The Canadian Summer Games are quickly approaching, and head coach of TeamToba, Dwight Heppner, is set to lead a talented group to Newfoundland, looking to make some noise on the big stage.
Pre-tournament homework
In preparing for the big tournament, Heppner says it's been a lot of work in a short amount of time. "It's been pretty crazy, and it's gone super fast. I think it was two years ago now, where I got hired to run the program. We got into first round of tryouts and that two years ago. It's crazy to think that a bunch of tryouts, development camps, and a few tournaments early on, got the team to where we have our 15 going this week. It all flew by, we knew it would, but we got a lot of prep done, it's not just about heading down there."
Defense key to winning
The head coach is confident in every aspect of his teams game, but if he had to highlight one in particular, he says there is one that stands out a bit ahead of the others. "I'd say we pride ourselves in defense, and our lack of mistakes," Heppner says confidently. "Our pitching is super strong. I have total confidence in our defense, and that should help us keep the game within reach at all times. From there, our offense comes around, our speed when it comes to small ball, we'll rely on those keys."
Know your role, play your role
TeamToba is filled with incredible athletes, but the real point of pride for Heppner is how the group has fully bought in to whatever role is best for the team. "I think it was maybe a little odd right off the start for the 18 that we had, with our alternates, to be in the roles we have them now. But, I've really seen the girls come together over the last couple months. The big Canada Cup tournament, where some of those roles came to light, where girls would come in late in games and just clutch up, and make a great hit or be a baserunner that scores the tying run after sitting on the bench for the first five or six innings. Just understanding the roles, and pulling for each other. We have girls from all over the province, so they've played against each other for a number of years, it takes a little time to gel, and I think that even the last couple of practices we've had, ramping up, you can feel that the team has become more of a family, and less separated individuals from around the province. It's great to see, and I'm just really looking forward to what this group can do in Newfoundland."
Eastman well represented on the roster
Of the 15 players going to The Canadian Summer Games, eight will be from the Eastman region, a feather in the cap for programs, according to Heppner. "I'm super proud of the organization as a whole," he says beaming. "You can see just from the last year, with what all four teams in our program have done, all the hard work that goes into it from an organization level, a coaches level, and the athletes themselves, putting in the time, staying focused, griding to become an athlete. The eight we have coming from Eastman are a couple of pitchers, extremely good defensive players, great hitters, speed, short game, just all around players. Super proud of what they've accomplished already in their short softball career, but I just can't wait to see what they're able to do along with the other seven girls going, what they can do together as a group against some of the best teams in Canada."
A chance to open a lot of eyes
A major part for the athletes during this tournament is having a big stage to preform and gain some national attention, something Heppner says these girls have more than earned. "We've been talking about it since the start, it's a once in a lifetime experience. We're trying to fucus on the experience and be ready for it. Another thing is the ability to play against your peers from across Canada, and prove that you can play at this level. I know they can, they've seen they can do this, and for the athletes themselves, it's a mini-Olympics, if you will. It's something they can prove to themselves and scouts, and there will be lots of Team Canada reps watching this, so getting to show off the Manitoba talent, it's going to be something incredible. Hopefully, the girls get the experience they are looking for, and they can compete at the elite level I know they can."
Believe in yourself as a team
Coaching at the big event is a little different than what he's done throughout the season, but Heppner says he believes they have a good balance of knowing the other team while knowing themselves, and what they need to do to be successful. "I think the fact we went to Canada Cup, it gives us a good sense of what we'll be looking at. Trying to balance things in the sense of the girls need to focus on themselves, and the game that they play. I think they'll be successful if they stay within themselves, and play their defensive game, just stick with what made them successful for so long and not try and be another team. Every team out there is going to be amazing talents, they'll have the best, the top pitchers in Canada showing up, so we need to focus on ourselves, the the right amount of rest, and be prepared every game in that round robin to be competing at our best."
The grind of the tournament
On top of facing elite level talent, TeamToba will have a tough schedule with two games every day, something Heppner says the group is used to, and it shows how mentally tough they are as a unit. "I think they've all been to nationals in the past where it's a week long grind, that's probably more of a grind given you play more games in a shorter amount of time. I think that the mental portion of this is just how big of an experience this is, and when you show up to the diamond, you're there to do a job. They're showing up with 15 athletes that can all compete at the exact same level, and can fill holes when things are not going right for someone, and they can pick them up. It's not one individual that's going to win this thing for us, or get us through the round robin with a good record, it's about all 15 of them working together and pulling the rope in the same direction."
Hoping to take a moment to appreciate
Being a longtime coach, Heppner is hoping he'll be able to take in some of the moments before the games start, but there won't be a lot of time for it. "I sure hope on day one, in that morning, before warmups, I can soak it in. Understand the joy, the excitement, the experience of it all. Do my best to keep the team focused, but try and take it all in. I'll make sure the girls do the same thing."
New uniforms just another boost
TeamToba is heading to Newfoundland and they'll have new jersey's when they get there, something Heppner says may seem like a small thing, but it's a boost for the group going into the tournament. "I know how excited they were to get them, and try them on. They took a lot of pictures with them. To represent Manitoba, to be the 15 best athletes in women's softball from across the province, representing Manitoba at the Canada Summer Games, putting that jersey on, showing off thier talent and skills, it will be amazing. Some really hard work when into designing these uniforms, and getting them approved, Megan (Heppner) did an amazing job in getting the design done, and we had some great help from Source For Sports in getting the exact uniforms that we were looking for. They look amazing, and the girls are super excited to wear them. I'm very excited to see them out on the diamond with those uniforms on, competing at an elite level."
Schedule
TeamToba starts their tournament August 10th, 9:30 a.m. vs Newfoundland, and again at 2:00 p.m. vs Ontario. On the 11th, two more games, first at 7:30 a.m. against New Brunswick, then 12:30 p.m. vs Youkon/Northwest Territories. Following that up on the 12th, a single game against Quebec at 3:00 p.m. Playoffs will be on Sunday.