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Written by Tony Clarke
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Monday, 06 October 2008 |
Several Winston Churchill High School volleyball players will soon be trading falling leaves for palm trees and pineapples.
From Oct. 11-19, WCHS senior girls coach Tracy Wong will bring two girls teams and one boys team to Hawaii to compete in a pair of tournaments.
These local players look to experience what it’s like to block, spike and set in an international match against teams from Japan, Honolulu and California.
“It’s exciting for the kids,” says Wong. “They will get to play against different teams than here in Lethbridge . . . so it will be interesting to see what’s happening outside of southern Alberta in terms of volleyball.”
Wong said the matches will be an eye-opener for most students, but the trip is not just about volleyball. With so much history, culture and traditions found on the island, coaches and players view it as an educational experience also.
Wong says the decision to go to Hawaii was made last year after learning of the state’s strong volleyball background. Since then, there’s been fundraising and plenty of planning leading up to the trip.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Griffins and Bulldogs as the volleyball season has just started here in southern Alberta, and players are practising regularly.
It’s also giving players more incentive to try as hard as they can each time they’re on the floor, she says.
As for her own 3A senior girls team, Wong said they are young with three Grade 10 students in the lineup, but they have already shown a lot of promise.
In their opening match, they defeated Taber W.R. Myers before losing to a powerful Catholic Central team, and then to LCI.
“I’m not concerned about these early season matches,” said Wong. “I think we are getting progressively better and will be a contending team this year.”
Leading this year’s attack is captain and middle Kelsey Mirkovich, right side hitter Jillian Ankatowicz and setter Stephanie Quinton.
“Kelsey is our most well-rounded athlete. She’s our strongest hitter and player in the front row.”
Mirkovich has also played Team Alberta volleyball, an experience Wong admits helps the team tremendously.
Ankatowicz is an all-around player who excels at defence and plays very smart in the front row, she said, noting Quinton, like most setters, controls most of the pace and action on the court and is one of her hardest working players.
But what Wong said she sees from her entire roster is a commitment to playing never-say-die defence, which includes digging and communicating well on the court.
“They are always positive and encouraging each other, which is great to see.”
It might be a little easier to be positive knowing you’re leaving the chilly fall air of Lethbridge for the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii.
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