EDMONTON – Preparing for their first eight-game schedule since 2019, the Golden Bears Football team returns to the field this weekend, as they open their 2022 training camp on Sunday.
 
The Bears will start camp with player meetings, medicals and testing on August 13^th, before holding their first on-field session on Sunday afternoon. The annual Green and Gold Scrimmage is scheduled for August 20^th, with a pre-season game against Regina set for August 25^th in Medicine Hat. Foote Field will be the home to all training camp sessions for the Bears. 
 
"We have a talented group of young men coming to camp in 2022. There is a good mix of youth and experience at every position," said Chris Morris, who is entering his 10^th season as the head coach of Golden Bears Football. "We strive to be a highly competitive team in what is, from top to bottom, the strongest conference in the nation."
 
The Golden Bears went 3-3 during the shortened 2021 season last fall, eventually falling to Manitoba in the Canada West semifinal. The Bears have qualified for the CW postseason in three of their previous four seasons.
 
Alberta will host Manitoba (September 9^th), Saskatchewan (September 23^rd), Calgary (October 15^th), and UBC (October 29^th) this season. The October 15^th game will be held at Commonwealth Stadium, with the other three home games taking place at Foote Field.  

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2022 PLAYERS TO WATCH
 
OFFENCE
 
Name: Matthew Peterson
Position: RB
Head coach Chris Morris: "Matthew is looking to have a breakout year. He possesses a very rare combination of speed, power and vision."
 
Name: Jonathan Rosery
Position: SB
Head coach Chris Morris: "An East-West Bowl participant, Jonathan is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the nation."
 
Name: Eli Hetlinger, Luke Hornung, Zac Montgomery & Jon Ericson
Position: Quarterback
Head coach Chris Morris: "We have several talented QBs looking to earn the starting role this season. It should be a great battle!"
 
Name: Rodeem Brown and Peter Kozushka
Position: Offensive Line
Head coach Chris Morris: "Both CFL draft picks in 2022, Rodeem and Peter are returning for their final year. Two of the best offensive linemen in the nation. The rest of the guys on that line are very talented as well."

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DEFENCE
 
Name: Reggie Schoeppe
Position: SLB
Head coach Chris Morris: "Entering his final year of eligibility and back to full strength after recovering from a back injury. Reggie will be playing Sam LB this year. Reggie is a great leader here and loves to compete, and should have an outstanding season."
 
Name: Riley Szafranski
Position: Defensive Tackle
Head coach Chris Morris: "Entering year four of eligibility, Riley is one of the hardest working players in our program who has made steady growth since his arrival here. We look for Riley to be one of the top interior defensive linemen in Canada West."
 
Name: Tyshon Blackburn
Position: Halfback
Head coach Chris Morris: "A Canada West All-Star and First Team U SPORTS All-Canadian in 2021, Tyshon was also a participant at the East-West Bowl. He enters the season all over the CFL's top prospects board."
 
Name: Jake Taylor
Position: Halfback
Head coach Chris Morris: "Another East-West Bowl participant, Jake was the top combine performer at East-West 2022."

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ROOKIES TO WATCH
 
Name: Michael Peloso
Position: Linebacker
Head coach Chris Morris: "A linebacker from southern Alberta who attended an American prep school last year. Michael runs extremely well and has great football instincts."
 
Name: Carter Kettyle & Chewy Thomas
Position: Receiver
Head coach Chris Morris: "Two of the top receivers in Western Canada. Carter is from St. Joseph in Grande Prairie, and Chewy is from Notre Dame in Calgary. Both will push hard to play in year one."
 
Name: Reiss Flunder
Position: Middle Linebacker
Head coach Chris Morris: "A top recruit from Red Deer signed here out of high school but left due to injury. Had a great year last year with the Edmonton Wildcats and will make an immediate impact."
 
Name: Joshua Lenz
Position: Defensive End
Head coach Chris Morris: "Another junior football product, Josh comes to us from the Edmonton Huskies. He will push to play from Day 1."