Three Medicine Hat born football stars returning home for Dinos-Rams exhibition game

“We don’t often see this level of football in Medicine Hat,” Semenok said.

“People will get to see some future CFL players and some guys who are from Medicine Hat competing at the highest level in Canada outside of the CFL.”

Semenok said the game helps fill a gap for young athletes who rarely have the opportunity to see post-secondary football close to home.

“In hockey, you have the Tigers, and in baseball you have the Mavericks, so kids can see what the next level looks like,” Semenok said.

“With football, you have to leave Medicine Hat to play university football. Having these players come home shows kids that this is something they can achieve.”

Semenok said Hozack, Thompson and Wells also provide current high school players with tangible examples of the commitment required to reach the university level.

“I know the work they put in to get where they are. As a coach, I can point to them and say this is what it takes, and it is possible,” Semenok said.

He added that bringing the game back to Medicine Hat is also meaningful for the players themselves, who will have the chance to compete in front of family, friends and former coaches.

Semenok knows the feeling firsthand, having played for the Regina Rams and appearing in three hometown exhibition games during his university career.

“There’s something special about representing your university while playing in front of your hometown crowd,” Semenok said.

“Having a packed Methanex Bowl and lots of people cheering them on means a lot to those players.”

Beyond showcasing local talent, Semenok said funds raised through the game will help offset the rising costs of operating football programs in the city.

“Equipment and travel continue to get more expensive,” Semenok said.

“Whatever we raise helps keep costs down for students and helps make the experience better for kids in our community.”

The exhibition comes as Medicine Hat prepares to host the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association football provincials later this year, with Semenok saying the game is another opportunity to build excitement around the sport in the city.

by Jett Schwaier

Three Medicine Hat born football stars returning home for Dinos-Rams exhibition game

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