Assiniboia Minor Football Association presented awards to the Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets football team on November 12. Although eight awards were presented to top players, Graham Gagne, one of the coaches, noted that he wished that he could hand out an award to each of them because they were all deserving of an award.
鈥淭hey are really a great group of players,鈥� echoed Trevor Peterson, head coach for the Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets. 鈥淚t was an enjoyable year. I鈥檝e never seen players improve as much as they did this year.鈥� The Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets were an exceptional team this year.
The defied the odds, playing against city teams to win the Band City Bowl and finishing third in the Moose Jaw Minor Football League.
Linda Berner emceed the award鈥檚 night that included presentations of top awards, recognition of each player, the coach鈥檚 awards, some CFL trivia and a pizza supper. A PowerPoint photo display from games of the season set the tone for the evening.
The 2017 Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets Most Improved player award was given to Austin Nelson, who was shifted from defensive to offensive line, and the Coach鈥檚 Award went to Carter Gagne, who never missed a practice.
The Offensive Linesman award was given to Hayden Belles, and the Best First-Year Wide Receiver award went to Kai Packet. Marshall Ruzicka took home the Best Defensive Player award. He led the team in sacks and fumble recoveries.
McCoy Berner received the Best Defensive Linesman award. Quinton Fettes was awarded the Best Offensive Player award, and he had previously won the Most Valuable Player award for the league. The Most Tackles Award went to Tyler Franks who had 33 tackles. Ruzicka and Casey Weisbeck had 31 tackles and McCoy Berner and Carter Gagne had 28 tackles.
After this set of awards, every player received a commemorative team picture as a way to recognize their contribution. 鈥淓verybody deserves something. Every one of you contributed in some way,鈥� Gagne told the assembled players.
The Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets team included: Austin Nelson, Brady Hildebrandt, Brett Knudsen, Carter Gagne, Casey Weisbeck, Connor Selody, Cooper Berner, Grier Peterson, Hayden Belles, Hayden Mansuy, Hudson Tallon, Jake Starke, Jett Williams, Josiah McDonald, Kai Packet, Keaton Hillmer, Luke Packet, Marshall Ruzicka, Mason Rasmussen, McCoy Berner, Merit Moneo, Nicholas Nelson, Quinton Fettes, Seth Harper, Tyler Franks, Van Sinclair and Xander Dijkstra.
The team was coached by Peterson along with assistant coaches Gagne, Dave Starke, Robert Berner and Josh Benham. Each of the coaches was presented with an award along with words of gratitude for their dedication to the players. Also receiving recognition awards were the team manager and Assiniboia Minor Football Association board, Carla Hildebrandt, Linda Berner, Bev McDonald and Camille Mansuy, the parents and next year鈥檚 players.
The Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets competed in the Moose Jaw league with such powerhouse teams as Moose Jaw, Estevan and Weyburn. While these cities have the luxury of selecting a full complement of players, the Rockets players came from Assiniboia and surrounding towns like Lafleche, Fife Lake, Coronach and Rockglen.
鈥淭he key to their success was how well the athletes practiced and learned the systems,鈥� noted Peterson. The coaches were very helpful and were as dedicated to the team as the players. Both players and coaches travelled three times a week for practices and for weekend games.
鈥淚鈥檓 really proud of what we accomplished this year. I鈥檓 most proud of the Weyburn game,鈥� stated coach Peterson. Although the Weyburn PAR Contracting Ravens defeated the Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets by two points, the score actually reflected how the Assiniboia Pee Wee Rockets defense muffled the offense of the Ravens, which never lost a game all season. 聽
There is only two-and-a-half months of football, so the season is intense. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the best football year I have ever experienced,鈥� said Gagne full of emotion. Assiniboia is making a name for itself in school football.
