When you come to training camp after a winless season you know that the only way to go is up.
But after a coaching change with Brian Samson stepping away from head coaching duties for incoming coach Tyson Brear along with the return of West Ferris Trojans longtime coach Larry Tougas as Director of Football Operations; off the field the team looks to be off to a good start.
The Wild host open training camp this weekend from April 29th to May 1st with equipment hand out and meetings taking place Friday night.
Despite that disappointing 0-8 record in 2015, Brear believes he can field a very competitive squad which begins on May 28th as they host the Toronto Junior Argos.
“We expect to make it to champ day in late August,” said a confident Brear.
“I know some people might find this unrealistic but our philosophy going into every game is that we are going to win. We are going to prepare and practice every week with that attitude. We want to make sure that we are improving each and every week.
“Since February we have had two workouts a week, and routinely have had 12-15 guys at each session. This weekend we want to lay the groundwork that will be our foundation for the rest of the season.”
Brear believes the team will have a chance to win with the return of quarterback Riley Gravelle, who finished off a dominant NDA season with the Widdifield Wildcats last fall.
“Having Riley back there will be big for us,” said Brear.
“He's entering his third season with the and coming off an NDA season where he led his team to the championship as well as championship game MVP.
“It’s time for him to take that kind of step in the club season as well.”
Brear says the O-line will be anchored by Evan Lechlitner.
“He`s coming off a very successful season at York and can't help stabilize that unit,” said Brear.
“On defence we are looking to veterans Conor O`Neil, Nick Orton, Wyatt Melnychuk, Donovan Scott and Brady Benoit to help bring the young guys up to speed.”
Change of Venue
The Wild are also changing venues as they will be playing all their home games at the Trojan Alumni Complex.
The turf field is a great fit but the fact that the teams need to get dressed off-site has been a problem since the facility the complex opened.
