Unity Composite High School was a busy, bustling school Nov. 24 and 25, hosting ten senior boys’ volleyball teams from all over Saskatchewan for the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association 3A provincial finals.
Warriors coach Ken Parker said, “I have seen the last few provincial championships where there were four clear favorites for winning overall. While the final four teams provided amazing semifinal and medal games, I believe that there were six teams in the mix for a medal – Unity being one of them.”
As it turned out, Unity finished third in their round robin pool, winning against Kipling and Shaunavon and losing to Dalmeny and Esterhazy.
The Warriors met the Osler Valley Christian Academy Lions in a exciting quarter-final matchup, winning their first set 25-12, but losing the next two sets to give the Lions the win.
Another quarter-final, between the Assiniboia Rockets and Kipling Magyars, provided an incredible highlight reel rally between the two teams, spectators holding their breath as the ball was saved, set and sent back over the net time and time again before Assiniboia finally scored the point. Exciting volleyball to watch in small-town Saskatchewan.
Final results of the tournament were gold for Esterhazy, silver for Assiniboia and bronze for Osler VCA.
The Warriors are a young team with no Grade 12s on the roster. Parker said, “Our boys competed hard and improved greatly throughout the weekend. However we still have some learning to do and … this was a great opportunity to experience the pressure.”
As for hosting duties, Parker said, “The tournament was run very well. Vicki Orobko was commissioner and co-ordinated a group of student volunteers that were excellent minor officials, hosts and gate workers. Pat Orobko ran some training sessions for the scorekeepers and lines persons. Kyla Snell put together a fantastic booth and co-ordinated parents and student/staff workers. Shanyne Kostyna had her art class provide some decorations.
“Brittany Arsenault rallied some of her computer students to work alongside Ryan Kobelsky from Living Sky to provide the livestream of the games. This was Ryan’s 19th provincial championship he has livestreamed. He continues to set a standard for schools across the province to follow.
“Remaining staff assisted by supporting door decorating and supervising gyms and students during the event.”
Even some alumni showed up to help out, including Zenon Orobko and Kyle Parker who provided commentary on the livestream medal games.
Congratulations to UCHS on a successful tournament, and to the senior boys’ volleyball team on their quarter-final finish.
