Jamie Taras

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Jamie Taras (born January 31, 1966) is a former professional Canadian football player with the Canadian Football League British Columbia Lions, and current Vice President of the Canadian Football League Players' Association. Taras spent his entire 16 year career with the Lions as a fullback and offensive lineman, and played on two Grey Cup championship teams with the club.[1] Taras played Canadian college football at the University of Western Ontario. In 2003, Taras was voted a member of the B.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team as part of the club’s 50 year anniversary celebration.[2] Taras' #60 jersey is one of eight numbers retired by the B.C. Lions.[3]

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[edit] High School and College Career

From 1983 to 1986, Taras played Canadian college football at the University of Western Ontario.[4] Taras was a slotback for the Mustangs.[1]

[edit] Professional Career

Following his graduation from the University of Western Ontario, Taras was drafted by the B.C. Lions in the third round of the 1987 CFL Draft as a guard.[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.

In 1994, Taras was a part of the Lions' 11-6-1 season that culminated in a Grey Cup matchup with the Baltimore Stallions. The Lions ultimately prevailed, 26-23. The following season, 1995, Taras, playing guard, was named a CFL All-Star for the first time. Taras would be named a CFL All-Star a second time, in 1999, for his play at center. Taras twice won the DeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophy as the CFL Western Division's Most Outstanding Lineman, in 1995 and 1999. In 1999, Taras was also awarded the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy as the Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL Western Division, and the Tom Pate Memorial Award, for his outstanding sportsmanship and service to the community.

In 2000, Taras was a member of the Lion's fourth, and last, Grey Cup championship team. The Lions defeated the Montreal Alouettes 28-26, with Taras snapping the ball to then-Lions quarterback, Damon Allen.

Taras retired from the Lions in 2003, and was voted a member of the B.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team, at the guard position, as part of the club’s 50 year anniversary celebration.[2] Taras #60 was also retired by the Lions, but curiously, his jersey number has been worn during the 2006 CFL season by current Lions tackle, Jason Jiminez.

[edit] Post-Football Life

Following his retirement in 2003, Taras became the Vice-President of the Canadian Football League Players' Association. Taras also works as a consultant with Wardell Professional Development in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Taras currently resides in South Surrey, British Columbia with his wife Jennifer, and their two children.[1] Taras is very active in the greater Vancouver area in community and charitable activities.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Michael Booth (2004-03-11). Team Skills Invaluable for Former Lions All-Star. The Now Newspaper.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
  2. ^ a b B.C. Lions Dream Team. BCLions.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
  3. ^ B.C. Lions Retired Numbers. BCLions.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
  4. ^ Morris Dalla Costa (2002-10-31). Lions to Honour ex-Mustang Taras. SLAM Sports.com (original article appeared in the London Free Press). Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
  5. ^ B.C. Lions Draft Picks History. BCLions.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
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