The latest article I have written for "INK" is about the Riffel Royals' football team having a new coach for the first time in 23 years. John Bolen had been the football coach since the school was created in 1985.
The story was very dear to my heart, as I played for John in 2003 and 2004. John was a man everyone respected, loved, and feared all at the same time. He was one of the nicest guys I knew, always supporting the team and giving us words of encouragement. At the same time, you didn't dare cross him. If the size of the man didn't intimidate you, the size of his moustache sure did!
At least John left on a high note. After a number of years of being labelled the team that had successful seasons but couldn't win the big one, Riffel won the 3A city championship in 2002. When I came aboard in 2003, our team moved up from the 3A conference to the 4A conference.
The Leader-Post predicted we would place second last to Winston Knoll that year. Well, we ended up with a 5-2 record, and won the 4A city championship (the first team in RIFL history to win a city title in its first year of moving up from 3A to 4A!) We lost the provincial title to St. Joseph that year. However, we went undefeated in 2004, and won the first provincial title for Riffel since 1989.
The undefeated streak lasted until the city final in 2006, where Riffel lost to Sheldon. Riffel won another city championship in 2007.
Riffel has lost a legendary coach. However, one thing is for sure... he may be gone but he will never be forgotten. John Bolen has built Riffel a strong football program, and the team's future successes will always be because of him.
Check out the Riffel Royal's football web-site: http://www.rcsd.ca/riffel/atheltics/football/footballmain.htm
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