CHAMPIONS SPEAK - 2018 Hall of Fame Inductee - Wetaskiwin High School 2006 Sabres Football Team
by Kolton Kasur and delivered by Kolton Kasur, Taylor Ostapowich, Charles Bouchard and Jay Johnson.
We are all Honored to be presented this award tonight
and we would like to congratulate all the others who were
nominated for their achievements. The 2006 football season
was one that we are certain none of us will ever forget.
The
introduction of minor football to the Wetaskiwin area was
truly the catalyst responsible for the success of this
group. By the time the 2006 season came around, many of the
senior players on the team had already played together for
up to seven seasons of football. This allowed the players
the opportunity to grow into, and develop skills for the
positions they were best suited for. It also allowed us to
learn to trust in each other and the ability to focus on our
own positions.
Another
building block which helped lead to the success of the team
were the consequential losses we faced together over the
years. These included the league final loss in Bantam, The B
side final loss in 2004, and most significantly and
impactful, the league final and Provincial semi final losses
in 2005. These losses put us back in our place and taught us
what would truly be required of us to become a championship
team.
In 2006 the
theme 'Unfinished Business' was coined. Individual
accountability transitioned from the coaches to the players.
As a team we began to hold each other responsible for missed
practices, film review, and dropped plays. Our desire for
success grew and we became more critical of ourselves as we
did not want to let each other down. We grew closer both on
and off the field. As a member of the team you were no
longer just a player, you were a member of a community, a
family.
We weren’t
just given teammates; we were graced with brothers. One
kid’s mom and dad became everyone’s mom and dad.
Unfortunately for them that sometimes meant making
breakfasts, lunches, or dinners for a lot more kids then
they probably should have had to.
We had many
other mentors as well, these include:
All these
mentors taught us to be critical of our actions, how to
receive and deliver constructive criticism, how to hold
ourselves responsible, how to carry ourselves both in and
out of the uniform, and how to be proud of our
accomplishments.
These people
took a field full of boys and put them on their way to
becoming men. On their way to being role-models and mentors
for others to look up to, and as a result many members of
the team have taken the opportunity to give back by taking
coaching positions of their own so that others could have
the same experience they had.
This team,
this community, this experience… gave us friends and
brothers for life, we became family. We can go without
seeing each other for years and when we get together we can
pick up right where we left off. Unfortunately, we have lost
some brothers along the way: Adam Bogaerts, Ruan Vandenburg,
and Andrew Triffo. Adam came into the close knit team and
fit in as if he had been there through the whole journey;
Triffo will be remembered for his infectious attitude, sense
of humour and his drive and determination on the field; and
Ruan for his gentleness, his never ending support, and his
contagious laugh.
Being a part
of this team was something none of us will ever forget, and
while the players and the coaches are the ones getting the
glory tonight. This truly is an award for the community, for
without everyone involved none of it would have been
possible, and for that opportunity we thank-you.
