Leipzig Serenity Retreat held another wonderful supper and concert a few weeks ago.
This time, Tilly and the Billygoats entertained the crowd, with approximately 40 guests in attendance. With a chicken and rib supper followed by the sounds of the unique folk country blend of music, the night was a success. The band has also played at the retreat's music festival.
This past Saturday was a busy one for the Wilkie Initiation Outlaws as they hosted their home tournament. With five teams in total, players travelled from Unity, North Battleford and Macklin to participate. From the crack of dawn to the start of dusk, the little ones kept themselves busy in the arena. Parents, coaches and anyone else who had an extra hand used it to help make the day successful. With yummy muffins and oranges served to the players, a full prize table and a list of much appreciated sponsors, the tournament turned out to be great. The little ones went home with smiles on their faces and medals proudly held in their small fingers.
The McLurg High School wrestling team was also busy this weekend. Fifteen out of the 22 members of the team travelled south to compete in the Regina Titan Wrestling Classic. Held over two days, the tournament consisted of 1,500 matches with teams coming from all over the province.
Head coach Chris Kent with assistant coaches Heidi and Cole Veit helped coach the team to 28 wins and eight losses. Proud team members arrived home with gold, silver and bronze medals from the competition. Gold medal winners were Jaelynn Rohs, Shawnie Johnson, Julien Stark and Nick Nielsen. Silver medal winners were Krystin Schwebius (scored an 11-second pin), Taylor Hoffman and Mark Karstens. Bronze medal winners were Wyatt Pongracz and Dustin Davies.
Kent says he is very proud of his team, saying that the opportunities in wrestling are huge. Two members went to nationals in New Brunswick last year and four have received university scholarships through the sport and are currently top competitors. The students practise and travel as a team but compete individually.
Kent said that since wrestling is an individual sport, it is a huge character builder; you lose, it's on you. He teaches his students to "own it," to be proud of their accomplishments and take responsibility for their actions.
Gold medal winner Shawnie Johnson says this teaches you to be a better person, because you are not blaming others for your mistakes. She says both coaches help her with her competitions. Assistant coach Veit helps her get ready for a match and coach Kent keeps her motivated.
Although she is capable of competing without her coach at her side, she says that "it is ten times better with Mr. Kent there. He is always proud of you and always cheering you on."
So far, Shawnie has won a bronze and silver medal and now has gold to add to her collection. She tries to get "better and better each time."
Leo McGee, head coach of the University of Regina wrestling teams has approached Shawnie to let her know how impressed he was with her skill.
Her skill will be put to the test again this weekend as she is on the road to Saskatoon to compete in another tournament. Shawnie is also a member of the Gorilla Factory Wrestling Club, a SAWA approved club run by Kent in Wilkie and hopes she can keep up with the sport. She has one more year to compete with the high school team and hopes to have a few more years with the local club, depending on where life takes her after she graduates.
Her love for the sport and her team keep her going, Shawnie says. She regrets not joining the team earlier.
" McLurg Wrestling Team is like a big family. Everyone fits in together and everyone supports each other."
The Gorilla Factory Wrestling Club currently has about 14 junior members and 15 senior members. Kent strongly encourages anyone to contact him for more information; including residents of surrounding towns who may not have wrestling teams or clubs available to them. If you have any inquiries on the club, feel free to contact Kent at 306-843-3257.
