Jamie Taras
 Jamie Taras (right) | |
| Born: | January 31, 1966 Acton, Ontario,Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | C,G,FB |
| University | Western Ontario |
| CFL draft | 1987,round: 3, pick: 25 |
| Drafted by | BC Lions |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1987–2003 | BC Lions |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| CFL All-Star | 1995,1999 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1999,2001,2002 |
| Awards | 1999Tom Pate Memorial Award |
| Retired #s | BC Lions #60 |
Jamie Taras(born January 31, 1966) is a former professionalCanadian footballplayer with theCanadian Football League(CFL)British Columbia Lions,and current director of community relations with theBC Lions.Taras spent his entire 16-year career with the Lions as afullbackandoffensive lineman,and played on twoGrey Cupchampionship teams with the club.[1]
Taras playedCanadian college footballat theUniversity of Western Ontario.In 2003, Taras was voted a member of theB.C. Lions All-Time Dream Teamas part of the club's 50th anniversary celebration.[2]Taras' number 60 jersey is one of eleven numbersretiredby the B.C. Lions.[3]
High school and college career
[edit]From 1979 to 1983, Taras played high school football at Bishop MacDonell High School in Guelph, Ontario. From 1983 to 1986, he playedCanadian college footballat theUniversity of Western Ontario.[4]Taras was anoffensive guardfor theMustangs.[1]
Professional career
[edit]Following his graduation from theUniversity of Western Ontario,Taras was drafted by theB.C. Lionsin the third round of the1987CFL Draft as aguard.[5]Taras initially played fullback for the Lions for four years, but achieved the greatest success of his playing career as an offensive guard, and later,center.
In1994,Taras was a part of the Lions' 11-6-1 season that culminated in aGrey Cupmatchup with theBaltimore Stallions.The Lions ultimately prevailed, 26–23. The following season,1995,Taras, playing guard, was named aCFL All-Starfor the first time. Taras would be named aCFL All-Stara second time, in1999,for his play at center. Taras twice won theDeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophyas theCFL Western Division's Most Outstanding Lineman, in1995and1999.In1999,Taras was also awarded theDr. Beattie Martin Trophyas the Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL Western Division, and theTom Pate Memorial Award,for his outstanding sportsmanship and service to the community.
In2000,Taras was a member of the Lion's fourthGrey Cupchampionship team. The Lions defeated theMontreal Alouettes28–26, with Taras snapping the ball to then-Lionsquarterback,Damon Allen.
Taras retired from the Lions in2003,and was voted a member of theB.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team,at theguard position,as part of the club's 50 year anniversary celebration.[2]Taras #60 was alsoretiredby the Lions, but curiously, his jersey number was worn during the2006 CFL seasonby then Lionstackle,Jason Jimenez.
Post-football life
[edit]Following his retirement in2003,Taras became the Vice-President of the Canadian Football League Players' Association. Now the Director of Community Relations with the BC Lions.
Taras currently resides inSouth Surrey, British Columbiawith his wife Jennifer and their two children, Sydney and William.[1]Taras is very active in the GreaterVancouverarea in community and charitable activities.[1]
References
[edit]- ^abcdMichael Booth (2004-03-11)."Team Skills Invaluable for Former Lions All-Star".The Now Newspaper. Archived fromthe originalon September 28, 2007.Retrieved2006-09-09.
- ^ab"B.C. Lions Dream Team".BCLions.Retrieved2006-09-09.
- ^"B.C. Lions Retired Numbers".BCLions.Retrieved2006-09-09.
- ^Morris Dalla Costa (2002-10-31)."Lions to Honour ex-Mustang Taras".SLAM Sports (original article appeared in the London Free Press). Archived from the original on 2013-01-15.Retrieved2006-09-09.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"B.C. Lions Draft Picks History".BCLions.Retrieved2006-09-09.