-6. Head coach Shawn Olson’s biggest addition this off-season has been the hiring of Jerry Friesen as the program’s new defensive coordinator. The former CIS Coach of the Year brings a wealth of experience at both the college and pro level and will look to mold a young defence that allowed 37.1 points per game in 2012.
The offence will be led by 2012 Canada West rushing leader Brandon Deschamps, but will have a new quarterback under centre after the departure of former Hec Crighton Trophy Winner Billy Greene. Fourth year pivot Carson Williams and junior transfer Greg Bowcott, who led the Langley Rams to a BC Junior Football Championships and a berth in the Canadian Bowl, will battle it out for the starting position.
Defensively the ‘Birds are led by linebacker Vivie Bojilov and defensive back Bryan Rideout. Under the tutelage of Friesen this young group hopes to take significant strides in 2013 and prove they are a defence to be reckoned with.
Head Coach Shawn Olson Quote – “I believe everything is won and lost in the off season and this year we have had our best off season under my watch,” said Shawn Olson entering his fourth year as head coach of the Thunderbirds. “From recruiting, to training, to our players taking ownership of the program, these guys have dedicated themselves to improving and preparing to be a contender in 2013. We have improved significantly on defence and have the potential to impress on offence and I’m eager to see how all our hard work translates to the field come August 31.”
Head Coach – Shawn Olson
4th season as head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds
4th seasons as a head coach in the CIS
Career regular season record with team – 4-20
Career record with team – 5-21
Career record overall in CIS – 5-21
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 7
RB Brandon Deschamps (Prince George, BC) enters his third season with UBC. In 2012 he led the Canada West in rushing with 785 yards on 117 carries. He average 6.7 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns on the ground and represented UBC at the 2013 East West Bowl
REC Micha Theil (West Vancouver, BC) made 20 receptions for 274 yards in 2012, scoring two touchdowns and is heading into his fifth and final season in 2013.
OL Ethan Schnell (Kamloops, BC) is set for his third season with the Thunderbirds. The 6’5, 275 lbs offensive lineman represented UBC at the 2013 East West Bowl and is expected move from tackle to guard in 2013 to anchor a line that averaged a Canada West best 230.5 yards per game rushing in 2012.
REC Patrick Bull (Vancouver, BC) established himself as a legitimate target in 2012, leading all UBC receivers with four receiving touchdowns on 22 catches for 272 yards. He is set for his third season on the Point Grey campus.
Key Recruits or Transfers:
QB Greg Bowcott (Abbotsford, BC) comes to UBC after leading the Langley Rams to a BC Junior Football Championship and a berth in the CJFC Canadian Bowl. The 6’4, 225 lbs pivot will challenge for the starting job with fourth year product Carson Williams.
RB Liam Mahara (Vancouver, BC) comes to UBC from the football factory Vancouver College. In his grade 12 year he was named a First Team AAA Provincial All-Star after leading the Fighting Irish to the AAA Provincial Championship game.
Key Losses:
QB Billy Greene
REC Jordan Grieve
OL Kelly Kurisu
OL Steve Zakrezewski
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 7
DB Bryan Rideout (Victoria, BC) led UBC in tackles (40.5) and interceptions (3) in 2012. He also represented the Thunderbirds at the 2013 East West Bowl. The fourth year player is expected to be the leader of the defensive backfield.
LB Vivie Bojilov (New Westminster, BC) enters his third year and when healthy is considered one of the top linebackers in the Canada West. Despite missing two games in 2012 he finished the year with 30 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.
DE Kareem Ba (White Rock, BC) is set for his fourth season with the ‘Birds. In 2012 he had team high seven tackles for loss. Expect Ba, who attended the 2013 CFL E-Camp, to have a little extra motivation in 2013 after being passed over in the 2013 CFL Draft.
LB Tom Harris (Ottawa, ON) Expectations are high for the fourth year linebacker who was second on the team with 32 tackles in 2012. He has found a home at the SAM linebacker position and will be an important key to the defence’s success in 2013.
Key Recruits or Transfers:
DL Donovan Dale (Saskatoon, SK) is a former Saskatoon Hilltops standout looks to make an immediate impact with the Thunderbirds in 2013. Last year with the Hilltops he was a CFJC First Team All-Star.
LB Yianni Cabylis (Regina, SK) has never been shy of contact; the former Regina Thunder product loves to hit. Whether it be on defence or on special teams, expect this PFC All-Star to make a name for himself in the Canada West.
DB Kevin Wiens (Mission, BC) is coming off a stellar high school career which culminated with him being named the 2012 BC High School Football Double ‘A’ Defensive MVP. The first year defensive back looks to make a seamless transition to CIS football 2013.
DB Bobby Davis (West Kelowna, BC) is a former Okanagan Sun product that had a tryout with the BC Lions this past summer. He will suit up for the Thunderbirds in 2013 and battle it out for the starting safety position.
Key Losses:
None
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key Returning Players:
LB Ben Bahrami (North Vancouver, BC) is a third year linebacker that plays on every special team and epitomizes the term student athlete as he continues to work towards his Masters degree in Kinesiology
Key recruits or transfers:
K Quinn Van Gylswyk (Victoria, BC) After playing four years for the Westshore Rebels in the BCFC, Van Gylswyk brings his big leg to UBC. Both a punter and a field goal kicker, Van Gylswyk has the ability to hit consistently from 40 yards out and the leg strength to make it from 55 yards.
Key losses:
K Thomas Moult