So you want to be a Dino?
Learn how we setup our players for success to become great players, students, teammates & future leaders in their careers and the community.
We have a 95% graduation rate ……
Your Head Coach.
The 2024/2024 campaign will be Dan’s 24 as head coach of the Dinos. Unfortunately he was a Golden Bear from 1988 - 1992 before moving on to start his coaching career at Medicine Hat College before coming to the University as the team’s head coach. He has worked diligently not only building a top program in Canada, but he’s worked relentlessly to raise funds, ensure the players perform well in the classroom ….
Alumni Profile - Ian Minnifee (1988 - 1992)
As an alumnus of the University of Calgary, Ian Minnifee’s passion for his alma mater has continued through his entire life.
During his undergraduate studies at UCalgary, Minnifee became a star player, receiving numerous individual conference and national awards. He completed his BA degree in Economics and retired from varsity athletics ranked 2nd in All Time Career Points (currently 6th). After graduating, Ian continued his impact, becoming a founding member of the Dinosaur Basketball Foundation (predecessor of the Sixth Man Club).
From 2009 to 2015, Minnifee served on the University of Calgary Senate where he was a prominent ambassador of the Dino Athletics program. Among his many contributions to the Senate, he was keen to find unique ways to highlight the accomplishments of Dino athletes and coaches to the Senate. Minnifee helped create the Senate Service Award for student athlete community volunteerism and co-founded a leadership program that connects the award recipient to a Senate mentor.
As Chair, Senator Development Committee, Minnifee assisted with improving processes and raising the standard of excellence with the selection of candidates for Senate. As a member of the Fund Development and Community Engagement Committees, he was a team player, seeking to improve the quality of programs and community outreach opportunities for the benefit of all stakeholders. As Co-Vice Chair, Senate Executive, Minnifee helped lead his colleagues and steered the planning priorities of the Senate.
Minnifee currently advises clients as a Wealth Strategist with Sagium, an independent financial planning firm. He also proudly serves as a board member of the Calgary Distress Centre and a member of the Canada Basketball Foundation.
“Being a Dino was life changing for me - I learned lessons of perseverance, teamwork at a high level, balancing academics and Coach made sure we took care of business in the classroom. He wanted us to succeed after we graduated.
And of course it’s all about the people. I am still in touch with many of my teammates who will be lifelong connections for me personally and professionally.
The Sixth Man Club has been a great extension to our program and community increase the impact of our program.” - Ian Minnifee
Message From A Parent: Jeff Smith, former Dino and parent of current Dinos Aidan and Cian Smith
TBD………………………