Quarterback Rigler takes reins of hometown Kamloops Broncos

Rigler completed 13 of 24 passes for 103 yards and did not throw an interception.

“He shows up and has that leadership that we need,” Broncos’ head coach Jay Daniels said. “It’s a tough room. We have four quarterbacks this year. Cole and [JR Howdle of Lloydminster, Alta.] had taken lead and JR played a little bit in the second half of that game against Langley, but he ended up getting a wrist injury, so it’s really a great time for Cole to really solidify himself as the team leader.”

The Broncos (0-1) are scheduled to play the Kodiaks (0-1) on Saturday (Aug. 1) in Prince George.

Rigler was a standout for the South Kamloops Titans, leading a prolific passing offence and his team to the B.C. School Sports AA Boys provincial semifinal last year.

He said he considered other options for his post-secondary football career, but chose to play for his hometown club.

“When I was told I would be competing for the starting job, it made it even more intriguing to sign,” Rigler said. “I’ve been watching this team for my whole life. I grew up playing for the little Broncos. It was a crazy feeling when I walked into the locker room and I saw the jersey hanging there. I was like, ‘This is like a full-circle moment. This is crazy.’”

The Broncos – who were 0-10 last season and underwent significant roster and coaching-staff turnover – are likely to experience profound learning lessons this year.

“Win or lose, the sun is going to shine tomorrow,” Rigler said. “I keep saying to the guys, ‘We’ve just got to keep going. We’ve just got to come out and do what we do best and, eventually, the wins are going to come.’”

The Kamloops QB said he has chemistry with his former Titans’ teammates Jones and Lloyd Heggen, receivers who said their decision to play for the Broncos this year was influenced by the arrival of Rigler.

“I was pretty hesitant on it,” Jones said. “I’m coming off lots of injuries… They (Rigler and Heggen) kind of convinced me to come out and give it another shot.”

Added Heggen: “I’d say I thought about it a little bit. Like Hudson said, when Cole and him are playing and our offensive linemen, Nathan [Martens], that also played South Kam football is with us, that made it much easier.”

Rigler was asked about his goals for the season.

“I want to get the Broncos as many wins as I can,” he said. “Like I said, I’ve been watching this team my whole life and it’s always been a losing season. So, if we can just go .500 and get as many wins as we can, we’re bringing more guys in next year because they see that we’re building a winning culture. That’s the dream.”

Heggen said a win this weekend against the Kodiaks – who also experienced significant off-season changes – is a possibility.

“This is huge,” he said. “All week we’ve been saying this is our Super Bowl. This is a winnable game. Every day we’re coming out here to practice as hard as we can to win that game against Prince George.”

by Marty Hastings

Quarterback Rigler takes reins of hometown Kamloops Broncos

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