Good sports!

Times Reporter   

 

Strathmore was the host for this year’s 2014 ASAA Rugby Provincials held in Calgary June 6-7 at the Calgary Rugby Union. This was the first time the boys have had a shot in provincials and coaches Brad Steele and Tim Popel said they played with a lot of heart. 

“They played the number one-ranked team in Alberta – the team that won this year’s championship.  Although the score was very lopsided, the Spartans never gave up and kept battling hard the whole game,” said Steele. 

Game two was a similar experience, except the boys managed to keep the scores a little more even, and scored a try. The last game the team jelled, playing well and managing to win the game. 

“At least four different Spartan players scored tries. We played a man short, yet we still won the game,” said Steele.

“It was a great effort by the team. We finished off on a positive note, which was great for the team. We knew we would be in for a very tough go in the first two games and that is how it played out.  To win a game at this level is a great accomplishment for our boys.”

This year the Spartan boys won the sportsmanship award and banner, with Travis Luehr winning the individual player sportsmanship award.

This is the second time that a Strathmore High School team has brought home a sportsmanship banner, both times happening this school year, and both teams having been coached by Steele. 

Another player, team, coach or referee has to submit a player or team for the award, so it is an award given by your peers, which makes it even more special.  

Rugby is a very aggressive sport, and each player must be able to maintain control of their emotions in a stressful situation. Any intent of injuring another player is against the laws of rugby, and the spirit of the game. 

“Winning two sportsmanship awards at provincials this year is something for Strathmore High School to be very proud of.  In curling, as in rugby, sportsmanship is part of the game.  Mrs. Ledene and I were very proud of our boys curling team in both how they handled victories and how they handled defeats,” said Steele. 

“They were a very nice group of young men and it was noticed and rewarded by the players and coaches at provincials this year. The same holds true for the rugby players.  Their sportsmanship reflects well on our school and the Strathmore area.  As coaches Mrs. Ledene (in curling), Mr. Popel and I, can only teach the appropriate behavior and rules. The players must buy in to the spirit of the games. They did this, and it was noted by others.  We couldn’t be more proud.”