CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Bisons, Juniors to gain experience

Published on May 25, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are pleased to announce that one member of the University of Manitoba Bisons and two members of the Winnipeg Rifles will attend the CFL club's 2005 training camp.

The three players are Bisons quarterback Jon Hooton, Rifles receiver Simon Blaszczak and Rifles defensive end Jeff Noga.

"Hooton will help our team get better because he will do a large share of the drills with our running backs, linebackers and defensive backs," said Bombers head coach Jim Daley. "His presence will allow our other quarterbacks who are competing for roster spots more time to work on our schemes.

"His arm strength and accuracy as a passer make him a prime candidate for this kind of role in a CFL camp. He will go back to the U of M and this experience will help him and the Bisons program."

Hooton (6-2, 220, Manitoba, DOB: May 2, 1979 in Richmond, B.C.) started six games for the Bisons in 2004. He finished the season with 771 yards passing, two TDs and four interceptions in 161 attempts. In his first two seasons with the Herd, Hooton passed for 1,288 yards and 12 TDs and rushed for 271 yards and two majors.

"I am happy to see Jon receive this chance with the Blue Bombers," said Bisons head coach Brian Dobie. "It is a rare opportunity for any CIS-level QB to attend a CFL camp.

"Jon has proven to be a strong QB who was our starter for six straight games last year. He will receive a tremendous amount of experience being involved at the Bombers camp."

Blaszczak (6-3, 207, Winnipeg Rifles, DOB: Aug. 10, 1983 in Winnipeg, Man.) hauled in 18 passes for 209 yards in 2004.

Noga (6-3, 258, Winnipeg Rifles, DOB: May 3, 1983 in Winnipeg) collected 14 solo tackes, eight assisted tackles and one sack with the Rifles last season.

"It's always been my view that if a team's junior affiliate has players that are close enough to our caliber it's of mutual benefit to have them participate in camp and take that experience back to their junior programs," Daley said.

"These guys will get a ton of work with us."

Rifle head coach Mike Watson said having two players attend Bomber training camp is a huge step for the junior football program.

"Not only is it a great honour and a privilege for these two to be a part of a CFL training camp, but a solid effort at the camp will help to bring some more positive recognition to the Winnipeg Rifles Junior Football Program," Watson said.

"On a personal level, Jeff and Simon have a chance to learn from some of the best players in the country. Hopefully they will learn a great deal and soak up what it means to be a professional football player and bring that back to our program."

The presence of Blaszczak, Hooton and Noga will bring the total number of players and coaches with a Manitoba connection at training camp to 11. The others are receivers coach Bob Dyce, guest coach Richard Urbanovich, cornerback Boyd Barrett, safety Wes Lysack, linebacker Scott Mennie, fullback Wade Miller, offensive guard Matt Sheridan and place kicker Troy Westwood.

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