JANUARY 21, 2022, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A21
PIONEERS,
Continued from page A15
Despite the success of the squad, the
biggest issue the Pioneers have faced is
generating interest from potential players.
“It can be tough on the women's side
because there is less interest. The biggest
hurdle has just been getting the word
out,” said Steve Polanski, the recruiting
coordinator and assistant coach for the
Pioneers.
Polanski started last season taking
photos for the team, but after watching
multiple games and practices, he knew
that this was a program he wanted to be
a part of.
“This is legit tackle football. The
women are so bought in to this oppor-
tunity. They want to see this grow and
succeed. It is great working with them,”
Polanski said.
Polanski has been coaching football at
different levels since 1999, but since the
majority of women who come out for the
team are new to the sport, he prides him-
self on trying to simplify the game to the
players.
“We have to start from scratch with a
lot of them, so we need to figure out how
to present information at a base level,”
Polanski said.
“Coaches need to work with the knowl-
edge that we have, and it takes them a
moment to step down. We are super lucky
to have the coaches that we have,” Fineran
added.
As the president of the Salem Women's
Football, Fineran has the goal of starting
a tackle football league for girls under
the age of 18. But for now, Fineran is fully
focused on continuing the success of the
Capital Pioneers.
“We have nurses, we have stay at home
moms and we have city workers. We are all
from different walks of life, but our bond
has been incredible,” Fineran said. “There
is no experience necessary, so I would
encourage any woman with the slightest
bit of interest to come check it out.”
“The women really enjoy the camarade-
rie in a different way. They stick together
and are there for each other on and off the
field,” Polanski added. “I want the com-
munity to get behind these women. Once
they get going, they're going to love it.”
Those interested in playing or spon-
soring the team should visit the team site
(https://capitalpioneersfootball.square.
site/) for more information. The season
opener is April 9.
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TOP: Maribel Gomez runs through the Portland Shockwave defense in a game from last season. BOTTOM: Alyssa Flores sacks the quarterback.
Submitted photo