The Stettler Wildcats are getting ready with their mental and physical game as they look forward to repeating last year’s successful run, which was cut short at the decisive final in Calgary.
Head Coach Norbert Baharally along with his team are focused this time in ensuring that the Wildcats get to their destination.
“It was disappointing not winning the provincial finals last year, however, we did have a great season and we hope to build on our success for this upcoming season and return to both league and provincial finals,” Baharally said.
Speaking to their success and to some of the issues within the team, Baharally said, “Our success last year was because our players treated each other like a family but I guess like all families there sometimes can be some disagreements and at the end of the day we figure it out and move on without any hard feelings one way or the other.”
According to Baharally, the coaching staff has always treated the players with the utmost respect and as coaches they expect the same treatment from their players. “We will continue to operate our team with the same team philosophies and expectations that we have had in the past,” Baharally explained. “Our players know that no individual is bigger than the team and we have to trust each other on and off the field.”
With a lot of the players returning from last year, in addition the team will have some really good Grade 9 players moving up to join the team.
“We are hoping to have another successful season because we have a great nucleus that we’re starting with,” Baharally noted. “Regarding our coaching staff, we are losing six coaches from the past season because of various reasons, everything from work, schooling, relocating and personal reasons.”
This season Baharally returns as the head coach, with additional assistance from Guy Neitz, Brian Burks and the new addition to the coaching camp, Brian Ecklund.
Stettler Wildcats are currently seeking any coaches that would be interested in helping to coach with them this season.
If anyone is interested in helping out, they can call Baharally at 403-742-3466.
The Wildcats will also participate in a Spring Camp from May 23 to June 2, culminating in a jamboree in Camrose.
If any high school players are interested in trying football, they can pick up an information brochure in the high school office.