The Barrhead gyms were full of “oohs”, “ahhs” and “yays” last Saturday. There were also constant bursts of applause over a steady drumbeat of sneakers.
Having fun was what the Junior Jaguars volleyball tournament was all about … and players and spectators were determined to do just that.
The bleachers were packed throughout the day as parents watched students serve, lunge, set and spike, as well as create their own shots, some effective, some less so. Occasionally, efforts were greeted with smiles or laughter, but never meanness.
In the end it was fun that triumphed over everything, including winning. Not that the games weren’t competitive – the most casual observer could see how hard the students played.
The Junior Jaguars #1 boys’ team gave Barrhead fans plenty to shout about, coming third after beating W.R. Frose/Fawcett in a consolation match, 25-20, 25-17.
The team of Tanner Whiting, Jona Cisse, Landon Sonnenberg, Ryley Stephani, Daniel Charchun, Mario Acevedo, Nick Botros, Austin Golby and Robert Geis were presented with a plaque.
“I thought the tournament went very smoothly,” said Jaguars #1 coach Curtis Straub. “Everybody had a good time, which was the most important thing.”
The 16 boys’ and girls’ teams were split into two pools. The Pool A’s featured Junior Jaguars #1, W.R. Frose/Fawcett, Neerlandia and Clyde, while Pool B’s included Junior Jaguars #2, Jarvie, R.F. Staples and Legal.
On the boys’ side, Clyde captured Pool A. The Jaguars #1 came second, W.R. Frose/Fawcett third and Neerlandia fourth.
Pool B saw Jarvie come out top, followed by Legal, R.F. Staples, and Junior Jaguars #2.
It was then off to the playoffs where Jaguars #1 beat Westlock in three tough sets, 25-18, 18-25, 15-8, before losing to Jarvie and facing Fawcett in the consolation match.
Meanwhile, Jaguars #2 lost to Clyde but bounced back back against Legal. In the gold medal match Jarvie beat Clyde.
Straub was full of praise for his players, saying they had demonstrated many of the skills learned in practice, such as serving and communication.
Sabrina Cober, coach of Jaguars #2, was also delighted with what she saw.
“I am very proud of our boys,” she said. “I thought they were awesome today.”
Cober stressed the importance of having fun.
“That’s what really matters,” she said.
On the girls’ side, the two Junior Jaguars teams faced some tough opponents, but never let their spirits drop and maintained their good humour throughout.
In Pool A, the Jaguars #1 – Lisa Grossenbacher, Meghan Den Broeder, Kaitlyn Clark, Brittney Druar, Josee Raymond, Amalia Lind, Deanna Klein, Lauren Bernes, Erica Soetaert and Maddy Acres – came up against eventual champions Fawcett and runners-up Clyde.
Despite the quality of opposition, they turned in good performances and the games remained competitive.
In Pool B, Jaguars #2 split sets with R.F. Staples and finished third in the group. The highlight of the playoffs was a thriller between the two Jaguars, with team #2 edging it.
“It was a day filled with fun,” said Jaguars #1 coach Margryt Rispens.
“I am so proud of all our boys’ and girls’ teams,” said Leah Flynn, coach of Jaguars #2. “We had an awesome day.”
