Dal football club kicks off its second season

Calling all Dal sports fans – are you ready for some football?

The Dalhousie Tigers Football Club is set to kick off its second season this weekend, facing off against the UNB Saint John Seawolves in the club’s home opener on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wickwire Field.

This weekend’s matchup is a grudge match of sorts for the Tigers, who lost their first shot at an AFL championship last November to the Seawolves by a score of 42-6.  

Dalhousie Alumni Association and Founders Club President Jim Wilson is optimistic the score of this rematch will reflect favorably for Dalhousie.

“We had an amazing turnout at tryouts this year, close to three times more students showed up than last fall,” he says. “And from what I’ve been told by Head Coach (Mike) Tanner, we’ve got some really talented players on this year’s squad.”

This year’s club boasts approximately 25 returning players; the remaining 35 players are first-year university students with a solid high school football backgroun, and transfer students from other universities, many of whom have CIS football experience under their belts. The majority of coaching staff have returned as well, including Coach Tanner, Rick Rivers, Scott and Stuart MacLean, and Keith Skiffington.

Mr. Wilson, who helped lead the charge in 2010 to bring football back to Dalhousie, says, “The team has been practicing and training since September 1, sometimes twice a day, and the coaches have told me they are very encouraged by the talent they see on the field. Most players have been training hard during the off-season and have shown up this year bigger and stronger than before. They are eager to get down to business and play a game in front on their fans.”

“UNB Saint John beat us last year on their home field, in sloppy and snowy conditions," he continues. “This time, with good weather, dry turf to play on, and hopefully a big enthusiastic black and gold wearing crowd cheering us on, I think the results will be different.”

Tickets for Saturday’s game are $2 for Dal students (with valid Dal ID) and $5 for the general public and can be purchased in advance at the information desk in the Student Union Building, at the Dalplex Customer Service Desk or by phoning 494-3372. Rush tickets can also be purchased at the gate starting one hour prior to kickoff.