2003-05-26

Panaro faces stiff competition at Eskimos' training camp

Panaro faces stiff competition at Eskimos' training camp
Offensive lineman up against a bunch of CFL veterans

Vicki Hall
The Edmonton Journal

Friday, May 23, 2003

EDMONTON - Local wrestler, doctor and football player Carlo Panaro is attending training camp with the Edmonton Eskimos.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders originally drafted the offensive lineman in the sixth round of the 1999 CFL draft out of the University of Alberta. In 2000, Panaro was invited to the Riders' camp and made the team, but opted to continue his studies at the U of A.

Panaro attended camp with the Roughriders again in 2001, but was cut.

A star in both football and wrestling during five seasons at the U of A, Panaro was twice selected a CIS all-Canadian and won the TSN Russ Jackson Award for athletics, academics and community service in 2000 and 2001.

Panaro's skill as a wrestler will undoubtedly help him grapple with defenders, said offensive line coach Bill Macdermott.

The 26-year-old represented Canada in the heavyweight division at the 2000 world university wrestling championships in Tokyo.

"Most guys with wrestling experience are extremely good with their balance," Macdermott said.

"In football, if you mess up, there will be 11 other guys there to help you.

"If you mess up in wrestling, you can't say, 'Hey, come help me out.' "

Panaro will graduate from medical school next month. In July, the six-foot-two, 280-pounder is scheduled to begin his residency in orthopedic surgery.

The competition will be stiff among the 11 offensive linemen at camp and will include veterans Bruce Beaton, Kevin Lefsrud, Tim Prinsen, Chris Morris, Leo Groenewegen, Dan Comiskey, Tim Bakker and Glen Carson.

Short yardage: The Eskimos have hired T.D. (Terence) Forss from the Calgary Flames to be their head trainer. Forss spent the last two seasons with the Flames as an assistant athletic therapist.

He started his career as a student therapist for the University of Alberta hockey and football teams in 1992 and 1993.

Meanwhile, fullback Shawn Daniels has agreed to terms with the Eskimos and expects to arrive in Edmonton on Saturday. Medicals take place today and Saturday with the first practice going on Sunday at 8 a.m. at Concordia University College.

vhall@thejournal.canwest.com

© Copyright 2003 Edmonton Journal

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