Rookie Anarchist

Gault an inspiring rookie for Grande Prairie Northern Anarchy

In a season that has seen the Grande Prairie Northern Anarchy win its first game against a charter member of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, it is a sign of positive growth for the second year franchise. Equally important is the confidence of its players, especially its rookies. One rookie that has provided tremendous inspiration for her teammates is Twyla Gault. Despite being one of the oldest rookies in the history of the WWCFL, she brings an energy and enthusiasm to the game of a player half her age.

“As a 42 year old rookie who always wanted to play football, I am pretty sure I am not only the oldest rookie but the oldest player. I am not too sure where my love for the game came from except that in my mind they were tough guys and to me tough guys are it (laughs).”

The opportunity to grace the gridiron is one that was truly long overdue for Gault. While the province of Alberta has provided many opportunities for boys and girls of all ages to enjoy football today, it was simply a different time when Gault was growing up. Later in life, a brief relocation would serve as the catalyst to spark her interest in the game and the desire to compete.

“When I hit high school we did not have football in our area like (today). I grew up in a small town outside of Grande Prairie and they just did not have it back then. I moved to London, Ontario and spent a year there. Football is huge there and that is what you did on a Friday night, watch football and love it.”

Like many other strong women that compete in the WWCFL, Gault is also a proud mother. Today, football runs in her family. Of note, her inspiration to compete stemmed from her daughter. Watching her persevere and endure despite many early challenges to her playing career provided Gault with the confidence to participate.

“When I found Peewee football here in Grande Prairie, I registered my son. Within two practices, I thought my daughter was built for this. So I put her in and she played two years of Peewee, and then moved into bantam, which were all boys. They were hard on her but she stuck through it and became a very good lineman because of all the grief she put up with from those boys.

She went on to play a couple more years of girls football, which was not really her thing. Then she got a call from her old bantam coach Aaron Hodges, asking her to come and play for the Anarchy. I was excited and I asked about it and he said try it out.

I did try it out and I thought I was going to die. Yet, I persevered and feel pretty damn good as a result of staying in better shape. I also feel good about the whole team thing, plus I get to play with my daughter, who is my hero. Watching the way the boys would gang up on her, at the time they were big boys, and she would get up and not let it happen again is very inspiring. She is my hero (smiles).”

Gaining the support of her friends and family, the chance to play alongside her daughter has only served to enhance a memorable experience. In addition, she had the opportunity to learn from her daughter that strength is only one of many skills required on the gridiron. Quick thinking, good footwork and the willingness to learn account for success too. These were elements that she gained from her daughter, who employed such tactics in order to excel against the boys.

“My family and friends think it is most excellent that I chose to play. Most everyone thinks the sport is a good fit for me because I am a fairly aggressive person. In football, I learned very quickly that strength helps but technique is the key. My daughter is not anywhere near as strong as I am physically, but on the field she can kick my butt big time.”

Despite the generation gap, Gault is very proud to suit up for the Northern Anarchy. The feelings of friendship and team spirit have made this a priceless and positive experience for a late bloomer to the game. Although the learning curve is certainly a rite of passage for any player new to the sport, she quickly adapted to a great group of women who share a mutual love for the game.

“I am not too sure what the younger players feel about this old girl. Yet, what I do know is that they are extremely supportive. I could not have asked for a better bunch of women to bond with on a team level. I remember walking on the field first practice thinking, what am I doing? To them, I am another teammate, an equal, and for that I am truly grateful. The whole team dynamic is pretty amazing.”

Like any rookie, first-game jitters compose part of the process. Earning her first opportunity to compete for the Northern Anarchy during the WWCFL’s annual Jamboree on May 3, 2014, Gault worked assiduously to research the finer points of the game. Armed with ambition, the Jamboree provided Gault with learning experiences but a dream fulfilled.

“I must say, before the very first time I had played, I wanted to be good at the game and I wanted my coach to be proud. I spent many, many sleepless nights conducting online searches (Google and You Tube) looking for stuff that would make me a better player. I also watched quite a bit of footage on the teams we would face this season.

So it is the league’s jamboree and I say, ‘I got this’. I get out there and come out of my three point stance that I so perfected and hit a brick wall. Pretty sure it was number 60 from the Edmonton Storm and I was like, ‘Oh shoot. I have got to change this up.’ After that first hit, I did not feel as though I was going to have a major panic attack and throw up on the field. That was a great learning experience, jamboree style.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”