Rugby, have you ever watched this sport being played?
In my opinion, it is one of the roughest and toughest games being played.
My youngest son has had the privilege of playing for the Lindsay Thurber Raiders Rugby team for the past two years and what an experience that has been.
I am writing because I wanted to express my gratitude to the coaches of the senior team: head coach Dean Plant and his assistants Wayne and Lonnie.
These boys had an incredible season. This was due in part to the coaching. These three men not only taught these boys the basics and fundamentals of the game, they passed on the love and passion they have for the game and that shows in the way this team played together.
What impressed me the most about the coaching was the positiveness of it.
These coaches were so encouraging; they made every member of the team feel like a vital part of the team and they frequently made mention of each student individually and told them what they added to a specific game or to the team.
This method of coaching leads to team unity and that really showed this season and during the provincial championships on June 11 and 12.
As I mentioned earlier, this team had an incredible season.
They managed to rake up and score around 500 points against all their opponents in regular season and playoff season games and had only 14 points scored against them and that came in the gold medal game at provincials.
To the Raiders team, thanks for a great season, it was fun to watch you play.
To Dean, Wayne and Lonnie, thank you for the hours and hours you dedicated to this team.
We as parents, as a team, as a school and as a community are very fortunate to have men like you coaching and teaching our children. Thank you.
Jeannette Soley
Red Deer