High school football is gearing up for an exciting season, and the recently held spring camps in Moose Jaw are a testament to the unwavering passion and commitment of student athletes. Across different schools, players are sharpening their skills, forging new friendships, and preparing for what promises to be a thrilling fall. Here’s an overview of the latest updates from the spring camps of three prominent teams: the Central Collegiate Cyclones, the Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes, and the Vanier Collegiate Vikings.
### Central Collegiate Cyclones
The Central Collegiate Cyclones recently concluded their spring camp at the Yara Centre in Moose Jaw, held from May 12 to 15. With a record of 6-2 last season, finishing second in the league, the Cyclones are preparing for another competitive season. This spring camp focused primarily on teaching both veterans and newcomers the fundamentals of offense and defense, while also reinforcing position-specific skills.
Colin Belsher, the Head Coach of the Cyclones, expressed enthusiasm about the attendance. “Having some of the grade eights there and seeing our grade eleven players transition to twelfth grade was a good eye-opener for us,” he stated. For athletes who could not attend the camp, Coach Belsher encouraged them to join the team when school resumes in the fall. “Kids who enroll in the fall here at Central are more than welcome to come. They didn’t have to attend spring camps to be eligible to play,” he affirmed.
The Cyclones ensured that camp sessions focused on controlled contact to minimize the risk of injuries while emphasizing player development. For grade nine and ten players still growing into their roles, they will have the opportunity to compete on the junior varsity (JV) squad, allowing them to gain valuable playing time while still dressing with the seniors.
Belsher is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, where every player, regardless of experience level, can get a chance to shine on the field. Last season, the team demonstrated resilience by winning in the first round of the provincial bracket against the league-leading Balgonie Greenall Griffins, although they faced a challenging defeat in the second round against the Saskatoon Bishop Mahoney.
### Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes
Next in line is the Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes, who will kick off their spring camp from June 9 to 13, right after school hours. The Tornadoes, who finished last season with a 3-4 record, are facing a pivotal season ahead, as they narrowly missed a playoff berth. Coach Bert Redstone encourages all students from grade eight to twelve attending Peacock Collegiate to participate. “Always looking for new players—there’s no need to sign up, just show up on day one,” he said.
The camp is tailored for both seasoned players and newcomers, with a focus on helping inexperienced athletes find their footing. “We run our senior program alongside our JV program, so if you’re new to football, don’t worry—we will get you to compete against kids your same size, age, and experience level,” Redstone assured.
While ensuring the safety and development of players through controlled-contact practices, Redstone emphasizes that the week will be rigorous and dedicated to building fundamental skills. The camp will culminate in a scrimmage designed to showcase the progress of the athletes. With a strong foundation of returning grade eleven players, the coaching staff remains optimistic about improving on last season’s record. “Hopefully we can pull it off this year,” added Redstone, expressing confidence in both his returning players and the supportive coaching staff.
### Vanier Collegiate Vikings
Finally, the Vanier Collegiate Vikings will hold their spring camp from June 10 to 13. This camp serves as an excellent opportunity for players to not only grow their skills but also to welcome new talent to the sport. Head Coach Luke Tkatchuk warmly invites grade eight students from across the city to participate: “It’s a way to meet the team, get used to our systems, and meet the coaches before entering high school,” he explained.
For those unable to attend the camp, joining the team is still possible. Interested players can reach out to Vanier for more information. The Vikings hope to build on last year’s campaign, where they finished with a 3-3 record and a playoff berth, albeit missing the chance to compete in the provincial bracket against the Shaunavon Shadows. With aims to improve upon their standing, the team looks to bolster their lineup with fresh faces, alongside returning players eager for redemption.
### Conclusion
As spring camps unfold in Moose Jaw, the high school football community is buzzing with anticipation. These camps are essential for player development, offering skills training, team-building, and a glimpse of what’s to come in the fast-approaching fall season. Each team—the Central Collegiate Cyclones, the Peacock Collegiate Tornadoes, and the Vanier Collegiate Vikings—is embracing new athletes while preparing their seasoned players for the challenges ahead.
The excitement in the air is palpable, and as friends are made and skills are honed, the foundation for a remarkable football season is being built. With the supportive community backing these young athletes, there’s no telling how high they will soar come game day. Whether it’s nurturing budding talent or honing the skills of seasoned players, each team is poised to make a mark this fall. The dedication observed at these spring camps speaks volumes about the spirit of high school football— a sport not just about competition, but about community and growth.
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