Hello CFL fans! This is Sandro DeAngelis, kicker from the Calgary Stampeders. I am truly honoured on being nominated for the “Gibson’s Finest Canadian” award. While growing up in Canada’s “Honeymoon Capital” Niagara Falls, I idolized the likes of CFL greats Doug Flutie, Pinball Clemons, and Rocky DiPietro. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I am fulfilling my childhood dream of being a CFL player. I come from a very tightly knit Italian family. My parents Joe and Carmela immigrated from Italy in the 1970’s along with my two best friends and idols, my brothers Steve and Dan. My brothers are 15 and 16 years older than I am, and it’s because of their passion for football that I realized I wanted to play ball at the age of 4. They have been my coaches from day one, and still continue to coach me even today! I was fortunate to earn a scholarship to the University of Nebraska where I met my future wife Cassi. Little did she or I know we would end up in Calgary Alberta, as members of the Stampeders. I wanted to play in southern Ontario so I could be closer to home, but becoming a Stampeder was the best thing that could have happened to me! I have spent my last 3 off-seasons in Nebraska while my wife completed Pharmacy school. Cassi and I have now moved to Calgary full-time with our 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier, Lola.

Community work is something that I have always taken seriously. I always try to remember that it was not too long ago that I was that kid looking for an autograph, or attending the games. It’s amazing to think that people spend their hard earned money on tickets to watch you do something you love and that comes naturally to you! It’s humbling to think that something so simple as a signature, or 30 seconds of your time to chat and take a picture can make someone’s day. I guess that’s the beauty of sport, it reaches out to people both young and old. I truly enjoy working with kids because it takes me back to my youth. I am the spokesperson for “Timbits football” in Calgary and I have also helped coach football at the high school level. I also enjoy public speaking at banquets/schools, along with visiting Children’s Hospitals. My favourite, is the “Kick for Kids” program where money is donated to charity after every successful kick. I get to help the Stampeders on the scoreboard, but more importantly the kids in the community!

I’d like to sincerely thank all of the CFL fans! It’s truly a privilege to run out of the tunnel at every CFL venue and entertain you with “our” game! I look forward to seeing you all at the stadium soon!

Sandro