The 2006 version of the Sudbury Spartans are looking to
revive some of that old Spartan glory.
Following a disastrous season where the local boys went 0-8,
the team sought out a new coach to challenge the players to
compete to their full potential.
When rumours surfaced about St. Charles College football
coach Chris Bartolucci's interest in taking over the Spartans,
he was approached by a trio of veteran players. With the
blessing of the team's executives, Bartolucci was brought into
the fold.
In spite of his excitement over the season at hand,
Bartolucci knows the team has got its fair share of obstacles
to overcome if it's to return to the post-season.
"To say they're in disrepair would be an understatement,"
said Bartolucci. "My challenge is to get the program back up
again."
The one thing Bartolucci has going for him is his
familiarity with the Spartan program. He took in every home
game last season and has either coached, coached against, or
played against most of the players on his roster.
"Fundamentally, it's a good product but I think it lacks
direction and a little bit of leadership and I think a sense of
purpose," he said.
The new coach, however, doesn't want to mistake familiarity
with complacency.
"The practice structure is something they're going to have
to get used to because it's going to be a lot more disciplined
for sure. My demands from the team are going to be a lot higher
than previous coaches.
"That may be pie in the sky and remains to be seen but like
I've been telling the guys, I'm not out there to be number
two," said Bartolucci.
Brendan Dougan, the team's wide receiver and a 10-year
Spartan veteran, said one of the reasons he approached
Bartolucci was because of his experience.
"I'm really excited," said Dougan. "I've known Chris for
about 15 years. I've played against him, coached against him
and I have a lot of respect for him and am glad he's on board."
Last season, because of a lack of players, the Spartans
weren't able to field a complete offensive or defensive line,
meaning some players would have to play both. Bartolucci said
he's missing the right side of an offensive line and is in need
of big, burly linebackers to penetrate the enemy defence.
"It's something we're going to have to be concerned about,
linemen seem to be a premium in this city," said Bartolucci.
"Historically, it's always been this way...a lot of guys
don't like getting hit."
The Spartans will take to the field Monday for the start of
training camp and their first practice in full gear. The season
will start in June against the defending NFC champions, the
Tri-City Outlaws.
"We want to put fans in the stands and we want this community to be proud of the Spartan heritage."
