Bulldogs look to build on last year’s success

By Lethbridge Herald on April 18, 2023.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Winston Churchill Bulldogs senior boys rugby coach Jonathan Dick feels preparations are going well ahead of the season opener against Chinook on Wednesday.

“I think we’re on par for where we’ve been in the past,” said Dick.

“You know previous years with starting our indoor training in February, and getting the boys in shape prior to even getting out on the field and passing the rugby ball around. So, I know it’s a bit of a grind for the players. They, obviously, being inside doing nothing but fitness isn’t always their favourite thing to do. But I think they’re also very understanding of the concept that it helps us in the long run if we can be in shape before we even get outside and start handling a rugby ball.”

The Bulldogs are defending 3A provincial champions and will use that for motivation into this season.

“Yeah I think it helps having some success last year, especially like I said after a two-year hiatus from having a team and a program where we didn’t do any rugby at all,” said Dick.

“So I think having some success last year obviously builds the program and gets guys wanting to be a part of it , (and) more guys coming out, that maybe wouldn’t have if we wouldn’t (have)  had a successful season.”

When the Bulldogs have come off a provincial championship, the coaching staff stress that it does not mean it’s going to happen in the following year.

“And you can’t expect to ride the coat tails of the team from last year because it’s a new team this year,” said Dick.

“You may have a number of the same players from last year but every year is a new year, and every year’s got a new team make up that you have to deal with. So hitting  those guys with the right mindset right off the get go and I mean we always have great kids that come out for  our rugby program and they’re a pleasure to coach. So it doesn’t take a lot of convincing but they’re still high school students and they need to be reminded that hey, you’ve got to put the work in  and make sure that you’re not taking it for granted.”

The Bulldogs will look to an experienced forward pack that are stronger players and some faster players on the outside.

“So just as usual, stressing the point of sharing the rugby ball (and) not going for the glory all as one person and making  sure you’re playing as a team,” said Dick.

“(And) share the ball out so we can move it on teams — (and) try and get it to the outside and get it down the field as quick as we can.”

The game will between the Bulldogs and Coyotes will be at 5:30 p.m. at Lethbridge Rugby Club on Wednesday.