Eleventh Edition - January 2026
The Mustang Messenger
Eleventh Edition - January 2026
The Mustang Messenger
Boys Basketball Shows Fight Through a Mix of Wins and Losses
The boys’ basketball season is underway, and while results have been mixed, both the junior and senior teams are showing determination, steady improvement, and growing teamwork.
The teams started the new year with away games against St. Mike’s, St. Marys, and Goderich.
They came out strong against the Goderich Vikings on January 14, but neither the seniors nor the juniors was able to secure a victory, with the seniors falling 43-78 and the juniors dropping their game 23-55.
Two days earlier, the boys celebrated victories on the road in St. Marys. The seniors came away with a 63-52 win over the Salukis, powered by strong team play and standout efforts from Hunter deBoer and Frankie Rovella. The juniors followed with a nail‑biting 37-36 victory, fueled by key shooting from Liam Beyersbergen, Ty Sutherland, Ryder Bishop, and Jarin Riley, with Brent Walters also turning in an impressive performance.
The week before, the teams traveled to Stratford to take on St. Mike’s. “Both teams pushed through tough games, trusting their teammates and playing their hearts out even when the calls didn’t go their way,” said Coach Mulvey. Although the juniors and seniors came up short, Coach Murray noted there “were some good moments that should be celebrated.”
Before the break, the teams hosted South Huron on December 17. Despite strong efforts, neither team was able to secure a win.
The season began with away games on December 9, setting the tone for competitive play. The seniors opened with an impressive win, while the juniors battled hard but ultimately fell short.
Senior players Hunter deBoer and Dylan Murray have been standout scorers so far, helping lead the team on and off the court in their additional roles as coaches of the teams.
With the season running until mid‑February, several key games remain as the teams push for spots in the HP Finals, WOSSAA, and potentially OFSAA. Students are encouraged to come out and support the boys during the upcoming home games: February 4 at 10 a.m. (seniors only), and February 9 at 10 a.m. (seniors) and 11 a.m. (juniors).
Purple And White Show Their Might
By Elaina Schnurr
The F.E. Madill Secondary School hockey teams opened their season with grit and commitment, with the girls’ record of 1-3-1 and the boys' record of 1-3-0.
The F.E Madill girls' teams recently faced a tough game against St.Anne’s Catholic Secondary School, losing 4-0 in a hard-fought matchup. Despite the score, goaltenders Emma Carter and Maddi Lucas delivered exceptional performances in net, making key saves to keep the team within reach. After two tough periods, the team picked up their energy in the 3rd, stepping up their offensive energy.
Earlier this season, the girls celebrated a sweeping success during the F.E Madill Invitational Tournament, where they came out victorious against challenging opponents from Clinton, Hanover, and Walkerton. The tournament demonstrated the team's desire and determination for glory.
The F.E Madill boys’ team has also made a stomping impression. They competed in a Tournament in Listowel earlier this season, finishing fifth out of twelve teams. Their highlight from this tournament was defeating their rival, St.Mikes. The boys proved their skills and teamwork through their well-deserved victories.
As the season comes to an end, both teams continue to push themselves and improve their skills as individuals and as a whole. The players and coaches have plenty to be optimistic about for play offs. Roll Stangs!
Senior Girls Volleyball Battles Through Challenging Season
The girls’ volleyball season has begun, with the seniors already facing some challenging matches. They hit the court in St. Marys on January 13, competing against the Salukis and the South Huron Panthers. Unfortunately the Mustangs were unable to secure a win.
The girls played back‑to‑back matchups at home the week before against teams from Stratford and Goderich. Stratford proved to be a challenging opponent, with the Mustangs dropping all three sets. They bounced back with a stronger showing against GDCI, winning their final set by four points and finishing the day on a high note.
The girls’ season began with the seniors participating in a tournament in Strathroy on Tuesday, December 9. They faced major competition from teams coming from London and Stratford. These schools have robust volleyball programs and players who also play competitively with the Ontario Volleyball Association. Although the Mustangs had a rocky start, they won 2 of their sets.
Kailyn Armstrong and Amelia Foreman were strong servers, while Larissa Van Niekerk consistently blocked and tipped at the net. Merisa Man set the ball with accuracy, and Ella Wells showed tenacity by chasing every loose ball. Emma Carter and Regan Grubb delivered powerful hits, and Abi McLaren stood out for her communication and teamwork. Zayden Heffer brought grit and determination, and although injured, Norah Jupp attended every practice and game to support her team.
Coach Ben Price noted that the team is learning and improving each game, and as a young group they’re excited for continued growth. Staff advisor Mrs. Payne added that the team’s developing skills and strong teamwork have been clear throughout the season.
Students Spread Festive Cheer to Local Seniors
Students from the school’s craft club, along with another volunteer student, spent part of the festive season creating handmade cards and jars of “friendship tea” for seniors living in Huron Perth County nursing homes.
The students prepared about a dozen jars of the special tea blend, packaging it in upcycled baby food jars. Each jar was decorated with a cloth lid covering and ribbon, and included printed instructions and a warm, personal note.
The initiative aimed to bring comfort and connection to seniors during a time of year that can feel especially lonely.
Curling Team Bonspiel
By Lillian Beyersbergen-Oakes
On January 7th, the Madill curling teams - two boys’ teams, a girl's team, and a mixed team - went to Stratford for their second bonspiel of the year.
Though they played well throughout the day, they were able to pull out more wins than losses.
The teams will play again on February 3rd, at Maitland Links. Community members are encouraged to head there and watch, to cheer the Mustangs on.