Under coach Ken Sommerfeldt, the Pen High Lakers boys rugby programs are experiencing different seasons.
The junior squad are south zone champs without having to play for it since they are the only team in the league.
The squad has been playing in a Kelowna-based league and have won three of four games. They have picked up two victories against Kelowna Secondary School.
“They are quite good competition,” said Sommerfeldt. “We’re really right now just keeping sharp towards the valley championship on May 12.”
The wins against the Owls are important because they have always had strong teams. That success has given Sommerfeldt the sense they have a strong team and he feels they can do well in the playoffs with a group of Grade 9s and 10s.
Players who have been strong for the Lakers are Dante Kilian, DJ Warkentin and Jared Lowenstein. Sommerfeldt said that Kilian was a force in the backfield, while Warkentin has proven to be a leader for the forwards.
The senior team’s season started off rough as they almost didn’t have one. Sommerfeldt said it if weren’t for the determination of Phong Lee and Maks Foote, they would not have had a team.
“They have put their heart and souls into it,” said Sommerfelt. “This year, just trying to hold the fort and get by. Next year a strong crop of Grade 10s. I see next year as start of a rebuild.”
Half the squad is made up of inexperienced players and others who have played since Grade 8. They have helped bring along the new players according to Sommerfeldt.
They closed out the season with a 19-0 loss to Salmon Arm. The flu impacted the Lakers as well as injuries to key players.
The Lakers were forced to bring four members of the junior team to be able to compete.
“We just couldn’t generate any offence against them,” said Sommerfeldt.
With a strong crop of Grade 10 players moving up, Sommerfeldt said next season will be more promising for the senior squad. The senior team will play their final match, an exhibition against Princess Margaret, on May 13.
