The Drumheller Senior Titans are taking team building to another level and will be competing in a tournament in San Diego this summer, leading up to the regular season.
The team has been working at fundraising for the trip from August 24 to 29. Coach Jason Rasmussen says this type of experience will help build the team.
“I wanted to do a trip that would help strengthen this team going into the season. I have high expectations of what we are going to do in the province this year,” said Rasmussen. “The trip is an opportunity to see some football at a very high level, play some football at a very high level, and get a taste of how fanatical football can be in a community.”
From what he knows about the tournament, it is going to be huge. He says there is a large cross section of teams and players of all levels. They will be matched with a team from a school of like size. The tournament will culminate with the two top teams at the highest level, playing off.
He has seen international experience as a big plus for teams. He knows of other schools in the league that have used international tournaments to help build their programs with good success.
“The team that has been doing it the longest is the Holy Trinity Academy Knights from Okotoks, and they have gone from being a mediocre team to a perennial power in the province,” said Rasmussen. “It obviously has more to do with the program and coaching…but I think the trip plays a part in the development of that program.”
To make the trip happen, the team needs a monumental effort to raise the funds. So far, the Drumheller Kinsmen have come out in support of the team and have donated $3,000 to the team for their trip. In turn, the team has helped the Kinsmen with their endeavours including volunteering for the recent Jaydee Bixby show. They may even be flipping pancakes at the annual Canada Day Kinsmen Pancake Breakfast.
The team will also be part of a raffle for Super Bowl tickets, and will be selling them shortly.
They are also doing a used battery drive, recycling car batteries.
“We are trying to subsidize the players as much as possible. It is unrealistic to think each of the players could go for free, but it would sure be nice to see their costs cut significantly,” said Rasmussen. “It’s also nice to get the guys to earn it. We are kind of focusing on that.”
If any businesses or residents are interested in supporting the Titans on their trip, they can contact coach Rasmussen at 403-823-5171 to arrange a fund raising activity.
He hopes the trip will pay dividends on the field.
“Championship attitudes are hard to come by, I am hoping this trip will help foster that attitude in our players because I really do think they have lots of potential this year,” said Rasmussen.
