Kowalksi sisters contribute to historic championship for Regina Riot

Among the remarkable moments and personal milestones that accompanied the Regina Riot’s run to their first-ever championship in WWCFL play, one of the most heartwarming belongs to Aimee and Alex Kowalski. Having played for Team Canada at the quarterback position in 2013, Aimee is a highly talented athlete that represented the heartbeat of the Riot’s offense.

Joined by younger sister Alex at the Wide Receiver position, the two have strengthened the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood with their collaborative glories on the gridiron. During the WWCFL championship game, a convincing victory against the Edmonton Storm at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, the two had the chance to connect on a touchdown, adding to the magic of their memorable season,

“We had tried a couple times to connect before the touchdown but the Storm’s defender was playing in close and chipping her on the line. We had a little disagreement about if she was running full speed or not so the touchdown kind of calmed both of our nerves.

I try to get all of my teammates involved in any game and try to just make the best decision based on the situation. It’s always great to have Al’s hands on the deep pass, or any pass really. She has been catching well all year so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise that we would connect against the Storm,” reflected Aimee.

With ambitions to don the Team Canada jersey once again at the 2017 IFAF Women’s World Championships, Aimee went through the air for 1,221 yards, completing 95 passes during the season. Amassing 16 touchdown passes, compared to only 5 interceptions, she has established herself as the WWCFL’s premier passer.

Of note, Aimee would also contribute to the Riot’s electrifying running game by rushing 22 times for 171 yards, averaging 7.77 yards per carry.

Alex compiled 24 receptions for 444 receiving yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch (only one reception was not thrown by her sister). The key statistic during her season was 9 touchdowns, establishing her as a prime time performer.

Considering that the road to the championship consisted of defeating the Saskatoon Valkyries on two separate occasions (something no other team in WWCFL history had ever accomplished), Aimee is proud to acknowledge the impact of Alex on the Riot’s offense. Of note, she recounts how Alex helped become a game-changer in the Prairie Conference championship clash,

“Alex really pulled through for us this year. She is an important part in any game. As much so that the Valkyries had to put one of their best players on her to defend her in the conference final. It really helped open up the rest of our offence. That says a lot about a player.”

The respect is reciprocated on the part of Alex, Knowing that she could count on her older sister Aimee for consultation, it only added to an already superlative game, but it contributed to cementing her confidence,

“It was pretty amazing to have that connection with my sister the whole year. To be able to play a sport with Aimee, let alone tackle football, it is something that not a lot of sisters get the chance to do.

If there was something that was not working or something that we did not feel 100% about we could talk about it and either try and make it work or think of a different way it might work better,” remarked Alex.

While her sister Aimee is a charter member of the Riot, Alex suited up for the franchise two seasons afterwards. Reflecting on recruiting her sister, Aimee beams with pride,

“I had been bugging her for a while to move to Regina and start playing. I knew it would be good for her because she has always been a great athlete through basketball. When she was in high school she won two provincial championships and I was always a proud sister watching her accomplish that, as well as a little jealous that I did not do it too.

I told her she would be a really good receiver and kind of used Dressler as an example since she is one of the smallest players in the league. I am always proud to watch her grow as an athlete but even as a person off the field. This is something that the Riot organization helps people do.”

For the two sisters, the chance to play together has represented a special moment in their athletic careers, which have spanned several sports and regions (Aimee played fastball in Texas, then did soccer and track in Iowa), testament to their remarkable abilities. Already looking forward to a fourth season as teammates in 2016, Alex is gracious for the encouragement shown by her sister,

“We are both pretty confident with each other’s athletic ability. She brought me into the sport and I cannot thank her enough for that.”

Although the Riot hope to emulate the Saskatoon Valkyries by creating the next dynasty in WWCFL history, the chance to reflect on a historic win and experience the obligatory jubilation that comes with such a milestone is one that Alex approaches with pride,

“I am extremely proud to be a part of such an amazing experience, with such determined and outstanding women, coaching staff and support staff. It has not quite hit that the season is over yet but already looking forward to camp in October.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Special thanks to: Olivier Eddie