The Drumheller Bantam Titans are getting ready for the upcoming season and shooting for another championship this year.
The Drumheller Bantam Titans started their season on Monday, August 19, with their first practice of the season. While there, they unveiled their 2012 Tier 4 league championship banner, which will be proudly displayed in their clubhouse. The team has undergone some coaching changes this year, with Ron Thornborough taking the helm as head coach.
The team began practice earlier this week under a new coaching regime. Ron Thornborough will be taking the lead this year as head coach. Joining him are former head coach and current defensive coordinator Paul Redmond, offensive coordinator Travis Paulter, and equipment manager Lachie Macfadden.
“We have a great core coaching staff. Paul, who was head coach last year, is my defensive coordinator, and Travis Paulter is on offense. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and Travis was on a championship team in Medicine Hat and is quite knowledgeable as well,” said Thornborough. “Everyone brings something to the table.”
Thornborough has coached hockey, lacrosse, and football over the years and was a football player himself in high school.
In addition to a coaching change, the roster of the team has doubled over last season’s Tier 4 league championship team.
“We went two-fold over last year. The kids are learning and all pumped up,” said Thornborough. “We’re up against teams from Calgary and Red Deer, which have bigger populations and good coaches, but we can beat them. We have knowledgeable coaches and some third year kids. We have some beginners, but they pay attention, are learning, and are giving it all on the field. I know we’ll be competitive.”
Some of last season’s key players moved up to the senior team, but Thornborough is confident new players will step up to fill the void.
“There were kids who moved up, but the kids in Drumheller, with all the sports programs around, like lacrosse, have a lot of athleticism, so we can fill those holes,” said Thornborough.
Though practice just started, Thornborough is excited for the upcoming season.
“I’ve always had a love of the game. Working with the kids is a bonus and so rewarding. On top of that, you come out and put together a good coaching staff. That’s what it’s about,” said Thornborough.
