Vanier Viking Rookie Excited To Learn The Game And Be Part Of The Team

By Robert Thomas

When the Vanier Vikings take to the football field for nine man football this season they will have a grade 12 first time football rookie that has played zero organized football in her life.

But in the male dominated world of high school football don’t make the mistake of seeing her as just a female because Bella Sauer can take a hit and dish it out just as hard as the rest of the guys.

“You have got to try something new,” Sauer said explaining why she was playing Vikings football.

Bella Sauer, a grade 12 student at Vanier Collegiate, who has never played football in her life, is now a member of the Vikings - MJ Independent photo

Friday evening’s exhibition game against the Gull Lake Lions was her first ever football game.

Sauer said she was happy with her first ever trip to the gridiron.

“I had a good time. I got way more playing time than I thought I would today,” she said.

Asked about what it was like to be the only female on the Vikings she said her teammates simply treat her like one of the guys.

“My team is really good. They are all really accepting. They treat me the same there is nothing different.”

Asked about if she felt nine man football was more advantageous for her as a female she said others in the team were making adjustments but she was “just learning the game.”

For Vikings Coach Ryan Gottselig rookie Sauer is just like the rest of the team.

“She is a grade 12 student who wanted to come out and try out football. Yeah she is soaking it up and doing fairly well.”

See Related Story - Vikings Defeat Lions