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Flames GM a former Sun Devil quarterback

Alumni Brad Treliving catches up with SDSS players with the University of Calgary
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Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving, a one-time starting quarterback for the South Delta Sun Devils, met SDSS alumni (left to right) Jacob Kirk, Charlie Moore and Grant McDonald at practice this week at McMahon Stadium.

South Delta Secondary has produced many outstanding football players for the University of Calgary Dinos, including current linebackers Charlie Moore, Jacob Kirk and Grant McDonald.

The trio of linebackers, however, are not the only SDSS alumni making their mark in the Calgary sporting community. Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving was the starting quarterback for the Sun Devils before leaving for Penticton to pursue a hockey career.

Kirk is amazed Treliving attended South Delta and played football.

“It goes to show how small the world is. It is so cool he played football there. The next time I am at the school I am going look for him in the team picture,” said Kirk. 

A renowned sports school, SDSS also has as their alumni current National Hockey League players Brendan Gallagher and Brent Seabrook.

McDonald and Treliving have one thing in common. Treliving was inducted in the South Delta Hall of Fame two weekends ago, joining McDonald – who was inducted as Youth Athlete of the Year in 2017.

Wednesday night was a mini South Delta reunion at McMahon Stadium as Treliving dropped by practice ahead of Saturday's Hardy Cup game against the Saskatchewan Huskies.

"It was so cool meeting him and him taking time out to come by practice and speak to us," McDonald said.

Treliving enjoyed coming to practice despite the frigid conditions. “It was great to drop by and wish the Dinos the best, meet the coaches, players and see a football practice,” he said.

Dino head coach Wayne Harris was appreciative of Treliving making the effort to come and meet the South Delta players.

“We are most appreciative of the support we get from the sporting community of Calgary and it was special that Brad took time from his schedule to talk to our group,” said the Dinos' head coach.

South Delta continues to be a pipeline for the Dinos and developing linebackers. 

Last year the they had three starting linebackers from the Sun Devils program McDonald, Moore, and Blake Gau who has since graduated and elected not to play his final year of his eligibility. Now it’s McDonald and Moore while Kirk is a promising redshirt freshman. A fourth South Delta player, receiver Jack McDonald, older brother of Grant, unfortunately had his final year cut short due to a knee injury in mid-September when the Dinos were at UBC. 

“Our head coach (Ray Moon) was a linebacker when he played and put in and drills and schemes for us," stated the 20-year-old McDonald, one of team's leading tacklers who played three seasons for the Sun Devils, winning the British Columbia 3A title in 2017.

Kirk has become a solid special team player as a 19-year-old and benefits being around players like McDonald and Moore.

Having them as linebackers helps, they are always helping me," stated Kirk, who is in his second year in the Haskayne School of Business.

Moore and McDonald are familiar with one another having lived a short walk from each other in Tsawwassen. They played football together since they were eight years old every second year.

“We know each other's tendencies and how each other thinks on the field,” stated the 21-year-old Moore, who is one year older than Grant. 

Harris is appreciative of the talents of the South Delta linebacker trio.

“All three are integral parts of our program. They have a great work ethic and attitude the way they approach everything they do,” he stated.