This past summer was another successful one for the Nanaimo and District Lacrosse Association, with many young Nanaimo players getting the chance to compete at provincial playoffs, the B.C. Summer Games and even at nationals.
A total of four Nanaimo girls’ teams took part in provincials held in Maple Ridge. The youngest of them was the peewee (born 2002-03) group coached by Toni Angell. On the roster were players Jayde Wassell, Maddy Rypma, Lydia Zart, Aylah Mrus, Amelia Usborne, Charlise MacDonald, Faryn Good, Abby Sewart, Rebecca Scrivens, Shanice Kobzos and Haley Campbell. Also there was Katie Terry who received a provincial fair play award and Olivia Ory who was named as the team all-star. In addition, the team was named as most sportsmanlike team in the division.
Another Nanaimo team that competed at provincials was the bantam (born 2000-01) girls’ squad. Farren Ferguson provided the coaching for players Ainsley Allan, Emma Campbell, Julia DeWolfe, Sarah Dmytruk, Sarah Ferguson, Shayla Frinton, Sierra Howden, Alyssa MacDonald, Jasmine Milburn, Jayne Nystrom, Jessica Ory, Braelynn Phillips, Lauren Roberts, Sophia Scobie, Jasmin Shafi, Shania Thompson, fair play award winner Nicole Briggs and all-star Veronica Robinson.
Also at provincials this past season were the Timbermen midget (born 1998-99) girls coached by Ross Angelucci. Representing Nanaimo were Amy Cooke-Yarborough, Celine Theberge, Chelsy Brugge, Dakota Green, Elise Angelucci, Emma Young, Emily Golobar, Jane Robinson, Joleen Intwert, Kaelyn Dorman, Mackinna Bourque, Mary Dmytruk, Rachel O’Dwyer and Renae Christensen. Others were Taylor Olsen who received both the fair play and all-star awards and Shaelynn Ross who won national gold as a member of Team B.C.
Coach Andy Reynolds reports that the Nanaimo junior girls’ squad also played very well at provincials. Team members included Hannah Boas, Cassidy Drakeley, Tasha Fontaine, Dallyce Gillespie, Sam Hartmann, Emily Krytor, Santana MacIntyre, Grace McCheyne, Daionte Delain, Sabrina Nelson, Hailey Gilson, Daley Tedesco, Morgan Theedom, Cassidy Green, Sydney White, Destini Valerie, Selena Lasota, Chantel Jones, Sophie Vanderlee, fair play winner Jacey Kultgen and team all-star Madison Krassman.
With boys’ lacrosse teams, it was an excellent season for the Nanaimo midget A squad. The locals won the Vancouver Island title, then advanced to the provincial tournament in Campbell River where they placed fifth. Head coach for the team was Steve Bishop, assistant coaches were Mike Allard and Jon Diplock and players were Matt Bishop, Silas Boon, Ramerio Castro, Wes Colach, Cody Dumont, Adam Fulton, Alex Hurren, Teegan Lance, Tyler MacKay, Ross Manson, Darious Murray, Matt O’Dwyer, Aidan O’Dwyer, Ryan Polywkan, Tyler Polywkan, Connor Reid, Haydn Sitler, Graden Soucy, Ron Wallace, Colton Davies and Julian Johnny. Kurtis Allard won the fair play award, Bryce Taylor was a provincial all-star and coach Steve Bishop received a coaching fair play award.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.