The hardware at the end of the season has been handed out as Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football president Paul Duncan looks forward to another season of growth.
Coming into the season, Duncan was looking for a ten per cent growth in the enrolment numbers and nearly got there – eight per cent.
“I think we had some success,” Duncan said. “I think the steps we made with relaunching our brand and having the availability for merchandise to get our name in the community a little bit more...”
The metallic silver EMF bunny hugs were all over the place throughout the city as the fall and winter have taken hold. Both kids and adults are wearing them.
“The support from the community, like Penta Completions, Power Dodge, Century 21 and the Lions club was always great this year,” said Duncan. “Our onfield performance left us wanting a little bit. There's always room for improvement. This year was one of the years where we had a large rookie crop coming in as kids were moving into different age groups. I firmly believe in the people we have in place, to continue to move the program forward. I think the future is bright and can only go up from here.”
The growth that Duncan wants to see in local football will be even further than this year.
“If we can get every kid in Estevan playing minor football that would be fantastic,” he said. “The greatest thing about football is that it allows kids from every walk of life, every age group, every athletic style, every body type size, to come out and there is a spot for you on the team. And we really believe football is family.”
At the AGM, Duncan will stay for his second year as president, and Kevin Mortenson returns for another term as vice president. Staying on the board are Dena Bachorcik, Jason Bresciani, Pat Ford, Lonnie Rooks and Tia Dukart. New to the board will be Luba Feo, Tara Fleck and Kade Bachorcik. Being on the board can be a huge volunteer commitment.
“There's well over 100 hours every year,” Duncan said. “Being coaches, some of us will go well into the 200 hour mark. But they're here for the kids. They're not in it for personal gain or glory or anything along those lines. They're here helping support the community, giving an opportunity for these kids to come out and learn life lessons and play a good sport.”
After the AGM, the banquet saw some of the players take home awards for their hard work during the season.
“I think it's good to recognize the hard work and effort to keep the kids hungry and show the appreciation for their work effort that they put in,” said Duncan. “I firmly believe that the one award every player should strive for is hoisting the championship rather than a personal gain or glory. But it is good to recognize kids and make sure that they understand there is rewards to work ethic.”
