The Bow Valley Grizzlies U13 rugby team capped off a remarkable season with a dramatic 43–33 comeback win to capture the 2025 league cup Wednesday night at the Calgary Rugby Union.
Early on, the Grizzlies appeared outmatched by a strong Calgary Rams/Canucks side. But the young squad rallied behind their fiery on-field chant — "Ten feet tall and ten feet wide" — and responded with one of the most memorable comebacks in local youth rugby.
Down 26–0 just 15 minutes into the final, the Grizzlies roared back to tie the game at 33–33. With five minutes left and the team huddled under the posts, the captain echoed a familiar rallying cry: “Boys, it’s three minutes left time.”
Bow Valley responded with 10 unanswered points to seal the championship in front of dozens of travelling fans from Cochrane and the Bow Valley region.
The win marks a milestone moment for a team that entered the season one player short of the minimum requirement for forming an independent entry. Bow Valley coaches opted to proceed anyway, successfully securing team status — a decision that paid off.
The Grizzlies built momentum as the season progressed, stacking wins and peaking with a dominant semifinal performance that secured their place in the Cup final. The title match, originally scheduled for last weekend, was delayed due to heavy rain but resumed Wednesday night under clearing skies.
The victory is being hailed as a symbol of resilience, teamwork and community pride.
For a group that started the season as underdogs, the Grizzlies now stand as champions — “ten feet tall and ten feet wide,” just as their chant declares.
Cheers to Lauren Terblanche for her major contribution to this article.