The Drumheller Titans are marking a milestone this year, celebrating introducing football back to the valley.
Of course, football has been played in all its forms over the years, but it was 25 years ago the senior high school-aged team took to the field in the black and gold. Since then, Titans have created a legacy introducing the sport to young athletes and traditions of pride and success.
Current Coach Ken Fournier said the Senior Titans took to the field in 1995. Their first season was just as a team playing in exhibition games. The second-year, the Titans joined the Big Sky Conference. The original head coaches were Bob Pugh and Don Robertson.
Two years later, the Bantam Titans were established and Fournier was a member of that team. In their first season, they also played exhibition games against Hanna and Pincher Creek. Ward Mudrey was the original Bantam coach.
“The first game the Bantams played, I was on the team and I got a penalty in the first minute,” laughs Fournier. “It was a rare penalty for bulldogging. Apparently, you are not allowed to pick up a player and throw them.”
The program has grown and matured over the years. The Titans have always played 12 man football, and have had great success. Drumheller Community Football has grown to include a peewee program as well.
The Seniors were reigning provincial champions from 2011 to 2013. They won silver in 2007 and bronze in 2006, 2016 and 2019.
“In our 25 seasons, we have only had two sub .500 record seasons. One in 2008 and one in 2002,” said Fournier. “That’s impressive, it is a huge nod to everybody who has been a part of the program; coaches, parents, players, sponsors. We have had a lot of good support over the years and that speaks to how things happen on the field.”
The program has seen dozens of players leave the Titans program and go on to play at the college and university level, as well as premier junior programs across the country. There are even players from the Titans playing around the world.
Fournier himself played junior and then semi-professional football in the United States before beginning his coaching career with the Titans, becoming the senior head coach in 2011.
“It put me in a position where I had more opportunities to get out and see the area, and explore the sport in multiple ways,” said Fournier.
Come this fall, they are planning to mark the anniversary season with a doubleheader home opener with the Bantam and the Senior teams. They are hoping to invite as many alumni as possible to mark the season. Watch for more details in the future.
