Sports | DrumhellerMail

Bulldogs/Titans Victorious at Drumheller Debut

The Badlands Bulldogs and Red Deer Titans combined Men’s 3rd Division Rugby team battled to a convincing win at the first home game played in the Valley on Saturday.

It was another scorcher as the Bulldogs welcomed teammates from the Titans and their opponents from Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club to the DVSS field for a historic first game, watched by an enthusiastic crowd.

Bulldogs player Dustin Clark opened the scoring with a try inside the first 10 minutes. The Irish equalized and converted their try shortly after, taking the score to 5-7.

“It was pretty close for the first 30 minutes or so” said April Harrison of Badlands RFC, “but Badlands/Titans scored again before halftime and the team started to really jell from there, they came out and dominated in the second half”.

The game ended 29-7, which is a welcome win for the home side.

“Big thanks to the Red Deer guys for making it possible to bring rugby to Drumheller” said Clark; “We couldn't ask for a better group to help us get rugby off the ground in the Valley” he added.

Clark was joined by fellow Bulldogs Shane McEnery, Troy Poulson, Darren Doecke and Austin Kimmel all of whom made effective contributions to the game. It was a Bulldogs debut for Kimmel and a rugby debut for Doecke,

“It was a great experience…I really appreciate the Bulldogs and Titans teams for the help on the field with positioning, rules, and tactics” enthused Doeke who played Lock. “It was great having our home opener in Drumheller and starting it with a win made it even more special. We’re looking forward to a promising season and a successful future for the club” added McEnery who played Flanker.

Titans Coach Sean Tindall noted “I thought the Bulldogs that made it out did a fantastic job. Good blend of ability and instinct…The Irish brought a mostly young team that liked to run the ball and were very challenging to defend. Big thanks to the few Titans that played two games to help make the day successful!”

The Drumheller Titans Community Football Association have offered their support to the fledgling Rugby Club, including help putting lines on the field ahead of the game “they’ve been fantastic and special thanks has to go to Head Coach,

Ken Fournier – it’s great to have that kind of support in the community” said Harrison. “Thanks also go to the Drumheller Aquaplex for staying open late, Boston Pizza, to everyone that came out and cheered us on and to all of the volunteers; from coaching to providing first aid, to our linesmen, to picking up garbage and running the concession; all the behind the scenes stuff that makes days like this happen” she added.

The Bulldogs/Titans face the Calgary Canucks at home in Red Deer on Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Triathlon swims, bikes and runs into seventh year

   A great way to challenge your fitness and have fun is the Drumheller Dinosaur Trail Triathlon.
   This is the seventh annual triathlon coming up on Saturday, June 2. Race organizer Morgan Syvertsen says there are still spots available for the race. Last year they had to cut the registration at 49 due to insurance. This year they are able to handle a few more
   “We actually have a sponsor this year,” said Syvertsen.
   He explains Drumheller Associated Physicians has signed on as a sponsor this year, and the organizers are excited to have them. They will provide some funding to help with costs, as well as host an aid station and have an onsite medical presence if needed.
    “We are very excited to have them along,” he said.
Competitors this year can take on the sprint distance featuring a 750m swim (30 lengths) a 20k cycle and a 5k run, or an Olympic distance which is a 1,500m swim, a 40k cycle, and a 10k run. So far, he says there are equal competitors signed up for both.
    One element that is missing so far this year is he has no teams signed up. The race lends itself well to a team effort, with racers able to take on each leg of the race. It is a great way to get a taste for the event and triathlon racing.
   “We have people this year who are doing the solo events, who competed with a team last year,” said Syvertsen.
He encourages those interested to register right away, as the cut-off date to receive a race shirt is May 15. To learn more go to the Drumheller Dinosaur Trail Triathlon Facebook page, or email drumhellertriathlon@gmail.com.

Dietrich joins University of Regina Rams

travis cro

   He took the long road, but a former Titan is headed to play college football.
Last week Travis Dietrich signed with the University of Regina to join the Rams.
   The former St. Anthony’s student began his football career with the Drumheller Titans, playing for two years, and was a member of the provincial winning squads. Upon graduation, he went on to play junior football in the British Columbia Football Conference for the Valley Huskers in Chilliwack.
   The 6’ 3”, 235-pound lineman played for four seasons, and while the Huskers struggled on the field, he shined. He was named the lineman of the year in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, he had seven solo sacks and in 2017 he had 32 solo tackles. He was on the list of the top 10 defensemen in the league.
   He had the opportunity to go to college for a couple of years and entertained a number of offers, including the University of Saskatchewan, and Simon Fraser. The Rams seemed like a good fit.
    “There were some familiar faces there, and it just felt like home going to Saskatchewan,” he said.
   He will be on the squad with two other players he played junior football with, and met the coaches a couple of years ago when he had his official tryout.
   “They like my motor, I keep going and I never quit,” he said.
Dietrich has three years of eligibility in U Sports (Formerly CIS), and he hopes to play CFL. There have been a number of players drafted from the Rams to the CFL and the NFL. His draft year is projected to 2020.
   He has the opportunity to earn scholarships, depending on how he plays. He is planning on studying business.
   Dietrich continues to train in the offseason and is planning to work out with Titans Coach Ken Fournier before heading east in the next couple of months.

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