St. Mary’s Catholic High School Hosts Volleyball Championship

St. Mary’s Catholic High School Hosts Volleyball Championship

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

For the first time in their school’s history, St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Vegreville played host to the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) 1A Boys Provincial Volleyball Championship on Nov. 24, 25, and 26.

This event kicked in with an Opening Ceremony on Nov. 24. After this, the games got underway with a total of 10 teams competing for the championship title. Later that evening, a banquet was held at North Pointe Community Church.

Co-Chairs of the Championship were Assistant Principal Darby Murphy and teacher Curtis Paulichuk. The Head Coach for the St. Mary’s Saints is Chris Manderson and the Assistant Coach is Ty Paulichuk.

St. Mary’s Saints versus Penguins on Nov. 26.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Manderson said, “The team played amazing. We came in as the host so no one really expects you to do anything and we made it to the quarters. The team was the most mentally tough I’ve seen them all year. They really learned how to trust each other and how to believe in each other and believe in themselves. We had physical skills all year but mentally we just couldn’t get over that hump of handling the pressure and be able to play

in that big game, and they did that this weekend. They peaked at the right time. They played their hearts out and with everything that they had.

It was an amazing tournament and there was an unbelievable packed crowd for every game. I can’t believe how much support we had from the town and the sponsors.”

Team Captain Jeff Soliven said it was really thrilling for himself to be in this championship. “It was exciting to be there. It was a nice rush because we were there with the top teams from the province.

St. Mary’s Saints play against the Bawlf Wildcats.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

The good points were seeing everyone come together and stepping up to their roles. It was like we were fighting for each other and not by ourselves.

The skills I gained were being able to stay up when things were down by being positive and not being too hard on myself. Overall, I am proud of the guys and the team. We tried our best.”

Teammate Nolan Dixson said the good points were his swinging. “I plan to use the skills I gained going forward because volleyball is all about team work. If I can work with everyone, I can get through anything in life. In the future, I might try out for the university team in volleyball. I was happy to place fifth in the end as it was higher than I thought we would win.”

Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers perform for the opening ceremonies.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Murphy stated that, “The Saints finished with two wins and two losses placing third in Pool B after the Round Robin Play. This record sent them to the Quarterfinals where they faced off against the Olds Koinonia Royals. This was a thrilling game with the Saints jumping out on top winning the first Set 25-19. The second set the Saints took a commanding

10-2 lead but the Royals stormed back and won a nail biter 25-23. The third set had the entire gym on pins and needles as it went back and forth, but the Saints eventually were defeated 15-12 and their season was over. They placed 5th out of 10 provincial teams.

The camaraderie shown between the athletes and coaches was phenomenal. The level of play was so competitive that not only was there a 3-way tie in one of the Pools but almost every playoff game went to three sets and was decided by fewer than three points. It was an incredible weekend that united our community and highlighted St. Mary’s and Vegreville in a positive light that will resonate for years to come amongst the 1A Volleyball circle.”