Written by: Selma Toeller
This past spring sports season was an eventful one for Raider athletes. From various tournaments, to CWOSSA success, read more about how some of KCI’s spring teams performed over the past few months.
Girls Rugby:
Despite not advancing past the semifinals last year, “we had an amazing season!” shared Girls Rugby coach Ms. Armatage. After being undefeated in the WCSSAA championships and making it to the CWOSSA finals, the Girls Rugby team officially qualified to play at the OFSAA provincial tournament. “Once they won that CWOSSA game there has been no turning back,” stated Ms. Armatage. The Girls Rugby team recently won bronze at OFSAA! Congratulations!
Junior and Senior Tennis:
The Senior and Junior Tennis teams had definite success this season, having overcome many challenges such as losses, injuries, and bad weather. “They definitely improved their technique over the season,” stated Mr. Taylor, a coach for both tennis teams. “Every team won at least one match,” Mr. Taylor noted. He also gave a shout-out to a couple of players who notably caught his eye during this season’s championships, including Spencer Gray: “It was really nice seeing him [Spencer Gray],” Mr. Taylor noted. Spencer, who overcame five match points and was one point away from winning, was praised by Mr. Taylor, who said, “it takes a lot of guts and belief, and he did it.” Mr. Taylor also gave a shout-out to senior tennis player, Paige Barsness: “She thrived at WCSSAA,” Mr. Taylor stated. “She was playing at a level that I have never seen her play at WCSSAA senior tennis. She’s very open to a lot of the tips and techniques I gave her.” However, he accredits the whole team for their success this season.
Junior and Senior Badminton:
This season, KCI’s Junior and Senior Badminton teams saw many players attend WCSSAA, with one girls team even advancing to CWOSSA. Most notably, Erin Neil and Rapunzel Clary Lemon, who both saw major successes this season. Mr. Taylor, one of the badminton coaches, also noted that “they all improved their feel this season,” indicating the connection between player and birdie. “It’s a full body connection sport.” Additionally, Mr. Taylor talked about how having a good headspace is a considerable contributor to the success of players, especially considering the competitive nature of the sport and knowing that only sixteen players can be chosen for WCSSAA. However, this challenge was most definitely overcome this season.
Senior Boys Soccer:
The Senior Boys Soccer team faced a few challenges this season due to a format change in the number of games played each day, which resulted in the teams playing two matches a day. Although this was quite a lot of pressure for the players, “they still did what they had to do,” coach Mr. Valencia stated. However, the team stayed strong and still ended up having a very successful season. “I think it went better than I had thought,” Mr Valencia mentioned. Mr. Valencia also gave a shout-out to a couple of players and staff who he believes especially contributed to the success of this season, including Nikola Christian, Damian Nunez and Calvin Cairn: “They left everything on the field every game. They were work horses.” Mr. Valencia said. He also gave shout-outs to Mr. McGrath, Mr. Dandrea, Sara Madina, and Violette Myadiyeva. However, it is evident that the team’s success was gained through a total team effort.
Girls Soccer:
"KCI Girls Soccer had an outstanding season this year,” Ms. Salmon shared enthusiastically. The team competed in a competitive pre-season tournament at McMaster University where they won all three games within their pool. And overall, the Girls Soccer team proved to be on top of their game this season! The team was equally undefeated in the regular WCSSAA season play, as well, with six wins and one tie! They also had an outstanding quarter final game and just fell short in the semi-finals. “We are so proud of the hard work, growth, and skill that this team demonstrated. Congratulations on a successful season!" Ms. Salmon concluded.
Girls Slo-Pitch:
The Girls Slo-Pitch team was off to a slow start this season, having encountered two losses, but bounced right back up with a win in their first triple-header. They concluded their season with a 4 - 4 record and. Girls Slo-Pitch coach, Ms. Verhoeve, also noted Hannah Court, Zoe Ramkalawan-Fortier and Georgia Willsie, who are three graduating players, as critical components of their success, often coming up big both at the plate and in the field. Overall, the Girls Slo-Pitch team had a successful season this year. Ms. Verhoeve said, “I feel like the girls really came together over the course of the season, trusting and encouraging each other more and more. We had lots of good vibes, positive talk, and so many coachable girls. It was a fun season!” Ms. Verhoeve concluded.
Track and Field:
Despite fewer coaches, the Track and Field teams had a very successful season this year, with five students making it to CWOSSA, and Ben Prinsoverall becoming a WCSSAA champion. Track and Field coach Mr. Dastoor felt an improvement with the grade nines on his team. For instance, grade nine student Arianna Itoborb placed first in three WCSSAA events.
It is evident that KCI sports saw a great turnout this year, with so much talent, perseverance, and incredible sportsmanship! KCI is so proud of each and every one of the spring sports teams, and Raiders are looking forward to what the upcoming fall sports season will bring!