The 2013-14 edition of winter sports teams got underway this week at G.P. Vanier.
"With our senior volleyball teams making the provincials and playing this week, we hope their success this past season rubs off on the basketball, wrestling and ski/snowboard teams," said athletic director Larry Street.
Starting up with league play and tournaments soon are:
Grade 8 Boys Basketball - coached by Ross Jamieson and Blake Tobacca. Almost 20 boys are out for the team.
Grade 8 Girls Basketball - coached by former Towhee Brittany Hanson and vice-principal Jennifer Gordon. A dozen girls are looking forward to a fun season.
Grade 9 Boys Basketball - Alumni coach James Shepherd, assisted by Ross Jamieson, has 10 keen students who have lots to learn about the game. What better way than to visit Ahousat on not only an educational tour, but for some basketball lessons?
Grade 9 Girls Basketball - Alumni coach John Lewis and community volunteer Peter Parke have a girls team in the local league for the first time in history.
Grade 10 Girls Basketball - Same coaches – John and Peter have an energetic group who are quite athletic.
Grade 10 Boys Basketball - Fifth-year head coach Tony Edwards and assistant coach vice-principal Jason Cobey are both very excited about possibly the best group of Grade 10s we've had in many years. Forwards include 6'8" Chase, 6'6" Ty, 6'5" Tyler and loads of depth at small forward and guard.
Senior Girls Basketball - Coach Heidi Zirkl is starting the program up on her terms, and has plenty of work to do with a wonderful group of young ladies who love the game. Lots of heart here with these girls.
Senior Boys Basketball - Coach Larry Street and assistant Maureen Olsen are looking forward to one of the most enthusiastic groups we've seen in years. "We have a great combination of height, strength, quickness, court smarts, and awesome team unity. Our first year in the new division of Four A schools," Street noted.
Ski and Snowboard Teams - Coaches Andrew Young and Ron Olson again take the crew up on the mountain this winter to get ready for their favourite snow competitions.
Wrestling Team - Ken Lees again is volunteering his time to improve the wrestling scene in the whole district, with practices at both Vanier and Isfeld. Call him at the board office if you are interested.
– Vanier Athletics