By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

pumped for the future

Riggers excited for Nationals after season-ending loss

Aug 16, 2022 | 4:12 PM

It was not the championship ending they envisioned, but the Red Deer Riggers had an impressive season nonetheless, and still have something to look forward to.

The Riggers, who play in the senior men’s Sunburst League, finished 12-8 on the season, then lost a first round playoff series to the St. Albert Tigers.

The Tigers are set to play the Sherwood Park Athletics this week for the league title, and Alberta’s spot in the 2023 National Championship.

That tournament is to be hosted in Red Deer in August 2023, thus the Riggers get an automatic berth.

“Overall, 2022 was a pretty good season. We had a few injuries, and a couple guys ran up against family situations so weren’t around at times, but we still finished second in the league before running into a hot St. Albert team,” says Jaret Chatwood, team president. “The end result gives us some extra motivation for next year.”

'Inspiring Student Success'

Indigenous students enjoy learning about their culture at special conference

1h ago

DON'T WASTE IT

Lacombe encouraging residents to treat water as precious resource

10h ago

Ground School Training

New aviation career pathway elevates opportunities for students

19h ago

The Riggers were originally meant to host Nationals in 2020, but the pandemic wiped out that party.

Chatwood says when it finally does roll around next summer, it’ll be a good time.

“There’s a pretty big buzz in our locker room and we think people are pretty pumped about it around the city,” he says. “It’ll be quite a big thing, at least bigger than any ball tournament we’ve seen in these parts. Some of the players are pro and college level guys, some even who’ve played in the Major Leagues, or Division 1 and 2. There are 10 teams and it’ll for sure be a festival atmosphere.”

Around since 1981, the Riggers are multi-time provincial champions, and 2017 national bronze medallists, as well as a non-profit still seeking sponsors for their Nationals hosting duties.

The City of Red Deer is invested in Nationals to the tune of $25,000.