2023/2024 KCI Winter Sports Recap

From left to right: Senior Girls Volleyball Team; Sophie Cremenescu with a WCSSAA silver medal for Alpine Ski; the Senior Boys Basketball Team

By: Cora Moreno

Our Winter sports season has come to an end, and the athletes have left their mark with skill and determination. The teams have showcased exceptional capabilities, making our Raider family proud.

The Senior Girls Volleyball team had a very successful season. They “challenged teams with aggressive serving and solid passing” through an “extremely competitive season”, said the Sr. Girls’ Volleyball coaches. The Sr. Girls Volleyball team ended up finishing the season ranked 10th in WCSSAA, evidence of their determination and hard fought season.  Their tenacity and teamwork was demonstrated through the way they worked “tirelessly together as a team no matter the circumstances” and their constant efforts “ to create a positive uplifting and fun environment”, said Ella Evans. Congratulations on your outstanding work, Sr. Girls Volleyball Team!

This year's swimming  season was nothing short of exhilarating. The swim team showcased their endurance and perseverance through every stroke. According to their coaches they “worked hard all season and kept improving their technique to get faster in the water”. The team was “determined to defend our championship from 2023”, and came home with 5 well deserved WCSSAA championship plaques.  At CWOSSA many of the team’s athletes qualified for OFSAA, such as Evan Hodson, who went on to win Overall Open Boys and the Senior Girls Relay team (Bronwyn Lindsay, Ava Bast, Claire Huard and Jenna Little) who placed 4th. Athlete Evan Hodson said, “The team had high energy” and “I'm grateful to have had one last amazing swim season with such a great team.” What an incredible season for the swim team.  According to the coaches, those teammates who are graduating are “leaving some HUGE holes to fill” and they wish them best of luck!

The Jr. Girls Volleyball team was “a team full of many new faces”, said the Sr. Girls Volleyball Coaches. With “deep talent, lots of energy and commitment”, the girls put together some impressive wins and ended in 7th place in WCSSAA! Throughout their season they learned a lot, improved their skills, and grew unbreakable friendships.  Congrats to all players for your hard work this year!

Despite the odds, the Senior Boys Basketball team represented our school with integrity and perseverance. According to Coach Stewart, they “faced formidable opponents”, while they continually “exhibited unwavering resolve and resilience on the court”.  He said the team “consistently delivered close matches, even against opponents deemed superior on paper”. The boys, with two triumphs, demonstrated their true grit and determination throughout the season. Their season had many memorable moments!  They had one of KCI’s highest scores yet in a game won against Southwood 80-40. As well, they placed 3rd overall at the Eastwood Winter Classic Tournament! This season truly went “beyond wins and losses”, as coach Stewart would say.  It was their determination, unbreakable bonds forged in and off the court, and resilience that completed their season.

With their positive attitudes and determination the Girls Varsity Hockey team led an unforgettable season. The team finished 4th place this year, evidence of their hard work! According to their coach, the players “supported each other when they needed it and were not afraid to set themselves up to make a difference.”  When athlete Rachael Burt was asked to describe the best part of the season she said, “we went 4-0 in the Brantford tournament and won the finals 2-0”. Their coach “could not be more proud of this team and (was proud) to be their coach”. Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Hockey Team for an outstanding season.

The Co-Ed Curling Team had an amazing season, measured by the transformation of the team. The team didn’t let their “rocky start” define them, as their coaches would say. Instead they took their challenges as an opportunity to grow and be successful, eventually leading them to WCSSAA and finally CWOSSA. “The team’s endurance was tested again but they managed to persevere all the way through to the semi-finals!”, said one proud coach. Congratulations on an excellent season!

The Girls Curling Team demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm this season with their spirit of perseverance. Coach Hallas summed up their journey stating, “In a season of hits and flashes, the girls’ determination and positive attitudes never wavered." There were many newcomers this season, and their passion for the sport grew immensely. As coach Hallas said “A number of the girls started curling for the first time this year and immediately showed a love for the sport. "Although their time at KCI for many of these girls is coming to an end, they all have promising futures in curling ahead of them.

With the largest team they've had in years, the Alpine Ski team soared to new heights! The Alpine Ski Coaches encapsulated their remarkable success stating, “The KCI Alpine team had a great season.” Both girls and boys teams were able to achieve second place at WCSSAA, allowing them to move on to CWOSSA, where athlete Sophie Cremenescu placed second overall qualifying her for OFSAA. Sophie described this season as her, “personal best and favorite season." Sophie remains forever grateful for the good weather and the support from her coaches! The Alpine Ski season was one full of astounding accomplishments and will be fondly remembered by some as “a dream” season!

The Senior Boys Hockey Team played an impressive season. They played a 9-3 regular season bringing them to the semi-final! They fought hard and “demonstrated exceptional resilience all season, with many third period comeback wins" , said their coach, despite their loss in the eventual league champions. The Senior boys were able to lead each other in effective ways, “fulfilling their respective roles to the absolute best of their abilities” which amplified their ability to succeed, said their Coach. Despite this year being a “passing of the torch season”, as there were many graduating players playing alongside rookies, the Senior Boys Hockey Team maintained “Raider Pride and Tradition at the forefront," said their coach.

The Jr. Boys Basketball Team displayed dedication and strength this season.  Their coach noted, “The Jr. Boys B-ball team fought through good times and tough times this season." Their devotion to focus, effort and positive energy was exemplified through their practice and games as they pushed themselves to excel. All of their hard work paid off in many triumphs including their pivotal win against Preston Secondary School, which earned them a spot in the playoffs. The Boys made it to the quarterfinals in a match against GPSS where they showcased their strategic offense and defense on the court. Their coach extended a heartfelt “congrats” to all the players for a terrific season.

The KCI wrestling team had a season that will forever be remembered as remarkable! With an outstanding amount of participation, the team's victories started off strong at the St. David’s tournament. The team's incredible performance did not end there, it continued throughout the season. After the boys won at WCSSAA and the team combined earning the overall WCSSAA title, they advanced to CWOSSA where, for the first time ever, the boys claimed the overall championship. 6 athletes represented KCI at OFSSA: Simon Klassen-Saito, Marlon Scoggan, Robbie Thorman, Noah Fritsche, Jayden Houmphavong and Kate Thorne. With five of those athletes achieving top 10 finishes. Their coach expressed her pride by saying, “Their effort, performance and conduct at the provincial tournament was pure class and excellent sportsmanship”. What an exhilarating and memorable way to end the season!

After an incredible Winter season of amazing team effort, skill and spirit, we look forward with anticipation to what our Raider Teams will gain and accomplish in the spring season. RED YELLOW BLACK! GO TEAM!

Below: Picture from OFSAA Wrestling