By Tim Switzer,
Regina Leader-Post
The departures of wide receiver Chris Bauman and slotback Chris Getzlaf left two gaping holes in the University of Regina Rams offence.
There are plenty of bodies willing to fill them, but it remains to be seen just how well they do.
“When you lose people of that calibre, certainly (you take a hit),” said Rams receivers coach Rick Seaman. “But I look forward. I enjoy what I see out here and it’s exciting.
“It had to (drop off) because of the experience you lose. It’s a natural thing. But these players out here are trying to catch up and that’s what’s pleasing.”
Regina will likely use two of last year’s starting pass-catchers — second-year wide receiver Jordan Sisco and fourth-year slotback Chad Goldie — in the same roles and there are a number of options to take the spots vacated by Bauman and Getzlaf.
“The competition is starting to shape up,” said Jared Ralko, a second-year slotback who is a front-runner for a starting job. “I don’t think we’ll miss a beat this year.”
While Ralko will take over for Getzlaf at slotback, Brett Vancise will likely move into Bauman’s place.
Jumping into those spots may be a tall order for whoever gets the call. Bauman and Getzlaf were both All-Canadians last season and the new starters will also have plenty of competition nipping at thier heels.
Bauman led the CIS with 923 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches in 2006 and was selected first overall in the CFL draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Getzlaf was third in the country with 786 receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns. He went in the draft’s fifth round (33rd overall) to Hamilton but was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday. Both have played in CFL games and are therefore ineligible to return to the Rams.
“That’s in the back of your mind with guys like Bauman and Getzlaf and it will be tough to fill those shoes,” said John Kanaroski, a second-year player who can play wideout or slotback. “With the guys we have here it will be different, but it will still be good.”
Ralko, Vancise and Kanaroski are joined in the battle for starting spots by veterans Chris King and Cassidy Neilson and rookies Kolten Solomon, Jason Price, Brenden Owens, Sean Herperger, Mark McConkey and Devin Sakaluk.
Each will attempt to impress Rams coaches today as the team takes to Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium (1 p.m.) for the Green and Gold intrasquad game. Admission is free.
“The first couple days there was a big gap between the veterans and the rookies,” said Solomon, who Rams head coach Frank McCrystal has already said will contribute to the offence in one way or another. “Now that we’re into it a little more and rookies are getting their plays down, it’s getting kind of tight.
“There’s spots open everywhere, but it’s a huge jump for us coming from high school.”
For right now, however, no one is ahead of anyone else on the depth chart. Seaman wants every receiver to be able to play when called upon.
“I haven’t thought starters,” said Seaman. “All I’ve thought about is getting all these guys to be starters and then we can make a decision.”
And even though the competition is fierce, no receiver is trying to leave another one behind.
“I’m most impressed with the leadership of the older guys and how they’re helping the younger guys,” said Seaman. “The young guys are responding and they all get along. It’s been really good.”
