For years the Yorkton Blitz volleyball team has practiced in the gymnasiums of several Yorkton schools.
So it only made sense that, when the school equipment began to show its wear and tear, the volleyball club opened its coffers to buy some replacement equipment. "With the club doing real well with numbers as well as financially we decided at one of our meetings that we should purchase some equipment that both us and the schools can benefit from," mentioned Yorkton Blitz President Shawn Frankfurt. "We decided we would buy the equipment and donate it to the schools so that they can use it whenever they want as a thank you for letting us use their facilities and equipment over the years."
But what sort of equipment did Frankfurt and the Blitz purchase for the four schools? Was it some wrist tape? Maybe a couple of volleyballs?
No, it was not. Instead, the Blitz went bigger. Much bigger. "Last year we purchased new nets and poles for M.C. Knoll and a new, more comfortable pole for the referee to stand on," offered President Frankfurt. "M.C. Knoll was in real need of new equipment and we thought it would be a good idea for us to buy the stuff and donate it to them as a way to say thank you for their hospitality.".
In addition, Frankfurt said that the Yorkton Blitz volleyball club also purchased some minor volleyball equipment for M.C. Knoll and the Gloria Hayden Centre in 2013.
This year, however, Frankfurt and company felt the need to bless two other schools, Columbia and St. Michael's, with new nets and poles, once again as a thank you for being gracious hosts to the many Blitz teams over the years. "This year we made the same motion to purchase brand new nets for Columbia and St. Michael's and we're looking to do the same for the Regional whenever they are in need of new equipment as well," said Frankfurt.
Frankfurt also noted that what the Blitz did was unbeknownst to the principals and athletic directors of the four schools. "They were very surprised at what we did," offered Frankfurt, continuing, "They (the schools and athletic directors) are very thankful.
"Darren Teneycke, who is no longer with Columbia School, mentioned at one point how pleased he was that Blitz volleyball would do this kind of thing for the schools (without being asked). The Principals from all the schools were also very excited and happy to see new equipment coming their way. They weren't expecting it so it was definitely a bonus for them and they were pleasantly surprised."
In total the Blitz spent $5100.00 over the past two years on equipment, divided up between equipment for the schools and private equipment for Blitz players, which is a large sum of money to be spent on expenses that might not have been deemed necessary.
However, Frankfurt has mentioned that while the expenses are high, they will continue to rise as the volleyball club is not done with their equipment donating spree just yet. "We're looking at purchasing new volleyballs for the schools as well. Volleyballs like the ones we use which are very high standard volleyballs, as well as a new net whenever the Regional needs one."
Blitz success
The 16U Yorkton Blitz girls volleyball team has started the season off very successfully.
The girls participated in the Sask. Cup One tournament in Saskatoon on the weekend of January 25-26 where they played admirably against some of the provinces' top teams.
After a successful first day the girls finished with a 3-1 record.
The first day success enabled the 16U Blitz squad to take part in tier one play where they faced off against the other top teams from the weekend.
The girls played well in tier oneo but finished in seventh place in the 24-team tournament.
The 16U team was back in action on the first weekend of March as the girls participated in a 16-team tournament in Regina hosted by the Queen City Volleyball Club.
The girls finished day one with a 2-1 record, qualifying them for tier one play.
The girls ran in to a strong Swift Current Sundogs club in the quarter-finals.
The two teams traded wins in the first two sets, however the Sundogs proved too much for the Blitz girls in the third set defeating the Yorkton girls 15-13.
The Blitz bounced back to win their next two matches to finish fifth overall in the tournament.
The girls will now travel to Lloydminister this weekend to participate in the Sask. Cup Two tournament.
