We’re now officially into a new season and like a number of other sports’ groups, Football Nanaimo is excited to be kicking off its spring league…
The local minor football organization actually operates programs in both fall and spring. Right now, registrations are being taken for the upcoming spring tackle season. Practices have already begun and recently a free training camp for boys and girls aged 8-14 was held with B.C. Lions’ star Adam Bighill was involved, along with V.I. Raiders’ coaches and players in addition to Football Nanaimo coaches. New players can still get involved, with weekly practices taking place at May Bennett Pioneer Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. In-person registration is at Pioneer Park on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m.
Teams at three different age levels are being formed. The atom Bombers (ages 8-10) will be coached by Chris Fance, assisted by Daryl Marceau and Curtis Strutt. The peewee Lions (ages 11-12) will have coaching from Travis Carlson, Mike Sinclair, Chase Faickney and Ethan Schulz. The junior bantam Redmen (aged 13-14) will be led by head coach Sean Roden. Assistant coaches will be Glenn Cook, Cam Boese, Adams Obakpee and Leif Rasmussen.
At Football Nanaimo’s annual general meeting, Joanne Russell was returned for another term as president of the organization. Assisting her on the executive will be vice-president Aileen Mutch-Faickney, treasurer Marcia Wright and secretaries Cindy Bryson and Leif Rasmussen.
Given recognition at the AGM were top minor football players and coaches from last season. From the peewee level, named as team MVP was Justin Trimmer. Best offensive player was Jonny Durkan, while best defensive player was Lucas Marceau and best lineman was Ethan Kusz. The most improved player was named as Teryn Lombardi-Wagner. Chosen as most sportsmanlike player was Aaron Campbell and Nolan Bryson took home the coaches’ award.
Junior bantam award winners from last season included Xander Merx as most valuable player. Top offensive players were Bill Buckman and Colton Campbell, while defensive MVP honours were shared by David Fry and Lohan Guild. Cameron Sannes was chosen as lineman of the year. Most improved players were Tyler Wetzel and Julian Opheim and most sportsmanlike players were Konnor Boese and Jack Squire. The coaches’ award went to Marshall Henry.
From last season’s midget Redmen squad, James Dennis-Or was tabbed as the team MVP as well as best offensive lineman. Jake Borserio was named the best offensive back. Derion Hughes received the best defensive back award and was also the most improved player. Best receiver award was given to Ryan Miller and the best linebacker award to Malcolm Barr. Wyatt Faickney was chosen as best defensive lineman, as well as being honoured with the coaches’ award. Trevor Wright was also a double winner, getting the most sportsmanlike award in addition to rookie of the year.
For more information or to register, go to www.footballnanaimo.com.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.
