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Cold Lake Fighter Jets host first training camp

Players hoping to become one of the first Cold Lake Fighter Jets hit the field in Bonnyville. Over 30 athletes took part in the team’s first training camp at Walsh Field from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5.
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Head coach of the Cold Lake Fighter Jets football team Chris McKenna talks to the players during their main camp at Walsh Field in Bonnyville over the weekend.

Players hoping to become one of the first Cold Lake Fighter Jets hit the field in Bonnyville.

Over 30 athletes took part in the team’s first training camp at Walsh Field from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5.

”A lot of eager football players that haven’t seen the field in years were getting the rust knocked off,” noted team president Damen Schaub. “I think everybody enjoyed themselves despite the weather and wind.”

Head coach Chris McKenna was impressed with the talent he saw during the camp.

”I’m very happy with the numbers. Apparently there’s other guys that couldn’t come and there’s a lot of talent out here. This football is good football. The people that are going to come out and watch it are really going to enjoy it,” he exclaimed.

The Fighter Jets announced in April McKenna would be taking the reigns. He promised fans can expect an aggressive-style of football in the coming season.

The camp kicked-off Friday with registration and fitness testing, followed by practices on Saturday and Sunday.

Defensive-end and Cold Lake resident Zack Brooks said, ”We had a good turn out, especially for our inaugural season. With the numbers that we had in town, camp shaped up decently well.”

The seniors men football team is part of the Alberta Football League (AFL), which is an organization that offers athletes the chance to play once their university or junior careers are over.

After the Lloydminster Vandals folded last season and Cold Lake announced the construction of a new artificial turf field, Schaub decided to start a team in Cold Lake in hopes of bringing the sport he loves to the area.

Construction at their future field in Cold Lake is still underway, so for the team brought their enthusiasm to Walsh Field for their main camp.

”Bonnyville has a really nice set up. Larry (Godziuk) was really nice to let us use his equipment and dressing room, and I appreciated that greatly. The opportunity to showcase the field to the rest of the league via social media is another thing we can bring to the local community,” stated Shaub.

Brooks described the field as ”a beautiful facility” that’s on par with the surface in Cold Lake.

McKenna, who used to coach football at a Bonnyville high school, was thrilled to be playing on the new turf in town.

”I know the field well. But, I left before they got this new turf and it’s beautiful,” he added.

Regardless of being fresh to the AFL, McKenna believes “with the talent I’ve seen out here, I don’t think we’ll be the underdogs for very long.”

The team has set their sights high for their inaugural season.

”It’s always championship or go home,” stressed Brooks. “But, first season we expect to at least hit the gates running. We’ll be in the playoffs, 100 per cent.”

McKenna added, “You always hope to have a championship, that’s the goal. From what I’m seeing out here, you take it game by game, but, that would be the ultimate goal to win the whole thing.”

The team’s home opener is scheduled for May 25.

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