Bulldogs taking a day-by-day approach

By Lethbridge Herald on April 11, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Winston Churchill Bulldogs Maks Chernezkyi attempts to battle through a tackle during practice on Thursday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Winston Churchill Bulldogs senior rugby team begin their quest for a third consecutive provincial title when a new season begins next week.

“We just  want to take it one step at a time, one day at a time ,” said head coach Jonathan Dick.

“We’ve been working hard in the preseason here with some indoor training, getting guys into shape. Now we finally got some decent weather to get outside (to) go through some of the more technical aspects of rugby.”

The team has a good core leadership group with Grade 12s.

“They’re  helping bring a lot of  the young guys along and teaching them the ropes, “said Dick.

“ Yeah, just working through the paces here getting all the technical skills down.”

The Bulldogs will rely on the strong Grade 12 presence in the backs with  Olivier Koribikomeye and Grayson Indenbosh at the centre positions.

“Lots of speed, lots of versatility, good tacklers,” said Dick.

The team have  speed at the wing position and some strong forwards.

“Our forward pack should be pretty versatile as well, so I think we (got) a lot of strong points to work off of, he said.

A team goal every year is to peak by the end of the season and earn a spot at provincials.

“I think the key is just making sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves and focus on that yet,” said Dick.

Grade 12 Angus Wyman thinks there is an  excitement to get back at it.

“We’ve had a lot of success, so I think the general feeling is that  people want to continue … working hard,” said Wyman.

Wyman wants to make sure that the younger guys love the game.

“The way I view my leadership role, is it’s like foster (a) love of the game,” said Wyman.

“(Just) encourage them to keep getting better and keep improving.”

Wyman thinks the team will have to stay healthy and use physicality to get wins this season.

The Bulldogs will open up against LCI on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Lethbridge Rugby Club.