The Drumheller Terrapins are back on the gridiron learning the game and having fun.
This is the second year for the peewee football team to be playing in a league and third year as a team.
“Our first generation has already moved up to the bantams,’ said head coach Thomas Laffin.
After three years, the interest in the team and the game has remained strong.
“The bulk of the guys have come back, and in addition we have 16 new Grade 6 players this spring,” he said, “so next year will be a really big Grade 7 year.”
The team began their spring camp a couple weeks ago. Right now, the players are working hard learning the values of the Drumheller Community Football program, the basics of the game and working on fitness. They will be on the field until the first week of June.
“Every year is going to be a building year,” said Laffin. With lots of new players they will continue to work on the fundamentals of the games. Sometimes players will be back to learn a new position.
“What can happen at this level is kids can have a growth spurt happen over the summer. Before he was a smaller fast guy, and now he’s a big guy and you have to move them to a different position.”
This spring coaches hope to arrange a few scrimmages with other teams and may be headed to a jamboree in Rocky Mountain House.
The season doesn’t start until September, and the coaches have lined up a great way to kick it off. On September 12, the Drumheller Terrapins will open the season versus Stettler at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, home of the Stampeders.