The R.F. Staples Alumni Volleyball Tournament was back Sept. 17, bringing together high school athletes past and present.
Six men’s teams and five women’s teams battled for the tournament, packing the Rotary Spirit Centre’s fieldhouse for a full day.
Jessica Sereda and her 2005-06 squad emerged victorious on the women’s side while Doug Sereda and his 2009-11 grads went undefeated to bring home the men’s title.
The alumni tournament first started in the mid-1990s and has experienced a revival in the last few years, thanks, largely, in part to the effort of local grads.
“It’s about team pride,” said event organizer, 2001 alumnus and R.F. Staples teacher Kyle Beattie.
“It’s always fun to get everyone back together and play and see if they’re still competitive.”
That competitive drive doesn’t whither with age, said 1998 alumnus Sheldon McConaghy.
“It’s good to see what the new kids are doing and how they’re playing, see what the old guys have left,” McConaghy said.
“I missed it for a few years, but it’s good to get out and hit the ball.”
Current T-Bird Greg Kaliel said that it was also a challenge for the 2016 crop to weigh their skills against previous teams, something that’s difficult to do outside of a competition like this event.
“It’s a lot of fun especially with the past teams here,” Kaliel said.
Alumnus and current senior girls coach Delia Carlson said that although younger athletes sometimes have an edge when it comes to physical strength, nothing makes up for the knowledge and experience that comes with age.
“Sometimes you beat the younger teams and experience outplays youth,” Carlson said.
“It’s pretty neat to come back and see what’s out there.”
