UNITY ‑ When school sport and activities were halted in March of 2020, there was uncertainty about whether 2021 would provide opportunities for this aspect of the high school experience for Unity Composite High School students.
Even some disruptions in 2022 caused uncertainty about extra-curricular activity, as seasons started with caution and a pandemic pause was issued in early 2022. However, determination and desire persevered. What resulted was nothing less than remarkable.
In the 2021-22 school year alone, UCHS has amassed an admirable list of success stories as outlined by vice-principal Ken Parker.
Three UCHS boys advanced from district senior golf to compete at SHSAA provincials, and Parker notes that considering only four players can advance out of Battle West District, it was a big deal to have three from one school advance.
Four cross-country running athletes completed in provincials and individually they did well enough to contribute to a provincial silver in the 3A team category.
Under a new coaching staff, the UCHS Warriors football team won their league, advancing to provincial playoffs.
Volleyball season ignited Warrior pride, as all teams in all divisions showcased their talents, winning a Battle West District gold for the junior girls' squad. The junior boys' won nearly every tournament they played in, and capped off the season with a silver medal in districts. The senior girls' team won conference and region advancing to 3A provincials. The senior boys' team won regionals on home court and were also hosts of the 3A boys' provincial championships. The boys earned a silver medal in front of a packed home gymnasium, earning the first UCHS boys' volleyball medal in 30 years.
Senior girls' curling earned district gold and placed fourth at regionals. The junior mixed curling team earned a Battle West District gold rebounding back on the B side of the playoff bracket.
Basketball was best described as a dream season and again put Warrior pride into high gear. The junior boys' team dominated every tournament. They were seeded number two for the final four tournament and earned a district silver medal.
Hoopla hype grew throughout senior basketball season as players, coaches and fans could see provincials were a real possibility. After the senior girls and boys won conferences, ranking them number two in the province, both advanced to regional championships. Because of their high ranking, both teams qualified to host the regional playoff event. For the first time ever, UCHS played host to a double regional basketball event. Both teams captured their region, advancing them to SHSAA provincials.
The girls' team took home provincial bronze in Indian Head while the boys travelled to Osler and brought home a provincial silver medal. This is a repeat of the 2019 results, the last time teams competed in championships.
Two UCHS athletes took part in the Wilkie Gorilla wrestling community program. Their coach offered to supervise them at SHSAA events and both boys advanced from regionals to provincial competition.
There are still a number sports seasons on the go including badminton, archery, junior golf and track and field. UCHS will host district junior golf playoffs.
“In my 27 years at UCHS, this has turned out to be one of the most overall successful athletics seasons that I have ever seen at this school," Parker says.
"I credit the coaches and staff supervisors, that after an entire year off (in some cases two seasons), they were ready and waiting for the student athletes to return and get rolling. My observations are that while other schools were struggling to get things going, by the time that they did, UCHS was already refining and getting ready for the championships.”
Extra-curricular at UCHS also includes drama, which created a production in first term and are currently working on their spring production. Student Leadership, Positive School Climate committee and SADD continue their work.
UCHS has started a PRIDE group that meets weekly.
Success stories include teamwork
Parker credits players and participants for the success stories. He commends parents for their support, including getting kids to and from activity, as transportation is always a challenge. He also offers accolades to coaches and leaders running the UCHS programs and says they are second to none, and are a big component of these success stories.
UCHS overall played a big role as six tournaments were held in volleyball season followed by four playoff tournaments. Basketball season included hosting four tournaments as well as junior girls' conference tournaments, followed hosting senior regionals for both teams.
Parker notes hosting takes an entire UCHS team of parent, staff and student volunteers working together. He also said these events happened in a time of health restrictions and pandemic protocols so details were important.
