CALGARY – Coming off a season where they notched their first victory since 2003 in the season finale and where head coach Jenn Swagar won her first Canada West Coach of the Year award, the Dinos field hockey team has reason for optimism.
While having lost the hero of that finale against Victoria – Teryn Buna, who scored both goals to lead Calgary –Swagar refuses to back down in her enthusiasm.
“We took a good first step last season, and it is certainly something to build on. We now need to look at converting our ties into wins, and taking advantage of opportunities when they come available during games” she said.
Swagar points to the return of goalkeeper Stephanie Petrowitsch from injury (1st, Calgary) as the key to achieving a major team goal in 2008.
“We absolutely have to reduce our goals-against average statistic,” Swagar explained. “Steph will come in and help in this regard, but a team effort will be needed.”
In order to keep up with the rest of the conference, the Dinos will certainly need to score more goals as well. Calgary only had nine of them in 2007, a Canada West low. Swagar looks to a trio of second year players to help the team improve in this category; Kaitlyn Longworth (Calgary), Michelle Roydhouse (Calgary) and Courtney Campbell (Calgary).
Among the other additions to the Dinos is dynamic 15-year-old Carolina Romeo (1st, Calgary). Romeo, who was invited to U23 National tryouts this past spring, is a recipient of the prestigious U of C Chancellors Club academic award and will at the very least bring a fresh buzz to the Dinos squad.
“I am certainly not used to all of this excitement, as field hockey in Calgary doesn't get press,” laughed Swagar. “Carolina is as athletically gifted as she is academically, and we are very proud to have her on our team.”
With eight first year players, and other transfers new to the team, the Dinos suit up a different group than in 2007. Regardless, they hope to build on momentum created last year, and take bigger steps in a B.C. dominated Canada West.
The Dinos host their regular season home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13 against the Victoria Vikes at 1:00 PM at Hawkings Field. They conclude the weekend with a rematch against the Vikes on Sept. 14.
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