After the idea of building a clubhouse for the Kindersley Kobras senior football team came up several years ago at the now annual Kobra Football Banquet, the dream has become a reality as the Kobras officially moved into their new digs yesterday after practice.
After no games last week, they are getting set for a Saturday matchup as the Kerrobert Rebels come to town for the annual Goose Festival home game. Kickoff for that one is set for 2:00, as the Kobras look for their second win and the chance to remain undefeated against a good Rebels team.
Check out the gallery at the bottom of the page for a full look at the new clubhouse the team just moved into yesterday; as they moved over everything of meaning from the old mezzanine dressing room, in an act that would have former Kobras hit with a blast of nostalgia, and perhaps have a tear brought to their eye upon entry:
The passing of Riley Volk back in 2013 is something that won't be forgotten, evidenced by the latest crop of Kobras moving his iconic plaid jacket into the clubhouse in a touching tribute, one with importance they likely don't even know the half of (#34Forever) Kindersley was shook to its core back in October 2013, when news of a car accident involving two beloved Grade 12's claimed the life of Riley Volk, and left fellow occupant of the vehicle Jared Thornton in a wheelchair.
#34Forever and #18Strong became a major rallying cry for people in the West Central community, and the 2013 Kobras football team used their heavy hearts to play one of their most memorable games in a playoff win that was truly something out of a storybook.
To this day, former coaches and teammates of Volk remember just how hard he hit at his linebacker spot, always enforcing the mantra of being the hammer, and not the nail when it came to his time out on the football field.
It is always healthy to remember, and this touching tribute from the 2022 Kobras is truly amazing as Volks legacy can live on, and perhaps continue to inspire future players. Without first hand experience it will be hard for young players to understand just how important Volk was to the team, and how much impact he provided on the field.
Still a Kobras coach, Doug Klassen certainly continues to feel Volk's impact, especially after the reminder noticed yesterday with the new era of players moving in.
Former coach Casey Potter was the leader who was there for all of his players during the dark days, and it isn't hard to believe that the thought of Volk and Thornton cross his mind every so often nowadays during his everyday life back home in Ontario.
Many people think about Riley every day, and with football season now here, the Kobra players can know that Volk is thinking about them come gameday as he loved the sport of football.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
