Battlefords Bandits see growth after first season competing across A division

While moving into a higher division presented challenges, Russell said the transition was smoother for younger teams that had already been exposed to A-level competition in recent years.

“Because of the fact that the younger age groups have been there for the last couple of year because Softball Sask made a few changes so that’s kind of what they know,” he said.

“Some of our older age groups, we’ve had players that were in A before. But, we’ve had players that were only in B ball. It’s a little bit more of an adjustment. You go into U15, U17 A, it’s a different caliber ball than going into U15 and U17 B.”

The U11 Bandits posted the organization’s best result at provincials, finishing fourth.

Beyond results, coaches pointed to the players’ sportsmanship and team culture as a highlight of the season.

“We’ve got a great team of great kids and they support each other,” said U15 coach Cindy Browne.

“That’s more than half the battle to getting anything and winning anything is just to having that. Hopefully with that attitude, they continue playing softball, and the sport grows in North Battleford.”

That reputation has also been recognized by opposing teams and communities.

“It’s awesome to hear. That’s one thing I’m super proud of,” said U15 coach Kyle Palmer.

“It’s really encouraging to hear that stuff from other coaches and whatnot, but I give all the credit to the girls. They put the time and effort in and my coaching staff did an unbelievable job this year.”

Russell said hearing positive feedback from other communities reflects well on the organization.

“We like hearing that because you know that the girls, you work with them every day. To have people notice that we got good kids here in the Battlefords and they’re athletes, but they’re also good humans.”

Looking ahead, Russell expects the program to continue benefiting from competing at the A level.

“There’s kids from out of town that if they want to play A, they’re able to come here now. It’s just nice to have the option in our district now,” he said.

“The longer we stay in A, the better we’re going to be because we’re just going to build our program a lot stronger.”

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Battlefords Bandits see growth after first season competing across A division

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