Gladiators get ready for gridiron action

Right about now, Sudbury Gladiators players are watching the grass at the James Jerome Sports Complex turn from brown to green and probably getting a little spurt of adrenaline.

It's training camp time and the team is gearing up for a new Ontario Football Conference (OFC) season, when it opens May 23.

"We've got a lot of potential, we still need more numbers on offense, but our defense is looking really strong," stated returning running back Thomas Rideout, as he and his teammates kicked off week two at the James Jerome Sports Complex. "This is our first practice with equipment on."

"Now that I'm in my second year, it's nice knowing that you're not the youngest ones on the field," Rideout continued. "Going up against guys that are three and four years older than you can be a little intimidating."

Looking to provide a solid foundation for the Gladiators ground attack, Rideout relies heavily on his initial instincts once he hits the line of scrimmage.

"I'm looking for the first chance I have to get upfield," he said. "I'm going to take that, whether it's the cutback lane, or the hole. Even if that hole gets clogged up after, I'm still sticking with that decision. Just go in with the shoulders down and hope for the best."

St. Charles linebacker John Bronicheski is also in his second year with the varsity team, moving up the field one notch after having played as a defensive back in 2014.

Thankfully, he benefitted from the preparation that comes from a fall season of linebacking duties with the Cardinals defense.

"Playing linebacker in high school just gets you used to hitting bigger guys, which for sure will help me out with the Glads this summer," said Bronicheski. "Defensive back is more of a pass coverage game that you're playing, where linebacker is more read and react."

Bronicheski also shares the sentiments that Rideout expressed based on their early looks at the Sudbury defensive unit.

"We're pretty sound defensively," he stated. "We've got a good group of guys out there. The key is filling the holes, and handling your assignment."

The locals will take to the road for week one action, facing the divisional rival Huronia Stallions in Barrie on May 23.

"I always love playing those guys," said Bronicheski. "The competition is always good, it's usually a slugfest."

The varsity Gladiators are at home in week two, hosting the Nipissing Wild, while the junior varsity lads tackle their second of three straight on the road, battling the Clarington Knights.

For the second straight summer, the Glads will feature a new man in charge, as St. Charles College graduate Aaron Rehel takes over the head coaching reins from Reg Bonin.