Head coach Ross Viotto cannot hide his excitement as the Sault Sabercats gear up for the coming season.
Viotto has been impressed with the incoming talent and a core of returning players that the coach and team president hopes will vault the team into their first Ontario Varsity Football League playoff spot.
The local varsity rep team for players ages 19-and-under has 40 players on the roster thus far as the club continues on-field workouts, which began at Bawating Collegiate on Thursday.
"We have to get into the playoffs this year and that's the goal we're shooting for. I think that we should have been there last year so the playoffs is something we are focused on," said Viotto.
The Sabercats will look to improve in every area this season and the offense could see the biggest gain.
With newcomers Ron Kelly, Noah Rushon and Matt Premo at receiver, the Sabercats could have a passing attack that will throw fear into opposition defensive secondaries.
Kelly, a Bawating graduate who played with the Sault Steelers last season, is one of the city's most gifted athletes and is destined to be one of league's top receivers.
Despite the loss of talented running back Josh Gauthier, the Sabercats have a battle in camp at that position. Newcomers Frank Farkas and Dan Swystun join returnees Mark Palumbi, Jeff Ianni and Jeff Maki in the backfield, although one or two of these players could be moved to receiver.
The offensive line is coming together with returnees Joey Turpin, Mike Iachetta, Kyle Oulette and Gary Knox along with newcomer Matt Cook, who has impressed the coaching staff thus far.
A three-way battle exists at quarterback between returnee Anthony Amadio and rookies Ryan Maunu and a young but emerging Frank Weise.
Defensively, the team highlight will be the powerful linebacking corps. Despite having one the best linebacking combos in the OVFL last season, a whole new group has been assembled and look to be even better.
Described as being big and quick, the linebacking group includes Ian Hazlett, Jason Giosa, Dan Kennedy and Gavin Cond, who played with Wilfred Laurier University last season.
"We talked with the players on Thursday and we discussed that our goal was to make the playoffs and anything less than that would be unsuccessful. I don't want to put added pressure on them but we have the talent here to do it. If our workouts thus far are any indication, the players have really shown commitment and dedication," said Viotto.
Viotto's coaching staff includes returnees Mark Cady, Ryan Cady, Dave Burritt and Cale Krezek along with newcomers Sean Pratt, Jason Biagini and A.J. Bisceglia. The training staff includes Austin Youngson, Aaron Nesom and Katie Elgie.
Tickets for Sabercats home games are available in a season package for $15. The team is also looking for sponsorship. Ticket and sponsorship inquiries can be made to Ross Viotto at 256-1862.