1 week Ago By Thomas Friesen
SOURIS — Gracelyn Schroeder breaks out in laughter during the most physical drill you’ll see at a high school practice, maybe outside of wrestling. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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SOURIS — Gracelyn Schroeder breaks out in laughter during the most physical drill you’ll see at a high school practice, maybe outside of wrestling. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SOURIS — Gracelyn Schroeder breaks out in laughter during the most physical drill you’ll see at a high school practice, maybe outside of wrestling. Wrestling’s basically what the Souris Sabres sophomore and her teammates did on Wednesday.
The instructions were simple. One player lays on the ground, the other lays on top of them and does whatever it takes to keep them down. The second it starts, Schroeder’s tenacity, strength and joy are all evident as Emery Kozak pushes, twists and wriggles with all her might to escape, to no avail.
Gracelyn Schroeder laughs as she keeps a teammate from getting up during a drill at Souris Sabres rugby practice on Wednesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun) It’s safe to say Schroeder’s ready for the Westman High School Rugby season to start, even though it’s still a couple of weeks away. And it’s safe to say that should concern those facing her.
“I’m honestly super excited for the season. From the start of the year I was like, ‘Rugby season is coming,’” Schroeder said. Adding to the anticipation is a little shake-up in the league.
In past years, a co-op team including players from Rivers, Minnedosa and a few surrounding towns dominated the provincial rugby season, claiming back-to-back provincial titles. But due to a decrease in participation, Souris is joining up with eight Rivers athletes to form one of the four WHSR varsity teams — along with a Crocus Plains junior varsity squad. “Having Rivers people, having a bigger team now is going to give us much more potential to play the game better and have an opportunity to get to provincials this year,” Schroeder said.
While she has only played one high school 15s rugby season, it’s her third time practising with the Sabres. Souris head coach Brian Yon saw potential in the five-foot-eight Schroeder right from her start in the town’s youth program. He brought her up to practise with the varsity girls when she was in Grade 8.
“It was just a really cool experience to get involved with it and it made me love the sport even more,” Schroeder said. “When you first step into it, it gets overwhelming but that’s a great part of it because it makes you feel like you’re part of a family and part of something special.” She’s set to start as the Sabres’ No.
8, essentially The Sabres are two weeks away from game action at the John Keogh Rugby Festival on April 26 in Brandon. The WHSR girls’ season begins April 21 as Vincent Massey hosts the Crocus JV team. Souris opens the regular season at home against Massey on April 29.
Souris Sabres sophomore Gracelyn Schroeder is gearing up for her second season of varsity girls’ rugby. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun) The semifinals are on May 20-21, with the final set for May 24. Provincials run the following weekend, May 30-31.
Whether or not anyone keeps up with the defending champion Dauphin Clippers, who didn’t allow a point all year, Schroeder will have a blast. “Honestly, if you are thinking about the sport, you should definitely come out and try it,” she said. “You might fall in love with it like I did.
” » See Saturday’s Brandon Sun for a feature on the Sabres’ special guest at practice this week. » [email protected] » Instagram: @thomasfriesen5 Advertisement Advertisement.
