Solid teamwork and determination helped the R.F. Staples Junior High boys volleyball club claim the Alberta School Athletics Association North Central Zone 3A championships in Morinville Nov. 15.
While head coach Dean Fagnan was unable to watch his team win the zone championship, he said they had been working on developing its ability to generate offense.
“We’ve been working on our passing and serve receives,” he said.
“Really, just our transitions from playing defence and turning it into some sort of offensive play. So how to attack the ball while on defence.”
Kendal Ducharme, who filled in as coach for Fagnan during zone finals, said the boys were enthusiastic going into the tournament but took their win in stride.
She said the team was excited to bring home a new banner for the gym, adding that the boys dominated all weekend.
“We went to three sets twice,” said Ducharme. “But we didn’t lose a game the entire weekend. They were really proud, it was clear they really wanted it.”
Fagnan attributed his team’s motto of “Pick each other up” as the foundation the team built its success on.
He noted that players were able to keep each other in the game when one player had a rough volley and the team didn’t let their drive to win overcome their ability to gel as a group.
“They’ve really had each other’s backs,” he said. “If someone’s struggled, another guy helps get him back on his feet. It’s been a real team effort and a lot of fun to watch.”
The boys finished their season capturing gold against nine city teams this past weekend at A. Blair McPherson School in Edmonton. The boys defeated Michael Strembitsky School in two straight sets to claim the tournament title.
“That completes our season,” Fagnan said. “It was very successful. We won five gold medals including gold at our zone tournament last week in Morinville.”
