Williams’ volleyball champs celebrate winning season

March 12, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Jeff Doner

The students of G.W. Williams high school were treated to an afternoon of fun heading into the March Break, when their York Region championship junior boys volleyball team faced off against a team of staff members for a friendly match.

The school also unveiled their new Wildcats mascot at the event, who the school is hoping will help grow school spirit among students.

G.W. Williams staff member Lynn Weller said the event was more about showcasing the young squad that was able to clinch the championship in November.

“I was so proud of the boys that they won the York Region Championship and I just don’t think that they were acknowledged well enough,” she said. “So I wanted to put something on where the other kids could see these great guys play, but then I wanted it to be fun, so I had to ask the teachers if they wanted to play and they all stepped up and had a great time. It was also a nice way to kick off the March Break.”

With hundreds of students on hand to watch the fun, Weller said the hope is to create a buzz around sports teams at the high school.

It was a long season for the young squad, but they were visibly proud to be able to show off their trophy and championship banner to their peers.

“It was an overwhelming feeling,” said Grade 10 player Ben Kissack. “We lost to the same team that we beat a week before, but we destroyed them in the final. It was ridiculous and we only have a handful of rep guys, so it was pretty good. It was fun and a great season.”

The team they needed to beat was Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School from Markham.

“Commitment put us over the top,” Kissack explained. “Out of the 12 guys, everyone came to practice every morning and after school the whole season. I’m hoping our setter, who is in grade nine, will play up next year and hopefully we can go to OFSAA next year. That’s the goal.”

Mitchell Law-Heese was another player who had a big role in winning the championship and said the game against the teachers was the perfect way to celebrate their success.

“It was a fun game and a relief that we won,” he said with a grin. “There was a lot of people here and we got to show off a bit in warm up. It was a lot of fun.”

The boys team ended up winning the friendly against the school staff, but the two sets were a lot closer than they expected.

Weller said the event itself was just another positive the players can add to their list of achievements looking ahead.

“I feel like we have a mini-dynasty when it comes to volleyball,” she said.