Schienbein joins Thunder at age 17

By Tim Switzer, Leader-PostApril 30, 2009R


REGINA -- Mike Schienbein has already survived a Riot so a little Thunder should be no problem.

The 17-year-old Winston Knoll student will be one of several rookies to suit up with the Regina Thunder beginning Friday when the Prairie Football Conference team opens its spring camp at Scotty Livingstone Field.

While the move from high school to junior football is never an easy one, Schienbein has some experience playing with his elders. He has played junior B lacrosse since he was 16.

"I've been playing against 22-year-olds for a while," said Schienbein, who spent one year with the South Saskatchewan Stealth before joining the Regina Riot this season. "Getting that experience of playing with guys older than me gives me an idea of what I'll have to do (with the Thunder). You're a little timid at first but you quickly realize it's not a huge jump if you have the ability."

Schienbein will also have to get used to a new position. After serving as a running back and returner with the Wolverines, he will keep his returner tag with the Thunder but is expected to be converted to receiver.

"I feel comfortable there — I was a running back at Knoll as kind of a need thing," Schienbein said Thursday during a press conference at the Thunder clubhouse.

Offensive lineman James Anderson (Campbell) and running back Steve Wass (Luther) were also in attendance.

The three rookies will be in tough to make a big impact on the Thunder this season. The Thunder is expected to have 35 to 40 players return for their third or fourth season with the club — one of the largest totals in head coach Erwin Klempner's four seasons with the team.

"I don't expect to get off the bottom rung any time soon — you just do your thing and hope for the best," said Wass.

"During the high school season I was a bit more dominant, but it's not a completely different experience (in Thunder workouts)," added 6-foot-4 and 210-pound Anderson, who only seriously took up football during the 2008 season.

While it makes for a tough road for young players, Klempner knows a large number of returnees means a shift in the program.

"This is a huge step and we're getting very, very close to what we want," said Klempner, who has often lamented the loss of players to the CIS after a year or two in the junior ranks. "A lot of those (returnees) played and we've gone through some growing pains so I think we're taking a huge step."

Friday's practice session is scheduled for 7 p.m. with workouts to go at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The final workout will be held Sunday at 9 a.m. with a scrimmage to follow at 2:30 p.m.