Submitted by Todd Lewis
In preparation for the 2015 season, the Central Alberta Buccaneers have been busy practicing indoors as well as participating in numerous community events.
Over February and March, the team has gathered for indoor skills and drills sessions in preparation for approaching season. The Bucs coaching staff has been pleased with the strong turnout of new and returning players. “It’s great to get together with the guys and shake off the rust before season begins” explained a veteran Buc in between drills. While the team is practicing without full-contact equipment (pads and helmets), time spent on the gym floor is essential for regular season preparation.
In addition to indoor practice, the team has organized group workouts at their sponsor gym, Body Basics, in Red Deer. Each Saturday, rookie and veteran players exercise according to football-specific weight programs. When asked about his training, Stettler native, Kale Volker, said "it's gone great. With our workout programs, I've dropped twenty pounds and am way faster." As an outside linebacker, this enhanced fitness will surely play dividends to the Bucs 2014 Special Teams MVP's performance this season.
The Bucs have continued to strive for involvement within the community during the off-season. For February, the Buccaneers spearheaded the first annual AFL Blood Drive - a league-wide blood donation that included the involvement of four other rival teams. Twenty members of the Bucs Family donated on Feb. 7. The ladies at Red Deer Blood Services were professional and, to the relief of some of the first-time donors, were gentle while taking the Buc-blood. The team’s next donation is scheduled for early April. Any who are interested in donating with the Bucs are encouraged to contact the team via its website, www.cabucs.com, or through social media.
On Feb. 27, the Buccaneers entered a team into the Ponoka Big Brothers Big Sisters "Bowl for Kids' Sake" fundraiser. It was the team’s fourth year in row entering the fundraiser and, to no one’s surprise, the Bucs’ bowling skills still hadn’t improved. However, despite demonstrating some questionable bowling skills, they were still able to raise over $600 for BBBS.
Later this month, the Bucs are hosting their official AGM and information night. On March 21, any interested players and volunteers are encouraged to come to the Red Deer Lodge at 7 p.m. in order to find out all info pertinent to the Buccaneers 2015 season. The team’s executive will discuss logistics – schedule, fees, locations, etc – and the coaching staff will explain team philosophy, values, and goals. Any who are interested in becoming a Buc (as a player or volunteer) are more than welcome to attend.