Sabercats open dryland training

Football season has arrived once again locally as the Sault Sabercats held their first official workout of the year on Sunday afternoon.

The Sabercats are a community based amateur football program for players ages 15-19. The team is a nonprofit organization and is a member of the Ontario Varsity Football League. The OVFL consists of over 1000 football players operating during the months of June, July, and part of August.

Some 36 players were put through conditioning drills and were tested in timed drills at Korah.

Interested players are still welcome to attend the dryland portion of the training. The team has set a player registration deadline of April 25. Interested players are required to bring a $25 insurance fee in order to participate.

Sabercats head coach Ross Viotto was encouraged with the turnout. With eight to 10 players, including several veterans, still expected to come out, the team appears to be developing a stable player base.

Joining the Viotto on the Sabercats coaching staff is returning defensive coordinator Cale Krezek, offensive coach A.J. Bisceglia, defensive line coach Cliff Summers, defensive backs coach Dave Burritt and special teams/linebackers coach Sean Pratt.

Newcomers to staff include linebackers coach Gavin Cond, offensive line coach Dave Pitcher and running backs/receivers coach Donny Magli.

Indoor workouts will continue each Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. at Korah. The workout on Easter Sunday has been moved to Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.

The team will hit the field to begin training camp on May 3 at Bawating.

The Sabercats open the season with an exhibition game against Sudbury on May 22 at Bawating. The team will then hit the road for the first three games of the regular season due to repairs at Rocky DiPietro Field.

More information can be received from Viotto at 256-1862 or by e-mail at [email protected]

*** SKILLS CAMP:

The Sabercats are hosting a Football Skills Clinic for players in grades five to eight at Bawating beginning April 17.

The camp, which will run on four consecutive Saturdays until May 8 from 1-4 p.m., will feature instruction from members of the Sabercats coaching staff, Sault Minor Football Association coaches and Sabercats players.

The cost of the camp is $50. Participants will receive a camp T-shirt which will give them free admission to all Sabercats home games.

The Registration deadline is April 5. Forms can be picked up at local elementary schools or contact Viotto for more information.

*** SEASON TICKETS:

Season tickets for the upcoming season are now available. Prices for the four-game home schedule is $15 for students and $20 for adults. Contact Viotto for purchasing information.

*** SPRING DANCE:

The Sabercats are hosting an Elementary School Spring Dance fundraiser on Friday, April 2 from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Marconi Club.

Tickets are $4 in advance or $6 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Village Variety, Mac's Mart on Second Line or Brookfield Market.

PHOTO: Sabercats coach Dave Burritt (yellow shirt) chats with players during dryland workouts on Sunday.