It’s a new year and it’s time to get to know the members of the 2019 Stampeders team!

Next up: Michael Klukas

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 189-lbs
Birthdate: 05/02/1994
Born: Calgary
School: University of Calgary

When did you start playing football?

I started playing football in high school at St. Mary’s in Calgary. I was a hockey and baseball guy growing up, but I liked watching the Stampeders and play football in the park. One day all my friends were doing it, so I wanted to do it too. My parents said they knew I liked football when I would come home and talk about all the practices. That’s when I knew football was what I wanted to do.

What is your favourite thing about the game of football?

The locker room, the stuff on the field is great and playing the games. But what stands out to me is the relationships you make with the guys, and the good times. Trying to build something together is the best part of football.

What is your favourite drill and why?

When coach Pete Costanza just lets me run a go ball down the field, I get to run as fast as I can, and the quarterback throws as far as they can.

Who has been you biggest football mentor?

Probably my high school football coach Bill McConkey because he started football with me. My dad was a really big role model of mine, too. I’ve been lucky to have a bunch of different ones,  I had really good coaches at the University of Calgary, too and now the coaches here and the guys I’ve played with. It’s hard to pick just one, I feel like there’s been an integral mentor in each stage of my life.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on a football field?

This year we were running a play and me and Nick Arbuckle were decoys running out the backside. When we both got out there we looked at each other and looked up field and there was absolutely nobody there. We started laughing mid play thinking wow wouldn’t’ it be nice to have the ball here. It’s not often you get to laugh mid play.

If you could have been there for one event in history, what would it be?

Be there to watch Usain Bolt win one of his gold medals.

If you could have lunch with any three people – dead or alive – who would you pick?

Eric Rogers, because he never takes me out to lunch even though he always says he will. Albert Einstein, because I’d like to learn something, and my grandparents.

If you won $10 million, what would be your first purchase?

A new stadium.