Kyle Walters

[Jaxon]

 

Good article about Kyle Walters

 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/in-touch-with-the-community-223420091.html

 

Just read that and it's really interesting about Walters and the high school football but it sure would be nice if reporters could get their facts straight. 

 

There is, of course, also a football upside to all this outreach -- and it's name is Andrew Harris. The star tailback was born, raised and learned to play football in Winnipeg and yet Harris plays for the B.C. Lions because they recognized in him a talent as a B.C. junior football player that the Bombers never saw in him when he was playing here right under their noses.

 

  Harris is a Lion because he was a territorial exemption. It's not like the Bombers could have forced him to play for the Rifles. 

 

Yes and no.  They couldn't force him, but they could have encouraged him.

 

The Lions work very closely with the teams in the BC junior league to identify players, and council them on career path options.  They also provide large levels of funding, as do the Stamps, Eskies, and Riders.  The Bombers have supported the Rifles, but not to the same extent.

 

Most players coming out of high school don't realize what their options are.   Wally knows that he can put a territorial protection on a player in the BCFC, so he encourages young players to play junior.  He backs it up with invites to training camp.   BC had 4 junior players in their camp this spring.

 

Mack doesn't know who the Rifles are, and didn't know there was a way to protect players.   Walters understands the process; he attended the Rifle dinner this spring (The Reinbold Roast).   IIRC, he sat with Brett Carter at that dinner.  (The Rifles put a player or coach at every table).

 

If Wally says to a high school player "we've got an eye on you, you should play for the VI Raiders"  That kid is going to listen to the pitch.   Hopefully Walters will work with the Rifles the same way.    If Walters finds a diamond in the local community, and he helps that kid develop with the Rifles, he can protect him.

 

The UofM Bison are a great program, and a great option for many, but not for all.  There are some talented football players who aren't academically suited for university.   Some may be better suited to the UofW or to RRCC.   The Rifles can provide options for these players.   From the Bombers viewpoint, they have to draft players from the UofM, and those players can be drafted by any other team.   The rules for junior are different.

[Mike]

^^^ totally agree with the premise, but it would never have worked with Harris.

[Floyd]

I see the Lions already have a future OL listed as terr exemption...  holy.

[Jacquie]

^^^ totally agree with the premise, but it would never have worked with Harris.

 

Wasn't one of the reasons Harris went to BC was to get away from bad influences or something of that nature?

[DR. CFL]

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

[Mike]

 

^^^ totally agree with the premise, but it would never have worked with Harris.

 

Wasn't one of the reasons Harris went to BC was to get away from bad influences or something of that nature?

 

 

Yep.

[Mike]

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

 

Pretty much every team is at a disadvantage to BC in this regard. I agree they should make juniors part of the draft.

[Mike]

I see the Lions already have a future OL listed as terr exemption...  holy.

 

Daley, like Harris, just happens to be from Winnipeg.

[kelownabomberfan]

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

 

Go Okanagan Sun go!!!

[Blueandgold]

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

 

Go Okanagan Sun go!!!

 

Theo Deezar future BC Lions starting Quarterback.

[Jaxon]

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

[Mike]

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

 

 

The advantage is the rights to 6 rosters worth of players compared to 1.

[iso_55]

There should be no protections for junior teams. Besides, BC, there's a whole bunch in Southern Ontario so who would protect who with 3 CFL teams? In Saskatchewan two for the Riders with both being perennial powerhouses & three in Alberta with 2 in Edmonton. It's not equitable. Make it wide open.

[Jaxon]

 

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

 

 

The advantage is the rights to 6 rosters worth of players compared to 1.

 

I understand the arguement, and it is logical, but there are other factors.   Certainly having choice over 360 players, on the surface, would be greater than having a choice over 60.   I don't disagree with that premise.

 

My arguement is that in reality you are looking for a diamond, not volume.  The volume will come from the CIS players, and from the USA.  If the highschool/midget leagues produce a half dozen top prospects per year, then working very closely with one club could be advantageous over working with 6 clubs.  Working with a small group of elite players, you can groom them, stay on top of them, train them, and be important to them.  You can work with that club to ensure that they have funding for scholarships for the top players and you can influence the coaching and program.   When you try to spread that out, it gets diluted.

 

I believe that the sniper rifle (going after very specific targets) could be more effective that the shotgun (hitting lots of broader targets) in this situation.

[rebusrankin]

They need to remove territorial exemptions for junior players.

 

Didn't Harris have issues with grades and running with the wrong crowd?

[DR. CFL]

Well Jaxon based on your theory you don't think the volume of players in an area increases both the level of competition and the number of diamonds out there? I guess there are better diamonds in the US then in Canada. Must be the water.

[Jaxon]

Well Jaxon based on your theory you don't think the volume of players in an area increases both the level of competition and the number of diamonds out there? I guess there are better diamonds in the US then in Canada. Must be the water.

I did say that there is logic to the argument, but there are other factors.  Yes, having a larger pool (such as the USA) will obviously create more prospects.   BC's population is 4.6 million, Manitoba's is 1.2 million, therefore other factors being equal, they would produce roughly 4 times the number of prospects.

 

My point is that to turn those prospects into diamonds via Junior football, will require substantial work.  This is where I believe the Rifles ought to have an advantage.  The exemption, as it stands, is based upon where a player plays junior football, not where he was born or raised.  Hence Harris was a BC protected player, because he played junior there.

 

If a CFL team budget allows them to donate 100,000 per year to Junior Football, in Winnipeg it would all go to the Rifles, in BC it would be split 6 ways, so each team would get 16,600.  This would allow the Rifles a recruiting advantage through scholorships and resources.  (I'm not saying that this is an actual amount, this is just for illustration purposes)  That should allow the Rifles to recruit from larger pools.  It is very true that at this level, most of the talent is local, because it is too expensive to move out of province to play football.  Most of the players live rent free at home with their families.  There are always young men at this age looking to move as a right of passage, but that works in many directions.

 

Also, to convert that player from a prospect to a diamond, they need coaching, training, and encouragement.  Here too, the Rifles ought to have an advantage.   If every CFL team invited 3 Junior players to camp, then a prospect with the Rifles would have a greater chance of getting an invite, and the opportunity to develop.   Typically in Regina, the Riders will have 2-3 junior players practising all year long with the Riders and playing for the Thunder.   The CFL team gets to develop these players at no cost to them everyday in practice for a couple of years.  They are free players on the practice roster.  The Bombers could/should do the same.  In the BC league, it is tough for a player to travel to practise daily due to the 6 teams being spread out.

 

Perhaps the comparison to BC is misplaced, and we should be comparing to Saskatchewan, which is more similar.  The Riders have had great success in grooming junior players and moving them up to play for them.  Similar size population to Manitoba, similar geography.  They do a good job of ingraining the desire to play for the Riders into all of the local talent, and many of them find their way home at some point in their careers.  This is true whether they go to the CFL via Junior, or through the CIS.

 

At the end of the day, I'm very pleased that Walters has his eyes set on developing local kids and being involved in the local football community.  The Rifles have the potential to be a fantastic asset for the Bombers, and I think that he realizes it.

[JuranBoldenRules]

 

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

 

Go Okanagan Sun go!!!

 

Theo Deezar future BC Lions starting Quarterback.

 

 

Hopefully, that would help us with the move to the West.

[JuranBoldenRules]

 

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

 

 

The advantage is the rights to 6 rosters worth of players compared to 1.

 

 

BCs whole development system is more advanced than ours, even though their high school league plays American rules.  BC and Saskatchewan produce far more CIS players than they should, Manitoba produces far less, although we are getting better.

 

BCs junior league also has a following.  They have a lot more money and a lot to offer their players in terms of scholarships and job placements depending on what players want and need.   Good luck finding a dozen people who aren't related to Rifles players who care or attend their games.  There's also some interest in Edmonton and the Saskatoon Hilltops.  Everywhere else they play in front of crowds you could count by hand before the first series is over.  The Quebec league is getting better too, and some interest in the Montreal suburbs. 

[iso_55]

The Stamps don't give any money to the Colts. The only $$$ they get is from 50/50 from what I understand. Colts players do practice with the Stamps all season long & then go practice & play with the Colts. Stamps OG Spencer Wilson & receiver Johnny Forzani did that separately. Right now, another Colts receiver Ben Hnatiuk is doing that with the Stamps this season.

[kelownabomberfan]

 

 

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

 

 

The advantage is the rights to 6 rosters worth of players compared to 1.

 

 

BCs whole development system is more advanced than ours, even though their high school league plays American rules.  BC and Saskatchewan produce far more CIS players than they should, Manitoba produces far less, although we are getting better.

 

BCs junior league also has a following.  They have a lot more money and a lot to offer their players in terms of scholarships and job placements depending on what players want and need.   Good luck finding a dozen people who aren't related to Rifles players who care or attend their games.  There's also some interest in Edmonton and the Saskatoon Hilltops.  Everywhere else they play in front of crowds you could count by hand before the first series is over.  The Quebec league is getting better too, and some interest in the Montreal suburbs. 

 

 

Gone to quite a few tailgates here in Kelowna for Sun games.  One time we even deep-fried a turkey in the parking lot!

[Jaxon]

The Stamps don't give any money to the Colts. The only $$$ they get is from 50/50 from what I understand. Colts players do practice with the Stamps all season long & then go practice & play with the Colts. Stamps OG Spencer Wilson & receiver Johnny Forzani did that separately. Right now, another Colts receiver Ben Hnatiuk is doing that with the Stamps this season.

The money that the Rifles get from the Bombers comes from the 50/50 as well.

[James]

 

I don't think we should be running with Goltz anymore. Id like to see Hall as 1 and Goltz as 2 for now, when Levi Brown is ready, Id like to see him as number 2, and one of Goltz or Boltus as number 3.

 

Goltz has lost all of my confidence in him at this point.

why? what has he ever done to make you think he's better than Goltz? What has Hall done for that matter? Or is this simply a case of "I don't like this guy cause he's not an allstar so maybe one of the other guys is an allstar"? 

 

 

 

That statement is based solely of the fact that I think Goltz sucks. Hall showed promise when he played so Id like to see him some more.

[Jaxon]

 

 

 

 

There is discussions at the CFL level to make juniors part of the draft. As it stands Wpg is at a disadvantage having only one team to protect players from. BC has a huge advantage because of the wealth of teams and level of competition of the junior program there.

I disagree. The level of play is highest in the PFC.  (Prairie Football Conference)

 

The PFC, where the Rifles play, has proven to be the strongest division in the CJFL.  The PFC champion won the national championship 7 of the past 10 years, and 15 of the last 20.  The level of play is much stronger in the PFC than in the BCFC as demonstrated by playoff wins over the short, medium and long term.

 

Furthermore, Winnipeg should have an advantage in that CJFL players can practice with CFL clubs, so the proximity is there.   It's tougher in BC, where for example, it is a long road from the Okanagan Sun to Vancouver.

 

The only advantage that the BCFC has is that their costs are lower, due primarily lower travel costs.   Against that the Lions financially support all 6 junior team, while the Bombers only fund 1.  (Primarily through a portion of 50/50 revenue)

 

 

The advantage is the rights to 6 rosters worth of players compared to 1.

 

 

BCs whole development system is more advanced than ours, even though their high school league plays American rules.  BC and Saskatchewan produce far more CIS players than they should, Manitoba produces far less, although we are getting better.

 

BCs junior league also has a following.  They have a lot more money and a lot to offer their players in terms of scholarships and job placements depending on what players want and need.   Good luck finding a dozen people who aren't related to Rifles players who care or attend their games.  There's also some interest in Edmonton and the Saskatoon Hilltops.  Everywhere else they play in front of crowds you could count by hand before the first series is over.  The Quebec league is getting better too, and some interest in the Montreal suburbs. 

 

 

Gone to quite a few tailgates here in Kelowna for Sun games.  One time we even deep-fried a turkey in the parking lot!

 

Attendance at the last Rifle game was 874.  That's alot of relatives! (average of 14 per player), so I suspect that your "dozen" may be a bit low.   You are correct though that normal attendance is in the 400 person range, and many are friends, relatives,  football junkies, or alumnae.  The Rifles are letting kids 14 and under in for free (new this year) so it's an inexpensive way for families to see a game at IGF.  Also new this year, the beer stand is open.  As the alumnae grows, I suspect attendance will as well.  With 4 home games in a year, it's hoped that the alumnae will use it as a chance to see old friends and teammates.

 

The Okanagan Sun are the poster boys for a well run organization.  (Saskatoon is for winning).  The Sun have the advantage of being the premier football program in the area, and they do a good job of promoting that.  Rifles are 3rd behind the Bombers and Bison,

[17to85]

 

 

I don't think we should be running with Goltz anymore. Id like to see Hall as 1 and Goltz as 2 for now, when Levi Brown is ready, Id like to see him as number 2, and one of Goltz or Boltus as number 3.

 

Goltz has lost all of my confidence in him at this point.

why? what has he ever done to make you think he's better than Goltz? What has Hall done for that matter? Or is this simply a case of "I don't like this guy cause he's not an allstar so maybe one of the other guys is an allstar"? 

 

 

 

That statement is based solely of the fact that I think Goltz sucks. Hall showed promise when he played so Id like to see him some more.

 

Goltz vs. Hall in the qb rating is 64.2 compared to 67.9. Not sure how that equates to one guy sucks and the other showed promise.