New look Sabercats begin training sessions on Saturday

The Sault Sabercats are set to begin workouts in preparation for the upcoming Ontario Varsity Football League season.

The two hour dry land training sessions begin on Saturday at 3 p.m. at St. Mary's College and will continue for the next four Saturdays. The team will begin on-field preparations in May.

Interested players are reminded that an insurance fee must be paid in order to participate. Further information can be found on the players page at www.saultsabercats.com.

The Sabercats are coming off a franchise best season in 2005 where the team went 7-1 during the regular season and won the division title.

It will be a different look to the team this year as the club searches for replacements for the 18 graduated players from last year.

"I think our strength this year will be our offensive line," said Sabercats head coach Cale Krezek. "We have almost everyone back and these guys are a year older and more experienced coming into this season. (Quarterback) John Mullin is also the only returning starter in the conference."

While Mullin, who had a fabulous season as first year pivot in the league, may be returning but will miss standout receivers Noah Rushon, Matt Premo and Tommy Reville, who have all graduated. Another tough loss offensively is centre Matt Pratt, a consummate team leader.

"We are looking at a more balanced approach on offense," said Krezek. "We have been primarily a passing team because we had the weapons to do it and our pass protection is good. This year, we really have to work on the running game."

The Sabercats also have a new look at the executive and coaching levels. Ross Viotto, who was instrumental in getting a franchise in Sault Ste. Marie, has stepped away from his governor role.

Rose-Ann Ramsay, a long-time dedicated volunteer on the local football scene, has assumed the position of governor while Brian Lalonde has moved from the training staff to the director of football operations.

Joining Krezek on the coaching staff are defensive co-ordinator Cliff Summers and new offensive co-ordinator Jason Biagini. Jason Lalonde returns as offensive line coach while former Sabercats Anthony Orazetti and Tony Boniferro have joined the team as running backs and receivers coaches, respectively. Another former player in Mark Porco will coach the linebackers while Dave Burritt returns as defensive backs coach and Bill Jurich joins the staff as defensive line coach.

The Sabercats open the season on May 27 in Sarnia against the rival Lambton Lions. The home opener is scheduled for June 11 against the Essex Ravens at 1 p.m. at Rocky DiPietro Field.

The team was established in November, 2001 as a community based amateur football program that is affiliated with the Sault Minor Football Association, and is for players 19 and under. The Sault Sabercats Football Club is a non-profit organization.

The OVFL consists of over 1000 of Ontario's finest football players. The league operates during the months of May, June, July, and part of August.

The emphasis is on teaching skills and developing football fundamentals while playing at a competitive level. The program provides approximately 40-55 youths, 19 years and under, the opportunity to play and participate in a full season of football.

*** 2006 SCHEDULE:

May 27 - Sabercats @ Lambton (7 p.m.) June 3 - Sabercats @ Cambridge (4 p.m.) June 11 - Essex @ Sabercats (1 p.m.) June 17 - Sabercats @ London (1 p.m.) June 24 - Sudbury @ Sabercats (1 p.m.) July 2 - Sabercats @ Wentworth (1 p.m.) July 8 - Guelph @ Sabercats (7 p.m.) July 22 - Toronto Thunder @ Sabercats (1 p.m.)

(Home games in bold)

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