Sidelined

Difficult decision made as Outlawz sidelined for upcoming season

As the 2014 Western Women’s Canadian Football League schedule was released, there was a notable omission. The Foothills Outlawz (who went by the moniker Okotoks Lady Outlawz in 2013) was not among the franchises competing. Sadly, the league was forced to make a difficult decision as recruiting woes hampered the Outlawz, resulting in them not being part of the 2014 season.

Sherrie Toews, a competitor for the Lady Outlawz during the inaugural season of 2013 and one of several mothers whose sons play locally, addressed various concerns on social media. Also volunteering her time in an administrative/management capacity, she has proved to be admirable in the task. As late December transitioned into early January, the league office had communicated with the franchise to determine if a roster had been set. Toews had confirmed that the second-year franchise only had nine players confirmed for the upcoming campaign.

According to league by-laws, a minimum of 24 players registered with Football Alberta were required to fill the Outlawz roster. The task of finding the remaining players in a short time span was not realistic. As the franchise did not have its head coach or its general manager (Roberta Gordica) from 2013 returning, it only compounded to their woes.

Considering that practices shall loom very quickly as March approaches, the time to prepare for a new season was simply not feasible. In her statement, Toews has shown that there is a commitment on the part of the team to do things right,

“…it was decided that we are going to take a bye year, work on recruiting and get our team built. To be placed on the schedule, go out there this year again, short and unprepared is nothing less than irresponsible to our players, opposing teams, and to the league.”

As heartbreaking as it may be for the nine players who committed for 2014, perhaps the WWCFL can organize a dispersal draft or a free agent signing period for them. These nine players deserve a chance to try out for another roster in Alberta. Should they qualify for another team, it would serve as a key learning tool in order to build up their confidence and obtain much-needed experience, tools that would provide the Outlawz with a stronger team next season.

Allison Mouland, the starting quarterback for the Outlawz in 2013, approaches the future in her assessment of a difficult time for the franchise. “Although it is disappointing that we will not be competing this season, it is going to benefit us in the long run. This gives us the time to recruit, develop, and be ready to compete in 2015. You definitely have not seen the last of the Outlawz. We will be back stronger and more ready than ever!”

In placing things into perspective, the year off may prove to be a blessing in disguise. Missing the season helps the franchise with the time needed to assemble an executive group; a management team and a coaching staff that are committed to a long-term plan. It was one of the key points resonated by Toews in her statement,

“We need ladies who have the time, commitment and dedication to build this. It is a ton of work. We all want to play, but it takes more than that. We need time to build.”

The need to find a coach committed to the franchise and willing to endure some losing seasons shall be essential. Tammy Holischuk-Holunga, an offensive lineman on the Outlawz in 2013, reflected on her experiences. Of note, her husband Greg, also contirbtued to the squad a member of the coaching staff.

Unfortunately, the decision of head coach Barry Hunter to vacate his position during the season had a profound impact. While there were many lessons learned through a difficult season, the highlight for Holischuk-Holunga was the opportunity to play with other moms on the team. It proved to be an enriching experience, providing new and cherished friendships.

“The team took a big blow emotionally when the head coach walked out on the team mid-season last year and we just had a hard time recovering from that.  It is what it is and we all learned some valuable life lessons with what went down. The ladies on this team are the best and those friendships made over the last year are irreplaceable and is the one certain positive that can be taken away from the whole experience.”

While Gordica did a superlative job building the team and assembling a roster and coaching staff, she has proven difficult to replace. Considering she once played for the Calgary Rockies, her experience, acumen and knowledge of the women’s game provided a strong foundation for the franchise. Although Natasha Cyr was named as general manager in October of 2013, her status is difficult to determine as the franchise looks to the future.

Despite what may seem as some as a dark moment in the franchise’s history, optimism still looms. Discussions have included the possibilities of participation in a Calgary-based female flag football as part of an off-season conditioning routine. Such an initiative could result in finding new players.

Heading into 2015, perhaps there could also be a supplemental draft in place where the Outlawz could select two players from more established Alberta-based WWCFL teams in order to provide a veteran presence and stability for that season. As the 2013 roster featured a large number of rookies, expansion woes such as lopsided losses and injuries (the club had to forfeit one game due to an overwhelming number of injuries) may be prevented in 2015 with such an initiative.

Another factor to consider for 2015 may be the opportunity to break ground with its coaching staff. Considering that the role of women in coaching is one to be tackled, this may be a significant morale booster for the Outlawz. As another Alberta-based club has female members on the coaching staff, perhaps one of them may be suitable candidates for a coordinator’s role with the Outlawz upon their return.

For now, the goal is to recruit those with the long-term in mind. Those who are ready to commit to the future and endure the black cloud that has temporarily shrouded the belegaured Outlawz franchise shall employ values such as patience, empathy and character. The possibility of a losing season or two may be a harsh reality but the possibility of such efforts and sacrifice with the yielding of remarkable results in the future may prove to be well worth it.

“All quotes obtained first half unless otherwise indicated“