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Thunderbirds winning streak comes to an end

The Westlock Thunderbirds finished off a rebuilding season falling 49-13 to the Cold Lake Royals Oct. 25.
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The scene in Cold Lake Oct. 25 at the Thunderbirds not only battled the Royals but rain, sleet and snow. Ultimately the club fell 49-13 to end their season.

The Westlock Thunderbirds finished off a rebuilding season falling 49-13 to the Cold Lake Royals Oct. 25.

The loss put the Thunderbirds in sixth place of the six-team Wheatland Football League, but there were plenty of lessons learned as the team builds a stronger roster for next year, despite uncertainty about which league the team will belong to.

“It was probably the worst weather we played in. It rained sideways for the first half of the game, and then sleeted and snowed for the second half. It was pretty memorable. On one hand it was a bit disappointing because you’re just so limited in what you can and can’t do,” said coach Jon Kramer.

Kramer explained the Royals ran the ball the entire game. With little passing on their side, there was little the Thunderbirds could do in that situation and left the players frustrated at times.

“I think everybody is super proud of all we accomplished. We came in this year as probably the youngest that we’ve ever been,” said Kramer about the 27-player roster, only nine of whom had played football before.

Coaching this year meant that everybody went back to basics like putting on the equipment and learning what the positions are.

The Thunderbirds grew steadily from the very basics to winning a big football game last week in the playoffs against Wainwright. They defeated the Commandos 39-6, a team whose only league victory had been early in the season against the Westlock squad, 44-12.

“We’re really proud of where the boys are and the way we grew together as a team,” he added.

As a coach, Kramer wanted to teach the team that they have to build on skills and experience and not focus on quick results — they knew going into the season that it would be a tough one, so resilience was key to make it through and maintain energy levels but still continue learning.

Looking forward to the next season, there is some uncertainty about which league the Thunderbirds will be playing in, and that won’t get settled until February or March 2020.

Regardless, Kramer is confident in the team, since most will be returning to the sport next year, no longer as rookies, but as experienced players with their eyes on the prize.

In the meantime, The Thunderbirds get their weekends off again, but look forward to an awards night Nov. 15 to celebrate the year.

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