TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
In spite of the snow and lingering cold temperatures, Rimbey Spartans girls’ rugby team hit the field last week for its first full practice, so as to be ready for the first league game coming up April 30.
“We had to get a parent volunteer to plough the field off, but we were out there,” said team manager, Tammy Brewster. “Normally we have started (league play) by now, but the weather has caused some delay.”
The Spartans, who have brought home bronze at provincials for the last five years, belong to the Central Alberta High School Rugby League. High school teams in the league are Lindsey Thurber, Hunting Hills, Rocky Mountain House, Olds, Lacombe and Notre Dame,
The Spartans consists of a junior team made up of players in grades 7 and 8. The senior team, consists of players from grades 9 to 12. Ceara Newman is the head coach, Ciaran Ormond is the coach and Denise Ormond is the trainer.
The junior team practice with the senior team and also play once a week in Red Deer in a modified game with seven on each side, (instead of the regulatory 15 players) to learn the game.
“We only use half the field and it teaches them the basics. It is hard to teach rugby unless you are actually playing,” said Brewster.
Brewster said interest in rugby is strong in Rimbey.
“There has been a huge interest in the last several years. Head coach Newman actually played rugby for Rimbey High School many years ago and I have also played for the Red Deer Titans. It just seemed fitting to continue the program. It is great to get so much support from the community.”
Brewster said last September many of the high school girls helped to run an elementary rugby program.
“We had 50 kids show up and it was great to see our players giving back to the community.”
The rugby season runs April to June with provincials held June 10