Winnipeg Picks Faisthuber
Published on April 25, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - How much stronger can the Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiving corps get? Well, the elite catching crew got one notch better today with the selection of Manitoba Bisons all-star slotback Mike Faisthuber.
The 2001 East Division Champions chose Faisthuber (pronounced: FYST-hugh-burr) in the 4th Round (35th Overall) in today's Canadian College Draft, which was held today via conference call from the CFL's head office in Toronto.
Faisthuber (6-1, 196, Manitoba '01, DOB: Nov. 24, 1976) recently finished his fourth year with Brian Dobie's Vanier Cup finalists. He owns two school receiving records: the most receiving touchdowns in a season (7 touchdowns) and the longest touchdown reception (96 yards).
"We followed his career for the past few years at Manitoba" said Brendan Taman, the club's vice-president of player personnel. "He made some impressive catches in some important games. We feel he can compete at our level."
Faisthuber was a 2001 Canada West All-Star who indeed made several tough grabs in traffic last season. He was the favorite target of quarterback Shane Munson and posted two 100-yard receiving games in 2001. He tallied 126 yards against the Saskatchewan Huskies (Manitoba @ Saskatchewan, Sept. 8, 2001) and notched 120 yards against the Regina Rams (Manitoba vs. Regina, Oct. 13, 2001).
Faisthuber missed his team's appearance in the Vanier Cup as he was sidelined in Winnipeg's Victoria General Hospital with a mysterious illness that seriously affected his kidneys. He has since recovered and is ready to resume his football career.
Faisthuber played junior football for the Okanagan Sun when they lost to Regina in the 1995 Western Junior Final. He joined the Bisons after finishing his time in junior ball.
Faisthuber is seeking to become the 18th drafted wide receiver to make the Blue Bombers. The last to do so was McGill University's Ben Wearing, who was a member of the club's practice roster in 2001.
Faisthuber is also hoping he will be the 14th Manitoba Bison product drafted to ever wear Blue & Gold. Presently, the club has three former members of the Hustlin' Herd on its roster that the club had drafted in the past: fullback Wade Miller, offensive lineman Matt Sheridan and defensive end Wayne Weathers.
The 4th Round has been a productive one for Winnipeg in the past and Faisthuber could become the 14th player from that round to make the ball club. The most recent 4th-Round pick to successfully make the club was another wide receiver - the speedy Markus Howell out of Texas Southern.
Canadian Football League Stories from April 25, 2002
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- Ottawa Renegades GM Happy With Draft Picks - Ottawa Renegades
- Winnipeg Picks Faisthuber - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Michael Shaver Now a Blue Bomber - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Roughriders Bolster Defense With Final Picks - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Alouettes Draft Local Talent - Montreal Alouettes
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