Starting over

Return of Moncton Vipers makes MWFL whole in 2015

Heading into the 2015 Maritime Women’s Football League season, the return of the Moncton Vipers signaled strong momentum. After the team was unable to compete in 2014, it was a visceral loss for the league, altering its landscape. Akin to a house with a wall missing, the league valiantly continued with heavy hearts as one of their charter franchises was not part of its 2014 gridiron glories.

As one of the Vipers greatest players, starting quarterback Jenny Miller is among a core group of veterans that proudly returned in 2015. In reflecting on the factors that prevented the club from competing in 2014, there was a combination of numerous factors that Miller identified, many simply beyond their control. The accumulation of so many circumstances, compounded by a shortage of available talent resulted in a lost season where the focus was to rebuild and retool, with 2015 as the rebirth of the proud Vipers.

“In the 2014 season, the Vipers had a large loss of players from previous years. As a team, we were always able to maintain a strong core of players from year to year. It just happened that last year many long-term, high quality players either moved away, retired or had other major life events that kept them from playing.

We were starting over completely anew and with the MWFL season having been changed to begin earlier in the year, the team was unable to recruit and secure a team. It was a challenge and we missed out on playing in the league, but we are back with a great base of players to begin rebuilding the team to its former glory and successes.”

Miller is not just a team leader and a role model for the younger players, she is also the face of the franchise. As the only member from the Vipers original roster still competing in the MWFL, Miller’s career represents a link to the franchise’s inception, bridging two generations together. The chance for Miller to be part of the Vipers return in 2015 is an extension of her accomplishments with the club, signifying her heartfelt dedication to the club.

“This year we had four former players that decided to put in the effort to heavily recruit and ensure that a team was viable for 2015. I am the only remaining player to have played with the Vipers since day one and I am thrilled to see that the team has made a comeback. This year, we have a strong core of women that want to learn the sport and have done so with such enthusiasm for the game.”

Long identified with the number 16 in Vipers lore, Tina Hetherington has assembled a body of work that makes her one of the MWFL’s most accomplished superstars. Having had the honor of League MVP bestowed upon her more than once, Hetherington’s talents also culminated with a spot on Team Atlantic’s roster, competing in the inaugural Canadian Women’s Championships in 2012.

Returning to the Vipers in 2015 represented a special moment in her distinguished career. Contributing to a rebuilding club, her experience and maturity are essential components that make her an invaluable leader. In returning to the MWFL and playing the game that she has masterfully excelled at over the seasons, a combination of emotions defined the return.

“I had a lot of different emotions going onto the field for the first time in two seasons. I was definitely nervous and the adrenaline was pumping. I am grateful to be back on the field and for being part of such a great group of women. There was a great deal of anticipation wondering how we would grow and progress together throughout the game.”

Another longtime player whose accomplishments place her in the same rarified air as Hetherington is Jeannie Bourgeois. Quite possibly the greatest MWFL player to wear the number 50, she is among a special group of women that can lay claim to earning the League MVP Award. Considering that she is also a Team Canada and Team Atlantic alumni, Bourgeois joins the likes of Hetherington and Miller as a trinity of veteran leaders for the Vipers, hoping to set a positive example and restore the glory days of years past.

Despite the Vipers first game resulting in a loss, the true victory was in the fact that they were back in the family of MWFL clubs. It was a feeling of jubilation and pride shared among all who were part of such a meaningful game. For Bourgeois, the sense of redemption is a catalyst towards the strengthening of a proud but rebuilding franchise.

“It was an amazing feeling to be back on the gridiron with an abundance of talent and heart. To be able to walk back out on that field as a new team, together and united as the Vipers again. The thrill and love of the game showed during every second, during the games as well as the practices. It was a huge sense of accomplishment to know that we could come back after having to forfeit the previous year. And I have a great feeling that this team will remain as one for a long time to come.”

In the aftermath of the MWFL regular season, Bourgeois feels great pride in the unification of a group of empowered women working towards a common goal. Forging new friendships and rekindling older ones, the camaraderie has rejuvenated her. In discussing what she has enjoyed most about the return of the Vipers this season, Bourgeois is confidently positive in her observation,

“Meeting this amazing group of ladies. The veterans that came back as well as the rookies that came out have been amazing. They have worked together as a team and backed each other up as a true family, whether on or off the field. Lasting friendships and a strong dedicated team atmosphere has been forged and I am proud of every one of these ladies that have put their heart and soul into this team to make it a stronger impenetrable force.”

The courage and determination displayed by the Vipers first-year players was a constant source of inspiration. Composing a defining moment in franchise history, such a collaborative effort certainly made an impression on Hetherington. Proud to be a Viper again, she acknowledges the impact of her new teammates,

“I have really enjoyed seeing so many women come and try the sport for the first time and loving it. They have made it possible for the Vipers to field a team once again. I enjoy getting to know my new teammates and helping out wherever I can.”

With a spot in the Friendship Bowl against the Halifax Xplosion, a victory would serve as the perfect ending. Although being forced to begin anew may have seemed overwhelming, the reward was well worth it. Contemplating better days ahead, Miller was proud to be part of such a magical journey,

“It is humbling to start over and to see all these new, young players coming out. It means the world to me to be back this season. Football is my passion and to be able to share it with other likeminded females is empowering. It shows that women’s tackle football is here to stay and we will do everything we can to ensure the Vipers remain in the MWFL for years to come.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”