Page 28 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 133

28 Issue #133 February 2024 www.sportsenergynews.com

Steve Malyon

sales rep
613-314-4161

• Furnaces
• Fireplaces
• Water heaters • Patio heaters
• Construction heaters • BBQs
• Forced air heaters • Infrared
Registered Massage Therapist Sheryl Calvank-Rodriguez, RMT
• Boilers commercial heaters
5720 Power Dam Drive, Cornwall • 613-938-9622

Coach Westlake Previews Cornwall Wildcats’

U18 2024 Football Season

By Molly Kett on January 6 and the two workouts Looking ahead, Westlake
at the Benson Centre have been expresses excitement about working
he Cornwall Wildcats U18 positive. I expect that if we come with the coaching team and leading
Tteam, a powerhouse in Eastern together and put the work in to the charge on the field.
Ontario football, is gearing up for prepare that we should be able to “I am looking forward to working
the 2024 season with optimism and repeat, and hopefully improve on with a great group of coaches and
a hunger for redemption after falling the success of last year.”
having the opportunity to lead them
short in the Provincial Semi-Finals
Discussing major changes in putting together a great team on
last year. Head Coach Westlake, at
expected this year, Westlake the field. Now is the time to develop
the helm of this ambitious team,
acknowledges the challenges of the schemes and plans that we will
sheds light on the past, present, and
replacing graduating players, use in season,” said Westlake. “I
future of the Wildcats.
especially a successful quarterback really enjoy that part of preparation.
“The 2023 Wildcats finished the like Uhr. The emphasis shifts to the Once we get outside on the grass
regular season with a 7-1 record. We development of the offensive and in the spring the season will move
hosted the Burlington Stampeders defensive lines to establish a more fast, and we will have the weekly
in the Provincial Quarterfinals and physical identity. Despite some Photo Submitted challenge of preparing to play a
then the Essex Ravens in the Semi- coaching changes, Westlake is work hard, accept good coaching, new opponent. I am really looking
finals,” said Westlake. “We were optimistic about the new additions forward to seeing which players will
not able to defeat Essex who went to the coaching staff, emphasizing and like to have fun this is a great step up and seize their opportunities.
on to lose to Hamilton in the Finals. the continuity of excellence. place to play. Our coaching staff And I am really looking forward
It is safe to say that the loss to Essex has decades of experience, in the to seeing how far we can go as an
For those aspiring to join the
left a bitter taste and hunger to be CFL, NCAA, USPORTS, NCAFA, offense this season.”
Wildcats, Westlake paints a vivid
better in 2024.” and many other leagues. We will
picture of what they can expect. Westlake also took the time to
do everything we can to develop
With key players, including express gratitude for the chance to
“The Cornwall Wildcats is the best the athlete and the person to pursue
standout QB Xavier Uhr, moving on, represent the Cornwall community.
football club in Eastern Ontario in post-secondary education and
the Wildcats are poised for a fresh my opinion,” said Westlake. “I have “As a non-resident of the
start in 2024. Westlake emphasizes been fortunate to coach in several football opportunities if they want Cornwall community, I am proud to
the importance of recruiting and places and can say that through to.” be able to represent this team and
building a new identity for the team. The team, once formed, will
the leadership of Club President, community. What Kirby and the
“As coaches, we have spent a lot Kirby Camplin, and the work that be made up from about sixty- volunteers have built speak to the
of time since the end of last season the army of volunteers do, and the five athletes from Brockville to pride and strength I see here,” said
watching and recruiting the best support of the local community, are Ottawa to Cornwall, and sometimes Westlake. “I also want to make sure
players we can to join the team amazing. Players joining our team Quebec. Players come together to note that nothing I am able to do
this year,” said Westlake. “Early will be provided every resource to through hard work, lots of fun, and is possible without the support of
returns from our Testing Combine be successful. If you are willing to competition. my wonderful wife.”