High School Football Thriving on Vancouver Island
- Vancouver Island HS Football is the fastest growing football community in
BC-

At a time where high school sports have seen a noticeable decline in
overall sport participation, football has been one very notable exception.
In fact, according to Rob Stevenson, the Islands representative with the BC
Secondary School Football Association, this community has seen unprecedented
growth over the last five years and may be poised for even more significant
expansion in the next 3 or 4 years.

2003 will see an increase of 5 new high school programs, with a total of 7
varsity and 7 junior varsity programs. But according to Stevenson, who also
serves as the football coach at John Barsby HS in Nanaimo, the strong growth
rate is poised to continue. "Interest among current non-football schools has
been expressed in every city from Victoria north to Campbell River. It's
very possible that the Island will see upwards of 20 high schools
participating in football in the near future."

This is definitely a refreshing change for the future of the sport. For a
period, in the mid-80s it seemed like high school football was nearing an
end, as the number of programs dropped sharply and the vacuum was partially
filled by community based teams. The sport had some challenges.

But rule changes aimed at limiting injuries, such as removing the head as a
primary source of contact, along with advancement in coaching education
programs, specifically the National Coaching Certification Program, and a
dramatic improvement in personal equipment technology have all conspired to
remove impediments. And by it's very nature, high school football's inherent
strength seems to be developing program affinity amongst alumni.

In fact, one factors in the recent resurgence at the high school level has
been alumni who have become teachers and started programs. Football is also
the first sport of the school year and is a great social opportunity to
enhance school pride. In addition, there is no other school program that can
engage as many students into the process. There are roles for those
interested in coaching, first aid, strength and conditioning, food and
beverage concessions, videography, special event administration and
marketing. "In fact the list of opportunities in virtually endless, and is
subject only to a limited imagination", says Stevenson.

Finally, one of the biggest issues that has dogged the game is budget and
Stevenson says, pointedly, that this is a myth. Admittedly, football
equipment in not cheap, and the cost to start a new program can seem
daunting. Equipment donations from other programs are common and can add up
to a considerable portion of the initial start up cost. The BCFSSA can also
assist in arranging start up grants, and corporate partnerships.

Moreover, football equipment has a lifespan of several years, so once a
program is up and running the costs are quite small. Stevenson says the cost
to run a football program is less than running basketball, and with the GST
rebate each school gets from equipment purchases, a high school can come
close to breaking even or even making a small amount of money through
football.

Not surprising then that the growth of the sport in not unprecedented in
BC, with the Okanagan and Fraser Valleys enjoying a strong resurgence as
well. But none have enjoyed such a surge, nor are in as strong a position
for future growth as we've seen locally. Stevenson says that quality of
living on the Island plays a part in recruiting energetic new teachers and
coaches. But more significant is the support a new program can expect to
receive from their peers. "Amongst the Island programs themselves, there is
a huge amount of communication, fraternity and willingness to help one
another out. Newcomers are not only welcomed, but receive a large and
lasting amount of support from their peers."

For example, there are a series of annual football events where traditional
rivals can come together and enjoy a top notch football experience and ample
opportunity for socializing. Parksville, Comox and Stevenson's own John
Barsby HS in Nanaimo each host player development camps (along with a
growing list of new camps each year) , attracting coaches from across the
Island. In addition, not to be left behind in the cyber-world, Vancouver
Island football coaches have created a web site
(http://www.vanislehighschoolfootball.com) which has proven to be a hotbed
for sharing ideas, resources and discussion topics. And new in 2003, is the
Vancouver Island Football Coaches Megaclinic, attracted over 100
participants to the inaugural event, with plans to add a coaches awards
night and cyber-hall of fame in 2004.

John Hugi, head football coach at Cowichan HS in Duncan says his team has
been a beneficiary of Island hospitality. Cowichan is entering their third
year with a varsity team, and last year also added a Junior Varsity program.
Hugi says the challenges of starting a new program were eased with the
support he received from his Island peers. "We had a starting point - a
place to turn to talk about problems, or to come up with new ideas to get
past hurdles", says Hugi. "Equally, or perhaps more importantly in a
tangible way, was that several of the teams on the Island just plain donated
equipment for us. It meant that we were able to go to the administration
with a budget that made sense and a plan that showed that we could make this
work."

Stevenson says this is the type of innovative activity that sets the Island
community apart. "As a region we are fairly unique in terms of our
development in these areas. These programs provide not only a base for
development but are also the mortar that bonds the high school football
community together. This ultimately translates into increased success on the
field at the provincial level."

Exhibit one: witness the success of the Islands Canadian Junior Football
League team, the Victoria Rebels. The Rebels have been significant
beneficiaries of the high school resurgence of late, with competitive
success directly paralleling the growth of the game at the high school
level. Not one of the most competitive teams in the CJFL through the early
90s, the team has enjoyed considerably more success of late, advancing to
the provincial finals four of the last five years and are one of the
strongest programs in the country.

The Rebels rely heavily on athletes produced from Island teams. In fact,
new head football coach Matthew Blokker plans to significantly increase
reliance on Island players. The coach has cancelled traditional recruiting
junkets to Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Rebels will also be holding a
first-ever Freshmen Spring Camp right in Nanaimo, to allow Island players an
opportunity to earn a spot with the team.

"We feel that we can rely almost exclusively on Island grads to help our
team remain as one of the best in the country", says Blokker. "But we also
feel that it is our role in the football community to provide an opportunity
for the very best of Vancouver Island's players to play at an elite level.
We can be a part of the solution."

Exhibit two: witness the success of Vancouver Island teams at the
provincial level in both HS divisions. Ballenas HS won the Provincial title
at the AA level. Timberline lost in the semi-final round to the AAA
Champions from WJ Mouat. Island teams consistently provide a force to be
recognized.

Exhibit three: witness the performance of the Island's elite at Football
BC's Senior Bowl. This annual showcase features the finest graduating high
school and midget aged payers in BC. Simply put, the game turned into a
showcase for Vancouver Island talent. Luke Hinton, from Victoria's Mount
Doug HS was voted the games leading running back and Juan Van de Mere from
Timberline HS in Campbell River was the games standout special teams
performer. Braden Smith, quarterback from Ballenas HS in Parksville was not
voted the games top QB, but should have been. Smith came off the bench late
in the fourth quarter, with his team down 40 to 12, and quickly lit the
stadium up with four touchdown passes in under six minutes. With the final
score of 40 to 38, time simply ran out on the gallant comeback.

Also enjoying stellar performances were Brett Kristjanson (receiver from
Ballenas), Jeff Erl from Cowichan HS, John Barsby's Matt Isenor (Defensive
Back), and Kevin Guizzetti (defensive line) and Matt Innes (receiver) from
Nanaimo Dist. SS (Nanaimo).

It seems the future is bright indeed for high school football on Vancouver
Island. And it seems that in the next few year, a high school without a
football team will be the exception rather than the rule.

--30--

Contacts:
Matthew Blokker Rob Stevenson Patrick Waselen
Victoria Rebels John Barsby Bulldogs (HS) Executive Director - Football BC
T: (250) 252-0314 Island Rep - BCSSFA T: (604) 583-9363
E: rebelshc@hotmail.com T: (250) 753-8211 E: footballbc@footballbc.org
E: boomsha@yahoo.com


High School Football List:

School/Town Jr. Varsity/Entry Into League Varsity/Entry Into League
Mt. Douglas H.S. (Victoria) Yes/2003 Yes/1996
Gulf Islands H.S. (Saltspring Yes/2003
Cowichan H.S.   (Duncan) Yes/2002 Yes/2001
John Barsby H.S.  (Nanaimo) Yes/1998 Yes/1996
Nanaimo District H.S. (Nanaimo) Yes/2001 Yes/2002
Ballenas H.S.  (Parksville) Yes/2003 Yes/2000
Alberni District H.S. (Port Alberni) Yes/2003
G.P. Vanier H.S.  (Courtenay) Yes/2004 Yes/2003
Mark Isfield H.S. (Courtenay) Yes/2004
Timberline H.S.  (Campbell River) Yes/1998


Upcoming Victoria Rebels Events:
· Freshmen Tryout Camp
o April 25-27 at Nanaimo's Pioneer Park

· Spring QB Luncheon
o May 2 at Victoria's Shark Club Bar and Grill

· Spring Camp
o May 2 - 4 at Victoria's Copley Park

· Alumni Golf Tournament
o May 3 at Victoria's Cedar Hill Golf Course

For more info about Victoria Rebels upcoming events, check out
www.victoriarebels.com
Allan Wittur