ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Football Awards Night on Dec. 5 at the St. Paul Regional High School marked not only the St. Paul Football program’s historic success this year, with the Bengals and the Lions both winning the provincial championships, but also the organization's 40th anniversary.
Lorianne Peters, president of St. Paul Football, thanked everyone for their support to the football program this year. “This program continues on and continues to grow through your hard work. And for this we're very grateful,” she said.
And of course, success wouldn’t have been possible without the players, she added. “The Bengals and the Lions have worked so hard this year, bringing their A-game... Their achievements should be celebrated.”
She added, “Stay fierce. Pursue your goals with fervor that you possessed throughout this season and stay determined.”
Peters then shifted her gaze around the room, to the players crowded in one section, and to the players with their friends and families. “[To the] seniors. You’re leaving this program as young men, and not boys anymore. Use the lessons you learned from your coaches and this game in your life... remember you guys can remain Lions.”
During his speech, Lions head coach Mark Tichkowsky acknowledged those who helped the team over the past season. “Though I cannot name everyone, please know that your contribution went not unnoticed. Each of you helped pave the path of success for these young men,” he said.
Tichkowsky then spoke to the Lions. You clawed your way through the playoffs to capture the [Wheatland Football League] championship in a hard fought battle against Holy Rosary. Your dominance continued against Sexsmith, the northern provincial champions, leading to a thrilling 29-20 victory.”
Finally, the Lions went on to win the provincial championship against the Drumheller Titans. “You left no doubt,” and won 41-0. “I commend you all for your dedication... the seeds of the next season’s success are planted here.”
Bengals head coach Derek Zapisocki also spoke to the crowd. “Congratulations to the undefeated 2023 Tier 1 bantam 9-a-side champions,” he said, much to the applause and cheers of the crowd. 2023is also Zapisocki’s first year as the Bengals head coach.
The hard work, dedication, teamwork, and mental toughness displayed by the Bengals is proof that “you deserve all the success you’ve received,” said the coach. With pride, he told the crowd that the Bengals refused to lose a game all season.
Zapisocki also thanked everyone who gave up their time to help the team – the coaches, the volunteers, and the parents. They have all “molded these players into the champions they have become.”
Todd Tanasichuk, assistant coach to the Bengals and a previous head, congratulated Zapisocki and Tichkowsky for leading their teams to victory.
To all attendees, he said, “Tonight we celebrate our 40th season as an organization. It’s also the 20th season for the Bengals.”
Tanasichuk added, “And what a season it was. It literally can’t get any better.” The past season was the culmination of four decades of volunteering, hard work, “to get us to the point where we can compete and win against the very best.”
He said he was reminded of Isaac Newton’s famous words: If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. “Overall, for decades, we have had many giants come forth to lead our organization,” he said.
From the football program’s past board members, to those who have worked behind the scenes, and many more, “Giants,” he said, have supported the program in the past, and they continue to support the program in the present.
One of these giants is Dave Byron – founder of the St. Paul Football program. The program began with the high school Lions, when Byron founded the team in December of 1983.
It has since expanded and the Bengals bantam football team was formed in 2004, initially coached by Steve Johnson and John Lumby. This made the overall program stronger, according to Tanasichuk, feeding the Lions with more experienced players and leading to more success.
Byron said he founded the Lions so that his son could play high school football like Byron did in his high school years in Victoria, B.C. And to see the club grow so strong in the present makes him proud.
Football is the ultimate team sport, Byron said. In a game, there are many players, but only a few of them get to score. But, to score requires each player to do their job well, and with grit, hard work, and determination – even if they were competing in a big city, “You would be a powerhouse too,” said Byron.
