Fresh off successfully hosting the UVic Vikes men's basketball team this past weekend, Isfeld Athletics is now focussing on its own student-athletes for what promises to be a full and exciting year.
Isfeld athletic director and coach Colin Cunningham says teams in all sporting areas in Grades 8 through 12 are busy preparing for their fall seasons, many sports with enough student interest to field two teams.
Isfeld is happy to have so many staff members involved, with over 30 teachers and administrators supporting athletics. The athletic program is also anxiously awaiting the spring season where it will host two Provincial championships – AA girls soccer and AAA golf at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community.
The fall season is by far the busiest. Grade 8 girls volleyball has enough for two teams and will be coached by Debra McKillican and Amber-Skye Lessard with the support of numerous senior girls volleyball players. Grade 8 boys also have enough to field two teams. Coached by Peter Lineger and Wes Mann, their season kicks off Oct. 1.
Grade 9 girls volleyball will be coached by Sarah Jones and Mike Reilly. Junior girls volleyball will be coached by new principal Jeff Taylor. Although working in a Disrict Principal role, Taylor has been actively involved in coaching volleyball at Isfeld for years. Junior boys volleyball (which got underway Sept. 27) will be coached by Wayne Della Siega. Senior girls volleyball will be coached by Jahmil Fayad, a former NCAA volleyball player and father of two of the senior girls.
Coaching senior boys volleyball is Donna Baydock, mother of provincial volleyball team member, Grade 12 Joel Regehr.
Vice-principal Gerald Fussel has his hands full coaching two teams of Junior boys soccer with a total of 38 boys in Grades 8 through 10. Senior boys soccer have already won their first two league games and are coached by Mika Taiji.
The aquatics program will once again be led by school counsellor Barb Clement. New to the Isfeld coaching ranks is Brad Smith who has taken charge of the cross-country running program. Junior and Senior football is up and running thanks to longtime coach and parent, Chris Sutton. Finally, Isfeld is one of the only schools on Vancouver Island to offer both Junior and Senior girls field hockey thanks to the involvement of teachers Moira Ashlee, Kim Murcheson and Sandi Poirier.
Winter sports are all set to go as well with coaching positions filled in all areas except Grade 8 and 9 girls basketball. Anyone in the community interested in joining the Ice basketball program is asked to contact Colin Cunningham or Jeff Taylor at the school (250-334-2428). Isfeld will be offering basketball at all levels, curling, wrestling and skiing and snowboarding.
Spring sports are also set to go with Senior and Junior girls soccer, golf, track and field, badminton and Junior and Senior boys rugby. Isfeld is looking for assistance and support for the track and field program.
Two Provincial championships will headline the spring. The first in late May will be AA girls soccer led by longtime coach and teacher Jonathan Bos. Look for lots of exciting updates thoughout the year leading up to the tournament.
Isfeld golf was all set to host provincials last year when the governing executive decided it was best to cut short the season due to teacher job action. Thankfully, Crown Isle has been incredibly accomodating in moving the event to this coming spring. Everyone involved is excited about the prospect of, for the first time, hosting the banquet, accomodation, skills competition and tournament rounds all at the same facility.
Last year Isfeld involved 19 girls and boys golfers in their program which included lessons and tournament play. It is expected as many players or more will join the program this year, vying for one of five spots on the provincial competitive squad.
– Isfeld Athletics