Petrik Commits for 2 Years
The Rockingham Lady Flames have secured the services of 2009 Head Coach Ryan Petrik for seasons 2010 and 2011 after the coach agreed to terms with the club to guide the highly improved team for the next two years.
The Flames were keen to secure Petrik after his performance in 2009 when the rookie coach lead the team to one of their best ever performances with a 15 and 7 record with no imports and just one NBL player against a league deep with experienced players.
Flames CEO Shannon Conrad noted that “while the rest of the league leading teams had rosters deep with imports, National League or experienced players Ryan was able to extract maximum return from an extremely young but enthusiastic squad which is a unique and valuable skill as a coach.”
“I think Ryan’s approach to the playing group which gave every player on the roster the opportunity to prove their worth was instrumental in allowing players like Gail Eikhoudt and Sherelle Johnson to have break out seasons and join teammates Kaye Tucker and Casey Haggar as being regarded as key players in the League.”
After signing on Petrik’s attention immediately turned to the task at hand and commented "When I first signed on late last year, the plan was to rebuild on the fly and get younger in 2009, and then be in a position to challenge for the championship in 2010 onwards, as all of our squad would be entering their prime. Hence the 2 year deal, I wanted to try and finish what we've started here."
The Flames have rewarded both the coaching staff and playing group for their efforts in 2009 with plans in place for the team to add to their playing group as required and the potential to add a National League player or professional import should it be considered necessary to propel the team into the realm of perennial championship challengers.
"We think we have a very solid core group of players, but were probably 1 or 2 pieces short of being a legit challenger year in, year out. That's something we'll either have to find within our squad, or recruit in the off season” Petrik commented.
With the Head Coach secured the focus for the team now moves to the playing roster with the club keen to re-sign the bulk of last year’s squad so it can identify potential players that cover any gaps in the local talent. With many of the local players rushing to sign upon the re-appointment of Petrik the club expects to announce the initial squad in the next few weeks before taking time to assess potential recruitment targets prior to the commencement of pre-season training in early January.
For all updates and progress of the Lady Flames team visit their official website www.rockinghamflames.com.au
Article by RBRA
Last Modified on 23/09/2009 18:33
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