The Senior Drumheller Titans are gearing up for a strong training camp to get some precious experience in preparation for the 2015 season.
While it seems early, younger football players are back on the gridiron learning the game and having fun. The seniors are slated to enter spring training on May 11. Head coach Ken Fournier says the team has good potential for a successful season.
“Things are looking pretty good, we have some big size coming up from the Bantam team and some speed and some talent,” said Fournier.
This comes after a challenging season for the Titans. The Titans had a younger squad and were in their second year in a tough division. A few weeks into the season, a rash of vandalism sent the team reeling. Their locker room and equipment was damaged, and for a spell, the team was not able to practice in full equipment. The locker rooms are put back together and the equipment has been replaced. This year they are looking at a more experienced squad,
“Last season was up and down. Last year we had eight returning to starting positions. This year we have 18 out of 24 possible spots,” said Fournier. “That translates huge into experience, just to come out of the gates. That should put us well ahead of where we started the season last year.”
The experience helps the rookies coming up learn the culture of the team.
“The younger guys coming up will see things done in a different way and will learn how to deal with adversity, that’s part of the process,” he said.
The program is learning to develop players at an earlier age thanks to the addition of the peewee Terrapins program. While it will still be a couple seasons before they see them on the senior squad, it is creating a buzz.
There is excitement at the Bantam level due to the fact they have 10-15 kids moving up (from peewee) who are experienced at football,” said Fournier. “The coaches are excited about that. It is allowing them to add a little more depth into their plays and training regiment.”
The team’s camp opens on May 11. The team has a few events coming up to hone their skills. On May 23, they are hosting a jamboree with scrimmages with Crescent Heights of Medicine Hat and Brooks. On May 30, they are on their way to Lacombe, June 6 to Stettler and June 13 they are in Okotoks.
“It is a busier spring than we are used to but having so many skilled young plays coming up that are eager, we want to give them the best opportunity they can to transition well in the spring, so we can hit the ground running in the fall,” said Fournier.
