Loud cheers, bright sun and excited player chatter filled the air as Lloydminster’s high school rugby teams ushered in a new season.
They took over the west field at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) April 10 to get the season underway.
LCHS and Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) played rugby sevens on April 10. Rugby sevens is a light, very fast version of traditional 15-person rugby.
The event originally was to include Cold Lake, but the weather got in the way.
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“Cold Lake was supposed to come, but weather didn’t allow them to get enough practise time in,” said LCHS senior girls coach Mark
Grillandini.
The two attending schools made the most of the experience.
“We’re just having our kick-off to our season playing Holy Rosary because they’re a close team for us,” said Grillandini.
Fans, family and friends showed up to support the players.
“The day went off perfectly,” noted Grillandini.
“There was a huge turnout of fans for both schools, the sun was shining and (we) didn’t see a player who wasn’t smiling, which is what this was all about.”
LCHS girls won their game, while the HRHS boys team picked up a win of its own.
Coaches looking ahead
Both teams enter the season with clear goals and fresh energy.
“The goal for the Baron girls is to have a winning record at provincials this year,” said Grillandini. “Coming off our fourth-place finish, we’d like to continue our movement up the provincial standings.”
Grillandini said training has changed this season.
“This year we are embedding more strength and conditioning type activities to go along with more game play versus running traditional drills,” he said.
HRHS coach Emma Pfleiderer also sees big things ahead.
“One of our goals is to get every player on the pitch and in a game to gain some experience,” she said.
HRHS has many new players this season, so they plan to organize more developmental games.
“Our players are quick, talented learners and we look forward to making an impression at provincials in May,” said Pfleiderer.
Growing together off the field
Both coaches want to experience more than just wins.
“We always want the group to grow as it’s a long season. Getting them to peak at provincials is the goal,” said Grillandini.
He added early wins and losses don’t mean everything.
“It’s the structure, process and team play that’s important,” he said.
At HRHS, Pfleiderer is focused on growing support around the team.
“Our goals are to start fundraising through sponsorship and build a relationship with the community so our team can continue to grow,” she said. “They can be provided with training equipment and essentials for the game.”
HRHS started its year with a spring camp to bring in new players.
“It was kept fun and welcoming, and we doubled our women’s team size, so I would say it was a success,” said Pfleiderer. “Although credit must be given to the current players who brought out all their friends.”
Rugby brings everyone together
Both coaches also agree rugby’s strength is in its community.
“Rugby, as a sport, has one of the greatest communities,” said Pfleiderer. “When you step off the field, your opponent is your friend.”
She added while rugby can be tough to learn, the support keeps players going.
“It’s the community itself that keeps you motivated,” she said.
As the season begins, both coaches are happy to see two high school teams growing in Lloydminster.
“There is lots of opportunity to challenge our players as well as developmental growth for new players,” said Pfleiderer.
Grillandini states the cross-town matchups are always a big event.
“Everyone always gets excited to play their cross-town rivals and the kids get pumped, fans come out and it’s just great to have rugby games in Lloydminster,” he said.
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