The labour dispute involving B.C. teachers could cause havoc with the high school football season, especially right here in Richmond.
While the majority of programs began practising last week in preparation for upcoming exhibition games, the Hugh Boyd Trojans are one of just two teams in the province that have yet to step on the field.
With outside community coaches involved in the game more than ever before, Boyd and Cloverdale’s Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers still lean on volunteer teachers.
Brothers Bill and Bruce Haddow have been coaching for nearly 40 years and have been the heart and soul of Trojans football since the 1990s. Their dedication and determination have resulted in the program’s survival, longer after once traditional powerhouses at Richmond High and Steveston folded.
Boyd was scheduled to hit the practice field last week. All sessions, including a controlled scrimmage with the South Delta Sun Devils, have been scrapped. Now, the team’s first exhibition game, scheduled for Sept. 6 against Parksville’s Ballenas Whalers, is also likely to be postponed.
“Deep down, of course I want to be out there on the field,” said Bill Haddow, who has been head coach of the school’s senior team the last several years. “But we are in a labour dispute and, as teachers, are not crossing the picket line. We had a meeting last week to explain the situation to the kids and parents. I just hope it gets resolved soon.”
Haddow is also concerned about the ramifications once there is a settlement. Other programs have plans in place should the strike/lockout continue next week when schools are scheduled to re-open. Equipment will be removed from the schools prior to next Tuesday and practice sessions will be held on nearby community fields. They have also been booked to potentially host pre-season games as well.
The B.C. High School Football Association has approved scheduled exhibition play but will push back the start of league play into October should the labour dispute linger. The Trojans are concerned just how far behind they are going to be once they finally get the opportunity to proceed with the season.
“For the most part, community coaches really don’t seemed to care about the situation and just want to proceed with everything,” said Haddow. “We didn’t even have a spring camp (back in June) either. How fair is it going into our first league game if we have had only five practices and our opponent has had 30, never mind a few exhibition games as well?
“We do have community coaches working with us but, first and foremost, they are our friends too and respect what we are doing as teachers. I just wish everyone was more on the same page but that’s up to the association.”
Once the Trojans do get back on the field, the expectations are high for the senior team which should not only be in position to make the playoffs but be a threat too.
“I really like the look of what we potentially have,” added Haddow. “It will probably be the best team we have had in the last four or five years. It’s a good dedicated group of players that was willing to spend some time in the weight room too.”
