Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Guessing Game

With two high profile resignations in Regina coaching ranks this week, maybe it's time for a little speculation.

Now that Justin Eiswirth has stepped down, we can ponder who might replace him as manager of the Regina Red Sox.  As two-time defending Western Major Baseball League champs, the Red Sox gig would be attractive for a lot of people.  I think it's safe to say the organization wants someone who will continue building on the foundation that's already in place, and ideally that candidate should be from the Regina area. Former Manager Rob Cherepuschak should be at the top of the list, although I suspect he isn't ready to consider a return to that role yet.  One of the assistant coaches (Kent Morrison, Josh Hughes or Nathan Bourassa) could be next in line. Or, how about Mitch  MacDonald? The Red Sox slugger was virtually a player/coach the past few years anyway, so it wouldn't be a huge leap. I could see it happening.

The Regina Thunder junior football club is in the market for a new head coach, following Erwin Klempner's resignation. Klempner spent seven years building that program, but could never get past the Saskatoon Hilltops in the playoffs. Mind you, who can? I think the list of internal candidates is topped by two names - defensive coordinator Shawn McCall, and special teams coordinator Scott McCauley. McCauley is a former Thunder player, and is considered one of the rising young stars on the local coaching scene. Personally, I'd be surprised if  Campbell Collegiate head coach Ryan Hall wasn't in the conversation as well.

I assume we'll hear the outcome of both hiring processes by Christmas at the latest.  Should be interesting!

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