Triumphant end

Douville hangs up helmet in aftermath of historic championship win

During the incipient years of any sports franchise, the objective is to build towards a championship. When one arrives at that unprecedented achievement, the feelings of joy and elation make the journey a worthwhile one. For those who were there from the very beginning, such as Angie Douville with the Regina Riot, that championship jubilation only adds a great sense of reward.

For the Riot, the opportunity to become 2015 WWCFL champions and finally overcome the obstacle presented by the powerhouse Saskatoon Valkyries confirmed their position as an elite franchise. Suddenly, the past frustrations of four straight losses in the Prairie Conference title game ceased to exist.

During this glorious time, the opportunity for Douville to contribute to Riot lore will present her with a lifetime of unforgettable and magnificent memories. Complemented by an outpouring support from proud fans, it has resulted in a proud reflection of how far the franchise has come,

“To see the community reaction to the team has been incredible! From “who?” to “are you a player?!” when I wearing my gear. I am still being congratulated on the big win. It is an incredible feeling.
I really just feel so lucky to be a part of organization from the start. I am so grateful for everyone who has jumped on board and marvel that we can make this team so much more than I ever tried to envision.”

Like so many women throughout the WWCFL, and its gridiron sisters from the MWFL in the Atlantic, Douville successfully managed the obligation of the game with career and family. As a proud mother of two children, she set an empowering example, encouraging them to emulate her ambitions and follow their own dreams.

In reflecting on her decision to hang up her helmet following the aftermath of a landmark 53-7 victory against the Edmonton Storm, there was an ethereal serenity. While many athletes contemplate such a decision, pondering the future and the unknown possibilities of what lay ahead, Douville is prepared and confident,

“The decision to retire was not that difficult in that it was rational. I am 39 and in a very physical job. Playing five years and managing to avoid any huge injury I was feeling both fortunate and that I was pushing my luck. I reached a lot of my personal goals; started every game the Riot have played and win a Championship to name the big ones.

The team is in a really great place and headed for even better things. There is a solid board that supported Coach McCall. Coach has a long term vision. Not one he has expressed to me personally but little things like Special Teams film when he suggests some schemes for next year.

As far as announcing my retirement I really had not done so. I talked about this being my last year with Coach McCall somewhere around the mid-point of the season. A couple team mates on the line knew and understand. They know that my playing days may be done but I am not sailing off into the sunset. I will still be support staff or maybe get that alumni club going.”

Having dedicated five sensational seasons to the Riot, these remarkable women emerged as a second family to Douville. In reflecting on the earliest years of the Riot, from the impromptu meetings to the recruitment of volunteers, the Riot’s inner workings were just as fascinating as the bold statement on sporting equality that was occurring on the gridiron.

Through it all, such effort was a labour of love for Douville and her teammates. Having been part of the offensive line since the inaugural season of 2011, the chance to proudly become champions signified a proud pinnacle,

“It was so special to win it all! To think of where we came from…and much of it was lost in a fog until Thomas Retzlaf (receiver coach) played his documentary for us on the way home from the exhibition game in Medicine Hat. He was a film student in 2011 at the U of Regina and wanted to make a doc about our first year. We gave him total access.

I remember so very clearly the very first meeting at the Roughriders boardroom, and the coffee shop meeting where we divided duties among the five or six of us. I remember endless emails to the officials, the heads of venues pulling favours for us, the Regina Minor Football folks meeting me anywhere and at weird hours. I was polling fans to hold the sticks for us while warming up!

To compare that to the board and volunteer base and people responsible to make our team function and every game an honest to goodness event! It is more than I was ever thinking possible in that boardroom to be truthful. Plus it is so great to just focus on your own position.

To see how the coaching has evolved! We had a lot of husbands and fathers and friends just to get things started. We would be no where without them. Had they not stepped up the first year I highly doubt there would have been a second.”

Traditionally, the members of the offensive line are the unsung heroes of football. While the contributions are immeasurable, it is not uncommon that a deep pass or an electrifying run overshadows a key block.

Their dedication to the team despite a degree of anonymity is testament to the strong essence of teamwork that exists within the framework of football. Embodying such spirit, Douville understood that the objective was for the team to win.

In reflecting on her remarkable career, the feelings of pride mirror those of nostalgia, as the success of the inaugural season ensured that there were many more glorious seasons to come.

“I have so many favourite moments! Particularly from the first year (and) I think because it had so many firsts. I remember coming to work Monday after that very first game and everyone had a comment!
From play calling to pointers for the future on, say, how to pass rush; right down to the silver pants!

Many girls had not even played a sport, let along a contact team sport. To see personalities come out when shown how strong they are physically and mentally. I also remember being very weepy the whole week after the last game of the first year. Not because we lost, but I was just so sad it was over. I didn’t dare hope there’d be another year that week.

In turn everyone inspires me in their own ways… and continue to with the sheer commitment level just getting to practice after juggling jobs, kids, and commute. The willingness to try a new position after feeling entrenched in a current roster spot. The hours of film watched, routes memorized, and gym time!”

As the 2015 WWCFL championship game was Douville’s curtain call, there are no remnants remaining. Instead, it is a monument celebrating the game, part of a dedicated generation that helped transform female football into a bold and powerful statement about social equality.

While Douville is excited for the future, like any athlete that makes the transition from playing, there will be aspects of the game that are missed. Taking into account that a significant aspect of football involves preparation, it provides a profound understanding as to what motivates an athlete to endure the sacrifice and effort to excel on the gridiron,

“Weirdly, I will miss practice. There is a lot of work getting done but there is a lot of things that go on, particularly with the O Line that make them a unit. That goes on in practice and it is like nothing I have been a part of anywhere. Even within the team. The first year, I was the rush end and some o-line, the next two years I played tight end, and then moved to o-line last year. Oh, contact! I already miss that! Nothing better than a really good run block as a unit.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Photo credits: Trophy shot by Wanda Harron – Action shot by Valkyries photographer Louis Christ