Ryan Ditchfield and Robert Anderson represent the past, present and future of the Sisler football program.
Spartans to lose leader, but future is bright
By Avi Saper
Dec. 3, 2009
While the Sisler Spartans football program bids farewell to the heart and soul of its defence, coaches are eager to see what the future holds
for a newfound offensive star.
Middle linebacker Ryan Ditchfield, who was named the top defensive player in the Winnipeg High School Football League's AAA Potter Division
on Nov. 25, won't be easy to replace next season.
The 6-foot, 205-pound Brooklands resident is described by coaches as a "unbelievable physical specimen" whose on-field intensity is
matched only by his leadership ability.
Ditchfield had never even played football before arriving at Sisler in Grade 9. His brother, Cory, was a Grade 10 middle linebacker at the time,
and convinced him to come out and try the game.
By Grade 10, Ditchfield was the captain of the Currie (A) Division team that went 10-0 en route to a provincial championship, and the following
year he graduated to the school's AAA team.
When asked to describe his philosophy for playing defence, Ditchfield said it all comes down to making big plays when it counts.
"I wouldn't say I'm the most fundamentally sound player," he said. "I'm kind of all or nothing. I try to make the
boom…I like to hear the echo of the crowd after a big hit. I really pumps up the rest of the team."
The Spartans have a special award - the Hammer - that they give to the player who makes the biggest hit in each game. Coach Ken Gordon said
Ditchfield was either the winner or the runner-up every week this season.
When Ditchfield's name was called at the WHSFL's awards banquet, his jaw dropped.
"I didn't think I was going to win," he said. "It shows that hard work pays off. I've never even been to that dinner, so
I was pretty surprised."
Ditchfield said the fact the award was voted on by all the coaches in the AAA division makes it very special for him.
"One of the Oak Park coaches told me I drove him crazy during the season," he said. "Knowing that means a lot."
Along with Ditchfield, the Spartans AAA squad is losing its entire offensive backfield to graduation. While this may be cause for some coaches
to panic, Rick Hudson will be able to rely on a budding superstar next season.
Grade 9 running back Robert Anderson, who was named Currie Division rookie of the year, is hoping to ride the momentum of his breakout season to
a spot on the Spartans' AAA squad.
As one of the few Grade 9 students who saw much playing time, the North End resident finished fourth in the division in rushing yards (525) and
second in touchdowns (7) despite missing the final game with a broken hand. He also had a 101-yard punt return for a touchdown that announced his
arrival on the high school football scene.
"Robbie's ceiling could be unlimited," Hudson said. "He has incredible speed and a number of moves that are god-given…and the
work ethic of a track athlete."
Hudson said only former Sisler stars David La and Jeff Stevens compared as Grade 9 players to Anderson.
Anderson, who only played one season of football for the Nomads before joining the Sisler program, said his main goal is to add 15 pounds of
muscle to his 145-pound frame before next season.
"I want to get stronger and taller," he said. "The AAA guys are faster, so it will be a lot harder at my size."
Winning the rookie of the year award was enough to make Anderson forget the stomach flu he was suffering from last week.
"I was pretty out of it," he said. "But when I won I was so happy my stomach ache went away."
Jacquie, yuku told me AOL users are having the trouble, they told me they are working on it, most times I can't get on.
Have a great day my Friend.
Hugs....always...Mary
Mary I am w/ AOL and not having any problems at all, as a matter of fact I haven't had any problems since the switch over....how strange but thank God
it's not me LOL
Jacquie I am so up set I am crying,I can't do anything, I m ready to give up on yuku
I just can't take it any more.
So if you don't hear from me, I just want you to know just how much I loved our friendship
here at yuku.
Hugs...always....Mary
Mary what seems to be your problem w/ YUKU? I wish I could help but I am really not that familiar w/ the board, try to get ahold of help or maybe Bea, she
seems to have the answers if not she can get ahold of someone who does....good luck my friend.
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BubblyBev
12/03/09
Original comment »
caretaker110
12/03/09
Original comment »
caretaker110
12/02/09
Avi Saper
Ryan Ditchfield and Robert Anderson represent the past, present and future of the Sisler football program.
Spartans to lose leader, but future is bright
By Avi Saper
Dec. 3, 2009
While the Sisler Spartans football program bids farewell to the heart and soul of its defence, coaches are eager to see what the future holds for a newfound offensive star.
Middle linebacker Ryan Ditchfield, who was named the top defensive player in the Winnipeg High School Football League's AAA Potter Division on Nov. 25, won't be easy to replace next season.
The 6-foot, 205-pound Brooklands resident is described by coaches as a "unbelievable physical specimen" whose on-field intensity is matched only by his leadership ability.
Ditchfield had never even played football before arriving at Sisler in Grade 9. His brother, Cory, was a Grade 10 middle linebacker at the time, and convinced him to come out and try the game.
By Grade 10, Ditchfield was the captain of the Currie (A) Division team that went 10-0 en route to a provincial championship, and the following year he graduated to the school's AAA team.
When asked to describe his philosophy for playing defence, Ditchfield said it all comes down to making big plays when it counts.
"I wouldn't say I'm the most fundamentally sound player," he said. "I'm kind of all or nothing. I try to make the boom…I like to hear the echo of the crowd after a big hit. I really pumps up the rest of the team."
The Spartans have a special award - the Hammer - that they give to the player who makes the biggest hit in each game. Coach Ken Gordon said Ditchfield was either the winner or the runner-up every week this season.
When Ditchfield's name was called at the WHSFL's awards banquet, his jaw dropped.
"I didn't think I was going to win," he said. "It shows that hard work pays off. I've never even been to that dinner, so I was pretty surprised."
Ditchfield said the fact the award was voted on by all the coaches in the AAA division makes it very special for him.
"One of the Oak Park coaches told me I drove him crazy during the season," he said. "Knowing that means a lot."
Along with Ditchfield, the Spartans AAA squad is losing its entire offensive backfield to graduation. While this may be cause for some coaches to panic, Rick Hudson will be able to rely on a budding superstar next season.
Grade 9 running back Robert Anderson, who was named Currie Division rookie of the year, is hoping to ride the momentum of his breakout season to a spot on the Spartans' AAA squad.
As one of the few Grade 9 students who saw much playing time, the North End resident finished fourth in the division in rushing yards (525) and second in touchdowns (7) despite missing the final game with a broken hand. He also had a 101-yard punt return for a touchdown that announced his arrival on the high school football scene.
"Robbie's ceiling could be unlimited," Hudson said. "He has incredible speed and a number of moves that are god-given…and the work ethic of a track athlete."
Hudson said only former Sisler stars David La and Jeff Stevens compared as Grade 9 players to Anderson.
Anderson, who only played one season of football for the Nomads before joining the Sisler program, said his main goal is to add 15 pounds of muscle to his 145-pound frame before next season.
"I want to get stronger and taller," he said. "The AAA guys are faster, so it will be a lot harder at my size."
Winning the rookie of the year award was enough to make Anderson forget the stomach flu he was suffering from last week.
"I was pretty out of it," he said. "But when I won I was so happy my stomach ache went away."
Original comment »
Carja
12/02/09
peaceiem
12/02/09
Original comment »
REALPICKLES
12/02/09
Have a great day my Friend.
Hugs....always...Mary
Original comment »
Corpsie I
12/02/09
I went out to feed the birds and squirrels a while ago, and it was darn cold. Of course, I had on sandals and no jacket.
Original comment »
Corpsie I
12/02/09
Is it snowing where you are? This is what I woke up to this morning.
Original comment »
REALPICKLES
12/02/09
I just can't take it any more.
So if you don't hear from me, I just want you to know just how much I loved our friendship
here at yuku.
Hugs...always....Mary
Original comment »
REALPICKLES
12/02/09
Original comment »
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