Glen Constantin, happy to finally see his Zouaves on the football field, showed up on the TELUS-UL Stadium field.
On Saturday, the Laval University Rouge et Or started their spring camp. The exercise, which represents a first step in the pond for the 2022 campaign, will take place until May 7.
“It was so nice to see the players again with their helmets and their shoulder pads, after a long winter of training in physical preparation,” said the long-time head coach after his first training session.
“There was a really good level of enthusiasm and energy.”
To build
Subjected to the vagaries of the COVID-19 pandemic for two years, the world of Quebec university football has the impression of returning to a semblance of normality in view of the 2022 season.
Being able to hold an event like a spring camp is a real blessing for Constantin.
“It’s the first steps to build the 2022 season. It’s a privilege to have a block where we can practice non-stop for seven days.”
“We take this opportunity to build the foundations of our attacking, defensive and special teams systems,” adds the man who has held office since December 2000. “It’s also important for the identity of our team. There are positions that are at stake. It is important to have a good camp and to start things in the right way.
No complacency
It is still too early to talk about the objectives of the next campaign, even if the Rouge et Or are used to aiming for nothing but victory.
“Whether we are the defending champions or not, our approach does not change. The important thing is to progress, to have no complacency and to want to improve”, claimed Constantin.
Last year, Université Laval went 5-3 in the regular season and lost in the Dunsmore Cup final against the Université de Montréal Carabins.
“Considering that this time, we are not champions, it is sure that there is a hunger which is present to progress”, said the one who won 14 times the Quebec championship as head coach.
“We are not talking about a championship at the moment. We just want to be the best version of ourselves for the next training camp.”