KAMSACK — A team of female volleyball players from Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex went to Las Vegas, Nev. to participate in the Las Vegas Classic Tournament Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.
A pep rally was held at the school on Jan. 28 when the team was dressed in its all-new uniforms, including jerseys and shoes.
“We have a very diverse group of girls, ranging from beginner to exceptional skill levels,” said Helene Cote, the coach, explaining that the girls were selected for the Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex (CGCEC) Kiniwak team based on attendance, attitude and academics.
“Kiniwak means eagles in Saulteaux,” Cote said.
The team began with 14 members in September and by October the final roster of 10 players in Grades 7, 8 and 9 was selected, she said.
Team members are: Kasia Badger, Karissa Keewatin, Macey Cote-Gambler, Ryan O’Soup, Kloey Norton, Iyla Kakakaway, Courtney Shingoose, Arianah Friday, Nasaycia Cadotte and Aubrielle Whitehawk.
Included in the group of 24 that went to Las Vegas with the players and Cote were Terry Severight, the team’s manager, and Maureen Whitehawk, the assistant coach, as well as chaperones and spectators.
The group travelled to Minot, North Dakota on Jan. 30 to get on a plane to Las Vegas, and were to return to Minot on Feb. 4 for the ride back home.
“We expect there to be a total of 113 girls’ volleyball teams from across North America in the tournament,” Cote said. “In round-robin competition, we were guaranteed four games.”
This is the first time that a Saskatchewan First Nation team is participating in the tournament, she said. “We’re breaking ground; we’re setting a pathway.”
Since the team registered for the tournament, team members have been “working hard” fundraising for the trip, she said. Among events held were a volleyball tournament, sales of tacos-in-a-bag, 50/50 lottery ticket sales and a merchandise bingo. The team was also supported by two major sponsors: the Cote Prevention Group and YTC (Yorkton Tribal Council).
Preparing for the trip, the team competed in several tournaments and participated in the Neechie Gear Camp near North Battleford on Dec. 29, she said. Wendall Star from Star Blanket First Nation, a well-known volleyball coach, held two volleyball camps at Cote First Nation for the team.
The team also was able to spend a day with the Saskatoon Huskies men’s hockey team, she said. The group had purchased the Bench Warmer Package and watched the Huskies play against the Regina Cougars in Saskatoon.
“As we continue to strive for excellence as a team, we focus on fostering discipline, skill development and academic excellence, which empowers our girls to reach new heights,” she said.
Added to the team members’ excitement is the fact that all 24 women on the trip are taking new ribbon skirts with them which they plan to wear “on the Vegas strip,” she said. Eunice Ketchemonia made all the skirts, especially for the occasion.
“They’re really excited; only two more sleeps,” Cote said on Jan. 28, just before the school’s pep rally for the team.
The 39th annual Las Vegas Classic takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre presented by the Â鶹´«Ã½AVern California Volleyball Association (SCVA).
“For over five decades, the SCVA has provided the opportunity for volleyball training and completion through Â鶹´«Ã½AVern California and Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Nevada,” says the Association’s Internet webpage. The SCVA, becoming incorporated in 1970 as a non-profit corporation, is one of the 40 regions of USA Volleyball, which is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States.
“The SCVA promotes initiatives for safe, structured and fun life-long volleyball experiences,” it says. The mission statement is: “To offer a diverse, safe, positive, and varied level of competition to all of our athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators through education and training for our members,” while its vision statement is: “To grow the sport through participation (as athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and spectators) in organized competition from beginning levels to elite, while maintaining compliance with all national, state, and local requirements as an organization.
