Lethbridge Steel Football

Strength, Trust, Energy, Execution, Loyalty

Annual General Meeting

September 17th, 2013

The Lethbridge Steel is holding their Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2013 at 7:30pm at Young Parkyn McNab located at 100, 530 8 Street South. We are looking for nominations for the following board positions: 

  • President
  • Vice President of Operations (preferable a member of the team)
  • Vice President of Finance (in charge of fundraising)
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Directors (must be willing to work at home games and at beginning and end of season)
    • Game Day Director “League” requirements – stats, film, referees, chain gang, required documentation submission
    • Game Day Director “Team” – oversees/coordinates requisite volunteers, gate, team statisticans, team video person, 50/50, merchandise, programs, advertising/displays at home games
    • Equpiment Management – storage, dispersal and ordering of supplies

 If you or anyone you know is interested, contact lethbridgesteelcoach@gmail.com

 

For more information about the Lethbridge Steel, check out our Facebook page HERE.

Strong Leadership for Lethbridge Steel

June 10th, 2013

Maddy Armstrong Provides Strong Leadership for Lethbridge Steel

By

maddy

 

As one of the leaders for the Lethbridge Steel of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, Maddy Armstrong is an anchor on the team’s defensive line.

With the Steel having finished as runner-up in the 2012 WWCFL championship game, Armstrong is eager for another opportunity for the league title this season.

Like many women in the WWCFL, Armstrong plays both offense and defense. Donning No. 14, she competes at the fullback position on offense, while lining up on the defensive line. While her priority is to give the Steel an opportunity to win, the offensive side of the game has emerged as her preference. “This season, offense has to be my favorite,” Armstrong said. “I am always hungry to help the team put points up on the board.”

Compared to other women in the WWCFL, Armstrong did not grow up as a fan of pro football. While other players had cheered for their home teams in the Canadian Football League, Armstrong’s interest in football came from a chance encounter.

“I never really had an interest in football before our first season, but three or four of my close friends saw the posting for the team and decided they wanted to play and that I should come along for the ride.  Best decision I have ever made!”

That decision has paid remarkable dividends for Armstrong. She was one of the key leaders for a Steel squad that finished the 2012 WWCFL season with an undefeated record and first place in the Western Conference. Named as the Steel’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2012, the award is a great point of pride to her.

“It’s always an honor to know that your team and coaches recognize all your had work and skills on the field. But the most special part of last season for me was the success we reached as a team. I was only a small part of a huge team effort.”

During the Steel’s first game of the 2013 season, the squad made a bold statement. Despite a new look roster composed of many rookies; veterans like Armstrong brought a solid presence to the gridiron. With a 74-0 trouncing of the expansion Okotoks Lady Outlawz, Armstrong and her teammates are working towards another run at the title.

“A win is always an exciting feeling. It is obviously part of our team goals for the season. The win was the product of a lot of preseason work by both athletes and coaches.  We have a large rookie contingent this season, but with the poise and confidence they played with last Saturday, no one would know it was their first game ever. For me this was the most exciting part of our first win.”

With an offseason spent reflecting on a visceral 64-21 loss to the Saskatoon Valkyries in the 2012 WWCFL championship, Armstrong is committed to bringing the Steel to the next level. Armstrong acknowledges that winning a championship will incorporate many aspects.

“In order for Steel to take another championship this season, we will need to continue with high tempo practices, in-depth white board and video sessions, a high level of commitment from athletes and coaches, as well as a cohesive team atmosphere.

“During our short seasons in the WWCFL, we have always been the smallest team in regards to size and numbers, but in my eyes always the most connected. I felt this was a huge part of our success in the past, and it will be a crucial ingredient to any future successes.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1636128-maddy-armstrong-provides-strong-leadership-for-lethbridge-steel

Part of Heart and soul for Lethbridge Steel

June 10th, 2013

 

Kirstin Nakatani Part of Heart and Soul for Lethbridge Steel

By

kirstin

Donning the No. 50 for the Lethbridge Steel, Kirstin Nakatani proves she is a great contributor to the success of the franchise. With great heart and soul, Nakatani is part of Lethbridge’s effort towards becoming one of the premier franchises in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League.

Having played footall with boys as a teenager, Nakatani is not afraid of a challenge. Like many competitors in the WWCFL, her introduction to the game came courtesy of the great Western franchises in the Canadian Football League. Her love of the game was also strongly influenced by her father.

“My dad introduced me to football at a young age. He had season tickets to the Edmonton Eskimos and would take me to games every summer when I visited him.”

“When I decided I wanted to play football in grade 8 for the St. Francis Bombers, he did not question it and signed the permission slip. When I learned of the Lethbridge Steel in 2011, and after playing grades 8, 9 and 11 with the boys, I knew I had to play for the women’s team—it was only natural.”

For Nakatani, a great point of pride is the fact that she is more than just a football player, but she is also a mother. As the WWCFL has many mothers that compete in the league, it is an aspect that she finds very unique and special to the game.

“Even though my daughter is still very young, I want to be a positive role model in her life. Someone she can look up to as being a strong, confident and independent woman—football lets me showcase these traits.”

In addition to competing on the field, Nakatani also contributes to the Steel off the field. A former team president, she currently serves on the club’s executive as a director, providing the players of the franchise with a strong presence. When asked if she considered herself a leader, she replied:

 I’ve never really thought about it, but I guess I must be! When our founder, Becky Medel, stepped down as president to pursue an education in Edmonton, I felt very strongly about stepping into the president role and it seemed only natural. I am passionate about being involved in an organization that breaks stereotypes about women and provides positive role models for young girls in our community.

I stepped down from the president role after having my daughter simply because the work load was too much. Yet I wanted to continue to be involved on and off the field—being a director allows that while providing a voice for the women I play with.

Nakatani and her Steel teammates had the opportunity to play for the WWCFL championship in 2012. While their ambitions of claiming their first ever title were denied by the undefeated Saskatoon Valkyries, it has only served to fuel the motivation for this season. Nakatani mentioned what it will take for the Steel to win a championship in 2013:

“A lot of hard work and dedication. We are a small team, both in size and stature, but we’ve always had big heart. Our big heart brings us together and we are, really, a big cohesive family. When we have that cohesiveness, we play really well together, and that’s key.”

Working tirelessly on and off the field, Nakatani is an integral component towards providing the franchise with a solid future. After the 2012 season, Nakatani had earned one of the team’s awards. Having won the Steel’s Coaches Award, it provided her with a great sense of accomplishment. To have the honor bestowed upon her was truly one of the highlights in her career.

“I was extremely shocked when I heard my name! It is just that, an immense honor.  It feels amazing to have your hard work recognized and acknowledged. My trophy sits proudly in my living room where I am reminded to always give my best and strive for better.”

*All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated*

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1644987-kirstin-nakatani-part-of-heart-and-soul-for-lethbridge-steel

Making Things Happen for Lethbridge Steel

June 10th, 2013

Becky Heninger Makes Things Happen for Lethbridge Steel

By

becky

 

Having been named the Most Valuable Player of the Lethbridge Steel during the 2012 Western Women’s Canadian Football League season, Becky Heninger is one of the team’s undisputed leaders.

Her perseverance and dedication were key factors in the Steel qualifying for the 2012 WWCFL championship game. In recognition of her contributions during the Steel’s Cinderella run, the opportunity to be named Team MVP is one that Heninger accepts with great pride.

“It is honestly an honor to have been named team MVP in 2012. Playing on such an incredible team that fought hard to the very end. Even though we were few in numbers, we had such an incredible amount of heart and hard work. To be able to have been named team MVP is honestly a very special thing and will be dear to me always.”

Prior to her glories on the gridiron, Heninger had another role competing on the hardcourts of basketball. Of note, she was recognized as the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball player of the year. During the 2010-11 Pronghorns season, she led the squad with 13.4 points per game.

As a life long sports fan, football was one of many sports that she participated in as a child. With the influence of her father having played, Heninger brings a great love of the game to the gridiron, “I played football when I was just a kid, and honestly, I just love sports. I’ll play anything. It did not hurt either that my dad played when he was younger, too.”

Assuming the role of quarterback, Heninger competes at a very demanding and high pressure position. Pressure is no stranger to an ambitious competitor such as Heninger. While the responsibility may be overwhelming to some, Heninger approaches it with a great sense of maturity.

“I just play. Sometimes the pressure is high, but it’s only as high as you let it be. I’ve been a point guard (in basketball) my whole life and played sports my whole life, so I have some experience with high pressure situations, and I just remember that I love playing and nobody is perfect.”

In the opening game of the 2013 season, Heninger and her teammates made a strong statement. Playing on the road against the Okotoks Lady Outlawz, Heninger led the charge in a 74-0 trouncing. The win brought with it momentum. “It was brilliant. Great start to the season.”

While the loss to the Saskatoon Valkyries in the 2012 WWCFL title game was a visceral one, Heninger is eager for a chance at redemption. As the field general of the Steel, Heninger played valiantly in the title game, as she scored two rushing touchdowns and compiled 110 rushing yards in an admirable effort.

This season, Heninger has duplicated her success on the field. In having led Lethbridge to a 3-0 start, the Steel are emerging as the favorites to claim the Western Conference title.

In asking what it will take to win a championship this season, Heninger replied, “It’s going to take a lot more discipline on our part (the girls). The coaches have given us the tools and we need to use them. It’s also important to have our numbers.”

 

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated.”

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1644989-becky-heninger-makes-things-happen-for-lethbridge-steel

Kicking Her Way to Success

June 10th, 2013
Lethbridge Steel’s very own Carly Dyck was featured on the Bleacher Report.

Carly Dyck Kicks Her Way to Success with Lethbridge Steel

By

Mark Staffieri

 

carly

 

 

 

 

Employing great enthusiasm and a powerful kicking leg, Carly Dyck is contributing to a Lethbridge Steel franchise that is quickly emerging as one of the most dominant in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League. With the club enjoying an undefeated start to their season, it is firmly entrenched in first place in the Western Conference.

While Dyck has a strong background in soccer, her love of the sport was a key motivating factor in deciding to tackle the game of women’s football. Despite a history of concussions, motherly wisdom was the catalyst to ignite her motivation to pursue gridiron competition.

“I come from a soccer family, so I have been playing soccer and going to sports camps since I was about 5 years old. Now that I am older, there are fewer opportunities to play competitive soccer, so I was looking for something fun and challenging.”

“I heard about the women’s football team in Lethbridge for the first time three years ago, but I have a history of concussions so it did not seem like a good idea at the time. Last spring, my mother encouraged me to go to the first meeting for the Lethbridge Steel and decided to try it out.”

Postercarly_crop_exact Image from Lethbridge Steel website

Similar to other women in the WWCFL, Dyck was not a fan of the game in her youth. Once she tried it (like those she plays with and against today), she became an instant fan. “I had no previous football experience and never used to watch it on TV. Yet, after the first practice, I was completely hooked on the sport.”

With her positive experiences in football, it has rejuvenated Dyck’s competitive nature and provided her with a new outlet for her athletic goals. In discussing the role of football among young girls, Dyck offers a message of encouragement.

“Give it a try! Our team’s motto is ‘You are tougher than you think,’ and that could not be more true. Football is an amazing sport; it is fun but also mentally and physically challenging. There is room for any type of athlete on a football team, no matter what shape, size or gender.”

As her career with the Steel continues to grow, there is no particular moment in her career that stands out as her favourite. Rather, it is the love of the game that she prefers. While she had the opportunity to participate in the 2012 WWCFL championship game against the Saskatoon Valkyries, Dyck still sees herself as a student of the game.

“Picking a favourite football moment is really difficult for me. Every single game is more exciting and more thrilling than the last one. I have only been playing for two years, and I still feel like I am learning a lot and getting better with every game that I play.”

Having also served as a kicker on the Steel, Dyck has added versatility to her game. One of her finest moments as a kicker came when she booted a 28 yard field goal in a 16-14 victory over the Edmonton Storm on May 27, 2012. It was one of the longest field goals in league history. While the nervousness that accompanies the role of a kicker can be a heavy burden, it is a role that has not only added a new dimension to Dyck’s game, but also provides excitement.

“Because of my experience as a soccer player, I figured that kicking would be pretty easy. I love being the kicker; its exciting and pretty nerve wracking. It also forces me to slow down and concentrate on what I’m doing.”

“Kicking a game winning field goal is definitely a great feeling. One of these days, I want to go find a field with a long snapper and a holder and see how far I can actually kick. My coaches do a great job of supporting me and making me feel talented.”

With a landmark 2012 season that resulted in the Steel winning the Western Conference championship, Dyck approaches the game with an even stronger confidence. As the club looks poised for another strong season in 2013, she understands the need to commit and engage in a more intense preparation.

“Our team works hard at every practice and every game. We can only be as good as the effort we put in, and if we keep working hard, our potential will continue to increase. I think my team is capable of winning the WWCFL title this year, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work from every player and member of the coaching staff.”

“I think being mentally ready is a big part of game preparation, especially with a sport such as football. You cannot just go out on the field and play, you have to know your role and do your job in order for the team to be successful.”

 

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1654232-carly-dyck-kicks-her-way-to-success-with-lethbridge-steel

Her Love of Football

May 22nd, 2013
 
 
Lethbridge Steel’s very own Filomena Bieri was featured on the Bleacher Report. Read below or click HERE to view the article.
 
 

Swiss Player Filomena Bieri Brings Her Love of Football to WWCFL

By

Bieri_crop_north

 

Hailing from Oberkulm, Switzerland, Filomena Bieri is one of the international superstars competing in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League. A member of the Lethbridge Steel, Bieri has a great enthusiasm for the game. With football highly uncommon among female athletes in her native Switzerland, the world of opportunity that comes with participating in the WWCFL is one that she is very proud of.

“Tackle football is not a common sport in Europe, let alone Switzerland. I feel honored to play full contact football in Canada, and I can even say I am part of the WWCFL (Westerns Women Canadian Football League). It is a whole new world and an incredible experience.”

“The things I knew about North American culture were based on movies and a little bit of traveling when I visited. So when I moved to Canada and went to Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (a school 10 times larger than the high school I went to in Switzerland), I felt like I was in a movie with all the hallway lockers and so many kids and the school system.”

Having immigrated to Canada, Bieri was introduced to a much larger world—that introduction brought with it exposure to tackle football. Despite the desire to attempt the sport, there were those who brought outdated views on her involvement in the sport. 

“I saw the Rams practice after school sometimes, and I thought to myself, I should see if I can try it out. I only got a weird look and a ‘You are a girl‘ response. That day, I decided that I will play football some day, and I will show them how girls can play tackle football. In 2010 my opportunity came when Lethbridge Steel as they became the third Women’s tackle football team in Alberta.”

That determination has made Bieri a highly valued member of the Steel. An emotional moment in her career came at the end of the 2012 Steel season. With the club having enjoyed an undefeated regular season, she was bestowed the honor of being named the Outstanding Defensive Player. On a team loaded with talent throughout, the recognition was a great point of pride.

“It meant the world to me; I almost broke out in tears. I worked very hard every practice and gave a 110% every game. Being named Outstanding Defensive Player made me feel appreciated and immensely honored by the team and the coaches!”

Bieri’s enthusiasm for the game was evident in the squad’s opening match in the 2013 season. Playing on the road against the expansion Okotoks Lady Outlawz, Bieri helped the Steel to an astounding 74-0 win.

“It was amazing! A sunny day, a great team, a greater game and even more fun. Lethbridge Steel had to show what we learned so far. The whole team did great on and off the field; we all bonded more every minute of the game and played with genuine heart.” 

After the heartbreak of losing the 2012 WWCFL championship (to the undefeated Saskatoon Valkyries), Bieri is working towards another run. While the 74-0 opening day win brings with it great momentum, the team must be prepared to overcome any possible adversity down the road. When asked what it will take to win the championship in 2013, Bieri replied,

“A team built of steel that has heart as big as the moon and passion for the game as big as the sun and eagerness throughout the game even in hard times. We will have to work hard and be focused every second of the whole season. Know your positions and give 100% every practice and 110% every game.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Equipment Pick Up

February 25th, 2013

 

Tonight after Football Theory 101, you will be able to pick up your equipment! In order to get equipment you MUST provide 2 things:

1) A deposit cheque for $150 that will not be cashed unless you fail to return equipment; and

2) A minimum payment of $100 toward your fees ($350). You will also be able to get equipment the following 3 Mondays after practice (March 4, 11 & 18)

Equipment can be picked up at Storage Mart (4015 2 Ave S – by the Casino).

If you have any questions, contact Kirstin Nakatani at (403) 894-5055.

 

Lethbridge Steel Football

Strength, Trust, Energy, Execution, Loyalty