EDMONTON - Led by new head coach Stevenson Bone, the Golden Bears Football team returns to campus as the 2025 Canada West Football season fast approaches. 

Coach Bone and the Bears will begin their 2025 campaign with the August 29th home opener vs the University of Saskatchewan. Last year the Golden Bears lost its only matchup with the Huskies in a tightly contested 33-30 battle. To set the tone for this year and every year moving forward, the squad will look at identifying a theme for each season. This year's theme — Pressure's Home.

"We want to live each day with intent and get one percent better," said Bone. "This team will thrive on pressure — creating it for our opponents at Foote Field and bringing it to every practice rep. Most of our positions are open competitions, so the athletes who win starting jobs will be the ones who embrace that internal pressure and perform under it."

Along with their multiple training sessions per day during training camp, the Golden Bears will also travel to Red Deer for a pre-season game on August 18th.

"Our goals for the season are the same as any other year: win a championship. But our focus is on how we get there. That means controlling what we can control each day; our attitude and effort. We know we won't be picked to do much in the preseason polls, and that's fine. We're not chasing predictions. We're here to earn our place."

Alberta will host Saskatchewan (Aug. 29th @ 6:30 PM), Calgary (Sept. 12th @ 6:30 PM), UBC (Sept 26th @ 6:30 PM), and Regina (October 18th @ 2:00 PM) this season. All home games will be taking place at Foote Field.

2025 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

DATE	TIME
August 14	5:30 – 7:30 p.m.	Training Camp Practice
August 16/17	5:00 – 7:00 p.m.	Training Camp Practice
August 18	6:00 p.m.	Game vs Calgary @ Red Deer
August 20/21	6:30 – 8:30 p.m.	Training Camp Practice

2025 PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENCE

Names: Eli Hetlinger & Cade Labrecque
Position: QB
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "The biggest storyline on offence is under centre. Neither Eli nor Cade has been officially named the starter, but both showed the most consistent command of the offence through spring camp. We expect to have clarity after the preseason game, but don't count out the depth behind them — CJFL All-Canadian Trey Reider, returning QB Lucas Feaver, and rookie Finn Goerzen have all looked sharp early in camp."

Name: Carter Kettyle 
Position: Receiver
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Returning healthy after a strong offseason, Carter brings experience, reliability, and playmaking ability to the receiving corps." 

Name: Kolby Hurford
Position: Receiver
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Kolby returns from the Edmonton Elks. A dynamic weapon when fully healthy, Kolby's versatility and competitive edge could make him a game-changer in 2025." 

Name: Cody Neumann & Iwinosa Uwubanmwen
Position: Offensive Line
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Both veterans turned down opportunities to move on from football, choosing instead to return and anchor one of the most experienced lines in the conference. With Matt Ljuden and Carter Stuart also returning, this group could be a major strength."
 

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DEFENCE

Name: Emerson Joy
Position: Defensive End
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "One of the most disruptive defensive players in Canada West, Emerson enters camp in peak condition. His mix of strength, speed, and technique makes him a constant problem for opposing offences. We are excited to see what this year can bring for Emerson."

Name: Chase Tataryn
Position: Linebacker 
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Chase returns from the BC Lions. Athletic and instinctive, Chase has the range to cover sideline-to-sideline and the toughness to set the tone physically."

Name: Dayton Ingenhaag
Position: Linebacker
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Dayton brings leadership, physicality, and a relentless motor to the heart of the defence."
 

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IMPACT ROOKIES

Name: Carson Hartmann
Position: Defensive Line
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "From Sherwood Park, Carson had opportunities to play NCAA football but chose the U of A for the program's culture and the chance to learn from coaches Almondo Sewell and JG Poulin. We expect him to be in the rotation immediately." 

Name: Ethan Ginogino
Position: Defensive Back/Linebacker
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "A junior standout from the Langley Rams, Ethan brings length, speed, and versatility. He's shown he's ready to contribute from Week 1."

Name: Alejandro Ogunyemi
Position: Receiver
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Clocked a 4.5 40 yard dash in testing and plays with the quickness and agility to stretch the field vertically. A dangerous weapon who can create mismatches."

Name: Seth Poelzer
Position: Running Back
Head coach Stevenson Bone: "Has the potential to be one of the best freshman backs we've seen in Canada West in years. With Matthew Peterson now in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Seth has a chance to grab a significant role early in his career in a proud position for the Golden Bears through the years."