While school may be out for the summer, the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs football team is already gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season.
Chris Bayerle will take over as head coach this season, bringing with him 13 years of experience. He previously served as an assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and strength conditioning coach.
Registration for the season is now open, with equipment handout scheduled for August 21. August 22 will mark the start of the preseason, explained Bayerle, which will include a mix of conditioning and combine activities. “Kids are tested physically and also assessed on how they communicate with their teammates.”
Players in grades 9 to 12 from ECS, Midale, Lampman, Oxbow, and Prairie Horizon School are all welcome to register for the team.
“So, pretty much everyone is invited. No experience is required. Players just need to bring cleats, but if they don't have them, we have many donated pairs from previous players.”
He noted that most players will make the team unless they reach capacity or a safety issue prevents it.
All equipment is provided for players, except for cleats.
“When the football program started, the school was limited in its ability to help. So, private business owners and other groups, including our current sponsors, provided equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, pants, and leg pads or girdles. All of this is provided for our program.”
The football team holds an annual fundraiser to continually support this aspect of the program. Performance Pump and Clifton’s No Frills have been significant contributors as primary sponsors for the year.
There is no closing deadline for registration, but with an early start this year, they hope to recruit more players. Bayerle noted that the later a player joins, the less field time they will get.
“If you want your best chance of playing, having a good time, and keeping up with teams that are gearing up for the playoffs, you should join as soon as possible.”
“It’s a new team with a new direction. We’ve got new staff and a fresh look with new jerseys and colours. A lot of effort has gone into this by many people at the minor football level and at our high school football level,” said Bayerle. “Many players have shown up at our winter and spring camps, which we hold every year.”
With a dedicated coaching staff and strong community support, the ECS Elecs are poised for a season filled with growth and excitement.