UPDATED Nov. 29. UNITY — The anticipation of a normal volleyball season was high but winning a provincial medal when the Unity Warriors hosted the 3A SHSAA provincial volleyball championship was the ultimate goal; a goal achieved this weekend when the Warriors earned silver.
Coach Ken Parker, in an earlier interview, said this was the goal the team has been working toward for two years, a provincial medal. If their goal was successful, it would be the first UCHS volleyball medal in 30 years. An interesting trivia note is that players Hunter Spelre and Denim O'Donnell both had dads, Pat Sperle and Brent O'Donnell, who were part of the last provincial volleyball banners won by UCHS in 1991.
Fourteen players, with eight of them being graduating players, competed at five tournaments this season with varying results. They did not have to play conferences and would play host to regional playdowns to earn a spot at this provincial championship. Although the team knew they were already in as host team, they wouldn’t settle for a given and wanted to earn their spot.
The regional event on home court was a prelude to the excitement that would be present at provincials Nov. 25-27.
The host committee went all out making visiting teams welcome and providing an exciting atmosphere for players competing for this provincial title, complete with live stream games.
UCHS alumni volleyball players came for the support and cheer squad as well as offered live commentary for the finals Saturday, adding their knowledge of the players on the team and sauced it with some humour.
The Warriors won all games opening day in two sets, putting them in nice position for the final day and a playoff berth. Their only defeat in round robin came against Osler Valley Christian Academy. Unity went on to win two more games sending them to the provincial final, against none other than Osler VCA. The team would not go down without a fight and battled out two sets with scores in both of 25-21, however it was not enough to win gold and a silver medal it was.
Numerous fans remarked on the focus of the team to stay in playoff contention as large home crowds cheered enthusiastically throughout the weekend’s event.
"We were feeling confident that a top-four placement was possible after winning the regional championship the week before," says Coach, Ken Parker.
"However, there were still four teams attending that had high rankings that we had not seen this year but knew that historically they were strong volleyball schools. Our opening victory against Kipling was a pleasant surprise given that when we played them in 2019, they were filled with exceptional talent and they were silver medalists that year."
Confidence and experience helped the team in the remainder of Saturday games. The team looked toward Saskatoon Christian Academy as their biggest unknown as this team had beaten them for bronze in 2019, and historically, UCHS had never defeated them. The home town fan support helped flip the momentum and helped carry the Warriors to victory.
"I have coached teams in front of loud crowds but I have never heard a roar like I did when that 25th point landed on their side. I keep watching the video over and over again," said Parker
"This was an interesting team for me this year. Only two members returned from the 2019 provincial contenting team, but the remaining 12 members either played on my Grade 10 team or were part of my junior team that won district silver medal that year," Parker adds.
"As well, I had a few players that did not take part in the 2020 COVID practice team so it was really a mixed bag of players at different levels. Three tournaments cancelled early in the season so we had to (bide) our time to determine our strengths and what we needed to work on.
"However, this team never took any loss too seriously and took on any challenge whether that was playing against a big city team or playing with a new lineup due to absences. It is always a treat when a player sums up the season by saying that the last game never really felt like a loss considering that we still got a silver medal and we will have a banner on the wall."
Recognizing the volunteers who helped engineer and man this event was evident in Parker's glowing reviews of the overall success story of the weekend. Parker affirms that their leadership allowed him to focus on coaching. UCHS had the entire student body involved with class projects, door decorating to welcome visiting teams, and much more. Living Sky School Division allowed the tech department to live stream the event, a tradition since 2008, thanks to the continued experience and enthusiasm of Ryan Kobelsky.
"It was also heartwarming to see how many members of the community came out to cheer on the team," says Parker.
"Many of those in attendance were alumni that got involved … I just learned that my entire 2019 boys' team (less one) were all present for the final game. I am hoping that having an event such as this lets people know that unless they hear otherwise, our doors are open as long as they are able to work within the current health guidelines."
Grade 12 player, Denim O'Donnell said, "The atmosphere in our school gym was electric. Any provincial event is an incredible experience but to play in front of your home town is that much greater. The fans were awesome. Our age group was lucky to be able to host baseball and volleyball provincials this year, and to medal at both at home is something I will never forget."
Denim says the fun factor was a major component of the provincial experience.
"Our high fives were more like body checks."
He also pays tribute to the coach.
"Mr. Parker invested so much time and effort into our team and all the practice and games paid off as we got a banner for the school wall. We would have loved the gold medal but it’s the best silver has ever felt."
Hunter Sperle, also a Grade 12 player, adds, "I'd like to thank Mr. Parker for giving his all to us in no matter the task, as well as showing engagement and care in my progress through the last three years. I am glad to be part of such a big moment in bringing home his first medal. Thanks, Mr. Parker, it was fun."
Coach Parker notes, “Coaching is fun. They place seventh in the season opener and then you keep selling they can do better. They earn a silver medal. Not sure I can remember every team I have coached for 27 years but this one earned a spot in my memories. Thanks, lads.”
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