CAYUGA—The newly-reformed Cayuga Warriors football team is just a few games into its inaugural season, and they have seen great support from the community through the first exhibition games as the new team finds its footing.
“In front of a big home crowd (recently), the Cayuga Warriors defeated Valley Heights 23 to 6. The team continues to improve each week under the great group of coaches that has been assembled. We have lots of young players on the team and we believe our team’s future looks bright,” said Cayuga Secondary School Vice Principal and team General Manager Colin Miller.
Head Coach Mike Forster agreed that things are looking promising from the offset.
“The team has come together quickly. This is an outstanding bunch of student athletes from a variety of grades and backgrounds. We have had excellent attendance and commitment and the kids are having fun! It’s also great that no matter if they’re in Grade 9 or Grade 12 – they’re all rookies,” he said.
Bolstered by a full coaching staff with a depth of knowledge on the sport, Forster said the staff are well-positioned to teach the rookie players all about the technical aspects of what makes a winning team.
“We’re dedicated to footwork, mechanics, and improving our overall football IQ. Our practices are very technical in nature, and we are working hard on instilling routine, discipline, and structure as our guiding principles for future success,” said Forster.
So far, the Warriors have played in two scrimmages and two exhibition games against teams from Waterford and Brantford.
“The atmosphere at our first exhibition game was incredible. When you work hard at practice for two hours a day and four days a week, it’s such a great feeling for these players when people come out and cheer them on. Players definitely feed off that energy,” Forster added.
Forster defined the Warriors’ return as a community project, saying that without all that support it would be impossible to develop the “successful program that we believe we are building.”
“There is a real buzz around this project. The feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive and from what I see at the games, people are having a great time coming to the field again for football,” said Forster.
While dreams of championship games and gridiron glory surely dance in the heads of the team’s players and coaching staff, Forster said that for now the focus is on thinking small.
“We want the focus to be getting better day by day and practice by practice. There’s so much to learn. When everyone is new, the last thing we are thinking about is going out and winning each game.”
Instead of overwhelming his team, Forster said that taking things slowly and trusting the process is one of the best aspects of building a team together – and the most rewarding.
“When players begin to see results of hard work, dedication, and teamwork they then apply those character traits to other areas of their daily routines, school, home, etc. No one can take away the work you’ve put into something; the end result might not always be what was expected or desired, but the work you put in is yours and that should feel good,” he explained.
He is already seeing improvements between the two exhibition games played.
“Offensively we were able to control the line of scrimmage and got some big runs out of our running backs and slotback. The passing game showed improvement as well!” he said.
He continued, “Defensively we played very well in the second half, we had a couple big stops and a couple takeaways that sealed the deal. All in all, it was a great accomplishment for the kids! Our confidence is growing as we gain a better understanding of how to play the game.”
The Warriors will continue to play exhibition rounds for the remainder of the season, eyeing a future in the AAHBN varsity league when the team is ready.
Looking ahead, the team will face Valley Heights Secondary School in an away game on October 16, and then a row against the AAHBN’s fifth-place team on the 26th at a yet-to-be-determined location.
Miller noted the ongoing need for community support to help purchase 40 helmets. The team is currently borrowing from the Brantford Bisons, something that won’t be possible should the team choose to participate in the junior spring league. At a cost of $500 a piece, CSS has been able to purchase 15 helmets so far.
While the team will graciously accept any donation offered, they are continuing to offer local businesses the opportunity to have their banner displayed at Warriors’ home games for a donation of $1,000. As a bonus, sponsors will then be able to keep that sponsorship going at a reduced annual rate of just $250.
To make a donation, contact fundraising organizer Nicholas Tregoning at nicholas.tregoning@granderie.ca.
