The high-flying senior Gryphons boys soared to a volleyball tournament triumph in Spruce Grove over the weekend.
They showed their predatory instincts to take apart rivals Peace Wapiti Academy from Grande Prairie in the final and claim the STA Classic title.
In a tight first game, the Barrhead boys managed to keep their discipline and pull through 25-20.
The Gryphons then ran away with the second, 25-10, with a high energy display that earned praise from coach Rod Callihoo.
“We had a game plan and we were able to be successful,” he said. “Our energy and defence were top notch. I feel all the players in the final played a very honest and skilled match.”
He praised his team’s discipline and commitment, saying the win would be a confidence boost.
“We also played a rival and showed to ourself our capabilities,” he added. “We have set a tone that we need to reach as we step on the court for every match we play,” he said.
In their round one matches, the Gryphons swept all before them.
After a competitive first match in which they beat Wetaskiwin 25-20 and 25-17, they had an easier time of it against Beaumont, winning 25-12 and 25-11.
Then came a titanic three-set struggle against their perennial foes, the R.F. Staples Thunderbirds from Westlock.
Despite coming up short in the first set, 23-25, the Gryphons regrouped to surge past the T-Birds 25-17 and 15-7.
In the quarterfinals the Gryphons came up against Camrose, and after clinching a first set nail-biter, 25-23, they made light work of the second, winning 25-14, and booking a semi-final spot against Saint Thomas Aquinas from Spruce Grove.
It proved a relatively comfortable contest with the Gryphons taking both sets, 25-18 and 25-19.
Callihoo said all his players showed an increase in confidence and ability when they had a chance to play.
He felt the younger players were developing well and making the Gryphons a more rounded team.
“We are seeing the young guys getting more comfortable, showing exciting improvement,” he said.
Callihoo said the victory against Peace Wapiti – who won the Gryphons’ home tournament – was a step forward, but he cautioned against complacency.
“We need to keep the win in context,” he said. “We have won the first battle with PWA – we will see them later on in the season – and we have to prepare ourselves for a team that will be more difficult to play next time.”
Next up for the Gryphons is the Spruce Grove Composite High School International Tournament this weekend, where they will play top teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC and Manitoba.
