Kelowna Secondary School football makes return

After waiting over 600 days since their last game, the Owls, like every team in the province, are gearing up for a full football season.

Head Coach Chris Cartwright told Kelowna 10 that being able to have a normal season brings excitement back to the athletes.

“For our players we definitely saw a change when we didn’t have a season, the culture at the school wasn’t just the same and it was very hard for everyone. I’m just over the moon happy for our boys and all our teams at KSS.”

Hopes are high for the Owls after a lengthy break and Cartwright says the team’s approach is to be grateful everyday they still get to play football.

“The expectations are to go as far as we can,” Cartwright said noting they play in a competitive conference that includes traveling to Vancouver

“So the expectations are to go out there, be tough and do the right things every day.”

This season means more for senior players Everett Schmuland and Evan Fitchett who are involved in their final year of high school action. Being denied a season last year took its toll.

“It was kind of a bummer,” Schumland, a linebacker said. “The season is always a great time going back to school getting to know more people, playing with teammates, creating those bonds is always great. To have that taken away from us it wasn’t the best thing for everyone.”

For wide receiver Fitchett, he’s delighted to be back in action.

“Even last year it sucked not having a junior season but [it’s great] having this one last ride and having one last go to try and win it all.”

Coach Cartwright is eager to see the his Owls have a successful season.

“We definitely have some guys that have been with us for the last four years who have been part of some great success in our teams over the years. And we’ve got some new guys …they seem to be merging well together and they’re doing all the right things.”

The Owls start their season against the Notre Dame Jugglers Friday Sept.17 at Burnaby Lake.