Sammy Okpro, a fourth-year defensive halfback from Pierrefonds, Que., was named a CIS first team all-Canadian for a record third time when the 2007 Canadian university honor roll was announced yesterday.
Okpro is the first football Stinger to achieve all-Canadian status three times. Several players have been named to the national all-star team on two occasions, including linebacker Patrick Donovan (2005 and ’06), linebacker Mickey Donovan (2003 and ’04) and defensive end Troy Cunningham (2003 and ’04).
Only two Stingers in the 33-year history of Concordia have been three-time all-Canadians. They are women’s hockey player Corinne Swirsky (1998-2000) and women’s soccer player Annie Caron (1988-’91) who was a four-time honoree. Both are now members of the prestigious Concordia Sports Hall of Fame.
Okpro has been an exceptional football player at every level – from his days in Montreal’s North Shore Football League minor system through Vanier College and Team Canada to Concordia University. Every step of the way he has been one of the best players on the field and this year is no exception.
The veteran defensive back started with a strong showing at the CIS East-West Bowl last May, worked hard on a new training regime all summer and came into training camp in the best shape of his life.
“Sammy is the best football player on our team,” says head coach Gerry McGrath. “He’s tough. He’s tenacious. His anticipation of what is going to happen next on the field is uncanny. He has a great understanding of the game and serves as a coach on the field.”
In seven games, Okpro had 30 solo tackles, 13 assists, one interception and three pass breakups. He was the second leading tackler on the Stingers.
