The Chestermere Cowboys may not have the fullest roster in the Rocky View Sports Association football league, and haven’t won a game in two seasons, but returning head coach Brian Utley is still optimistic for the upcoming year.
“We want to see some improvement and try to build the football culture back up in the school again,” said Utley, who is returning to the sidelines after a year behind the scenes. “I’m looking forward to coming back and being on the field. We’re all excited about this season.”
The team only had 15 players out to its first set of practices last week, but with school having started on Sept. 6, the expectation is that more will come on board. Chestermere will only have a handful of players returning from last season, but Utley isn’t concerned.
“We have a lot of younger guys and new guys from Grade 10, but we’re really happy with their attitude and their work ethic,” he said.
“We’ve only gone four days, but I’m really happy with what I’ve seen out of the guys. Now, we just need more of them. Some are still on holidays or not back yet, which makes it tough. There are athletes here, but a lot of them are hockey players and just play one sport. It’s a matter of recruiting and encouraging guys to get out and realize what a great game football is.”
Utley said it’s hard to determine where the strengths of the team will be for this season, but he believes his linemen have the size to win the trench battles and that his Grade 10 players have solid potential.
“We’ve got some good athletes and some kids who have played Bantam football that I think will be really good senior high players,” he said. “The guys who are don’t need too much motivation. They’re excited and looking forward to the start of the season.”
Chestermere opens its season with a visit to the Springbank Phoenix on Sept. 9. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.
The Cowboys will have its home opener on Sept. 16, when the team hosts the Bow Valley Bobcats.
That night will also feature the unveiling of new lights at Utley Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
