Central Collegiate Cyclones
The Central Collegiate Cyclones spring camp has already come and gone as players took part at the Yara Centre in Moose Jaw, May 12 - 15.
Veterans and newcomers who attended the camp learned the basics of offense and defense and refined their position skills for the upcoming fall season.
"Having some of the grade eights there and seeing our grade eleven players make the transition to grade twelve players was a good eye opener for us," said Colin Belsher, Cyclones Head Coach.
Athletes also went through ways to get into the gym this summer to bulk up for the coming season. For those who were unable to attend the camp or wish to join the team.
"Kids who enroll in the fall here at Central, they're more than welcome to come. They didn't have to attend spring camps to be eligible to play. I'll take anybody and everybody when it comes to football in the fall."
Camp was kept to controlled contact, as is every practice for the Cyclones to limit injuries and encourage development. Grade nine and ten players who are not quite grown in or need extra reps to develop their skills will be assigned to the JV squad for the coming season.
"They dress for us with the seniors, but they also get an opportunity to play against teams of similar caliber, age, and size. They probably get more in-game play than the seniors do. That allows for everybody on our team to see the field at some point," stated Belsher.
Last season, the Cyclones finished with a 6 - 2 record and finished second in the league. That finish booked them a ticket to the provincial bracket, where they would beat the league-leading Balgonie Greenall Griffins in round one, and then fall in round two to Saskatoon Bishop Mahoney.
Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes
The Tornadoes' spring camp is June 9 - 13 after school hours at Peacock Collegiate. During this camp, the team will establish familiar talent while also getting a look at new players.
"Always looking for new players, grade eight students are welcome, and anybody in grades nine to twelve who goes to Peacock is welcome," said the head coach of the Tornados, Bert Redstone.
There is no need to sign up, as all students need to do is show up on day one. For those who want to play but aren't sure if football is for them, this is the chance to find out.
"We run our senior program right alongside our JV program. So if you're inexperienced or new to football, don't worry about it, we will get you to compete against kids your same size, age, and experience level."
By rule, spring camp has to be controlled contact for safety and development. However, Redstone said that doesn't mean the athletes won't be putting in a lot of work over the week.
"It'll be strenuous, you'll be tired, and there will be some hard work for sure. But mainly it's just to teach the kids the basics of the game on offense, defense, and then have a scrimmage at the end of the week."
Last season, the Tornadoes finished fourth in the league with a 3-4 record, just missing a playoff berth. The coaches are optimistic about this coming season, with a lot of grade eleven players looking to step up.
"Maybe we can get that over the hump next year. Great group of coaches coming back, a lot of young coaches involved now, which is awesome. And then the veteran players we've got coming back too, hopefully we can pull it off."
Vanier Collegiate Vikings
Spring camp for the Vanier Vikings is June 10 - 13, as players and coaches will get a chance to improve skills and welcome new faces to the sport.
Like the other spring camps in Moose Jaw, student athletes will go throw the basics of football, and get ready for the fall season to come in the new school year.
"If you're in grade eight anywhere throughout the city, you're welcome to come out. It's kind of a way to meet the team, kind of get used to our systems, meet the coaches, and get into the high school even before grade nine starts," said Vikings head coach Luke Tkatchuk.
Even if athletes who are interested in joining the Vikings and are unable to attend the camp, there are still ways to get on the team for the upcoming season.
"The best way would be to just contact Vanier, and then we'll get in touch that way and via email as well."
The 9-man squad at Vanier is looking forward to improving off last year's 3 - 3 record and third-place finish in the league. That gave them a league playoff berth, but they lost to the Shaunavon Shadows and missed out on the provincial bracket.