Provincial Champs, Renegades, in Search of Coaching Team

The League and Provincial Champions, the Bonnyville Peewee Renegades are in search of a coaching team, says Head Coach Kevin Sartain. Sartain explains that four of his coaches have moved to a higher level of football, either the Bantam Bandits or the High School Voyageurs, so he’s in need of support coaches.

“I would like coaches that have either two years coaching experience or two years playing experience.” Peewees in Bonnyville is an introduction to the sport, says Sartain, “they must have a willingness to work with kids, that drive and understanding that you’re working with kids between the ages of ten and twelve years old.” Coaches should be prepared going in, “we practice three-four nights a week and in playoffs, we practice four-five nights a week, it’s a big commitment. Games on Saturdays and Sundays. You have to be able to commitment from August 20th right to the beginning of November.”

We’re going to put together another Provincial team! – Kevin Sartain Head Coach Bonnyville Peewee Renegades

Sartain has one of his five support coaches returning and junior coaches, “they’re Voyageurs players who come help run practices. I have two or three of them still, but I’d like six [adult] coaches. When you have 50-60 kids you need six coaches. I can’t handle that many [on my own].” To be a coach there are certain league requirements and courses; for example a concussion course and “Heads-Up” course. But most importantly, says Sartain, “you really have to love to coach kids, football. You really have to have a passion for it. If you don’t, you’re not going to find fulfillment in it.”

The Renegades went 8-1-0 last season to win the League Championship, then became the first, Bonnyville Minor Football Association, team to win the Provincial title at home, on Walsh Field. “I fully expecting a Provincial run again, I’m calling my shot,” laughs Sartain with loads of confidence. Sartain is setting high goals for the season,”I don’t have an undefeated season and home field League Championship.” It couldn’t be more important for Sartain to reach these milestones in the 2016 season, “this will be my last season with the Renegades.”

To challenge himself, Sartain will be coaching under Voyageurs Head Coach, Larry Godzuik, with the hope of one day taking over the High School club. His goal is to train the right coaching staff for the Renegades to continue the strong program he started three years ago. For anyone interested in coaching the Renegades, contact Kevin at 780-573-6650.

April 28th is equipment handout for spring training, with a jamboree at the end of May. The club starts up the regular season at the end of August and Provincials run into the first week of November.