The seeds were planted in January for an amazing run by the inaugural U13 girls' team of the Bow Valley Rugby Club (BVRC).
On Oct. 5, the team raised its second major cup of the season at the Fall Sevens championship. They remained undefeated in 11 straight matches.
That followed in the steps of being named the U13 city championship of the Calgary Rugby Union in late July, where they had a record of 10 wins, one draw, and four losses.
"We had this idea to create a girls' program because we felt there was so much opportunity for them," says Rob Harris, BVRC junior vice-president. "Our girls-only session in January was the genus for our U13 girls' dominating season." "They performed way over what other clubs were expecting and, to some extent, what we were expecting. They just kept going up and up and up."
Playing 7s, the team typically had three fast and furious matches in a day. Early in the season, they had a habit of winning the first two but losing their focus in the final one.
Coaches Sarah Snowden, Lisa Tolton and Rob Harris came up with a fun incentive that saw them remain undefeated for the balance of the season.
After negotiations with the players, they agreed to do 20 press-ups every time the U13s won three straight. The coaches spent the next five-to-six weeks doing press-ups, says Harris.
"It was a trigger that remained switched," he says. "They went on to win three matches every week for the rest of the season."
By the way, the coaches still owe 30 more press-ups to the team after the Fall Sevens tournament. Chances are, they will have to make payment soon.
"The deal was that if they won the final, we would do 30 press-ups. But they got so caught up in winning the cup, we got away with it ... at least for now," Harris chuckles.
The success of any team goes well beyond the wins column.
Parent Sarah Costen called it, "Supportive, encouraging, positive coaches, fun parents, an all-encompassing club ethos and a great sport for girls to be involved in."
"I am blown away by the dedication of coaches throughout all age groups as well as the community that has been built and is so diligently being continually developed," says Grace Hogan. "It may sound silly and pat, but rugby has been life-changing for all three of my girls giving them confidence and a place of belonging."
The club continues to evolve its pre-season training. This winter, they are introducing an advanced winter training program through the Winsport Performance Training Centre.
Open to all BVRC youth, it will run twice a week from January through April and includes about 31 sessions of strength and conditioning training. Early bird pricing of $350 is available until Oct. 31. After that, the price is $395. For details, you can contact juniorvp@bowvalleyrugby.com.
They also will have some winter training at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre as well as another girls-only session
"If we can improve everything we're doing we'll keep moving forward," explains Harris.