Hype is building in Okotoks, with the 2021 WCBL season fast approaching.

Okotokians will be watching not one, but two Dawgs teams at Seaman Stadium this year with the Dawgs Red and Black squads.

For Dawgs Academy Head Coach Jeff Duda, it's a great way to show off local talent even more than usual.

"After talking about it as an organization we thought it'd be a great experience for our kids and a great opportunity for the academy kids to be able to play in this modified league, and at the same time, provide a place for our alumni to return to play this summer. Basically, Black and Red are our top 18-U teams and we have about 12 alumni returning, maybe a little more. They're both going to be highly competitive and are going to put a good product on the field and we're just looking forward to getting the season underway."

Assistant Coach for the Dawgs Red team, Bretton Gouthro, says spirits are high.

"It's something we've all missed and I think the entire town has missed. Couldn't be more excited."

If you're hoping to catch a game or two, there's good news and bad news.

While spectators will be allowed into Seaman Stadium, capacity is currently limited.

If you're hoping to snag some tickets, you'll soon have the chance.

"Basically, at this point in time during Stage 2, my understanding is that we're allowed a third of the capacity right now I believe that's approximately 700, give or take. Our season ticket holders are getting priority booking as their 2021 season tickets were rolled over into 2022, and the general public can purchase tickets starting at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, June 13," says Duda.

He's hoping momentum with vaccines will keep up so that Stage 3 eliminates any capacity restrictions.

Duda says he'd love as big an audience as possible because it's sure to be a fiercely competitive season.

"We have a tradition of excellence and a tradition of championship, so the goal never changes. We hold our kids, whether they're on the WCBL team or in the academy, we hold them to a higher expectation than anyone else in the county. We've already had several teams and outlined the fact that we fully expect to be competing for a championship. That's the goal, that's what we're chasing."

Gouthro echoed the sentiment.

"We've been trying to do our best to carry on as we normally would and do everything we're allowed to do within the regulations, so I think we're well-prepared to put on a good show."

 The Dawgs' Black squad has their home opener on June 19, with the Red team playing at Seaman Stadium the following day.

 

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