2022 was a magical year for the Huskies. They started slowly, so much so that some thought it might be the year another club could win either the championship or the challenge. But that wasn’t the case. Boris Marche, the new team manager, had the daunting task of succeeding Keino Perez, who had led the Rouen side to the top. For his debut, he achieved the triple crown with his team: the Championship, the Challenge, and the European Cup B.
For a long time, locally trained players have been the strength of the Huskies. Even in the off-season, they go on training camps in Japan or the USA. On the reinforcement side, this year he signed a Venezuelan pitcher: Tomas Salastre. He kept their Australian pitcher Todd Van Steensel (who just came out of the World Baseball Classic with the Australian team). He also announced two other Venezuelan aces: Werner Leal and Luis Ysla. They’re armed to repeat the triple crown, but this time for Europe, it will be Group A.
Interview with Pierre-Yves Roland, President of the Huskies
BTVF: What’s your take on the 2022 season?
If we stick to the results of our first team alone, this 2022 season was perfect as we won all three competitions we were involved in, and France is back in the European Group A.
BTVF: What’s your main goal for the 2023 season across all possible competitions for your club?
The goal is inevitably ambitious. To retain our two national titles and go and cause trouble at the European Club Champions Cup, which will be held in Amsterdam.
BTVF: What collective strengths will you rely on to approach each match?
Our strength has always been the collective. We’ll continue to rely on that.
The Rouen collective within the French national team
Prioul, Harisson, Brainville, Blondel, and Vissac.
BTVF: In your opinion, which statements best suit your club regarding new players?
Building hype by announcing new players on social media one by one before the season.
BTVF: Do you plan to broadcast the matches, and if you already do, what improvements do you envision for 2023?
Thanks to Huskies TV, it is planned to broadcast all matches with two potential improvements: an additional camera and slow-motion replays.
BTVF: What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your opinion, of having a team in Division 2 in addition to Division 1?
All advantages, as it allows us to toughen up players from our academy and make the step up to the first team less daunting. But it also allows Division 1 players to regain their form after an injury or a slump.
BTVF: What have you improved in terms of infrastructure for this new season?
Very honestly, not much, as we needed to catch our breath after two years of intense activity. The synthetic pitch will nevertheless be replaced at the end of the season, and we are applying for a permit to build a building behind the grandstand. The building will house the Technical Commission and Huskies TV on the upper level, and a shop and a modular space (training, catering, etc.) on the lower level.
BTVF: What were the main adaptations in terms of training and recruitment that you considered to prepare for the 2024 season (8 teams, JFL players…)?
Not many, as we remain on our course of continuing to trust our French players. Foreigners are only there to fill gaps or to face demanding competitions (Challenge, European Cup, and playoffs).
BTVF: What can we wish you for 2023?
To have fun and, of course, to win an 18th title.
