Sports
McMath’s Grade 10 girls’ volleyball team netted the 2018 Richmond championship.
Photo by Tony Wonghen
Wildcats claw to city crown
Some might say third time lucky, but in fact
it was well-rehearsed and well-delivered effort that netted the McMath Wildcats
the 2018 Richmond Secondary Schools junior girls volleyball championship.
Yearning for an award that eluded them during
their first two years of playing at the high school level, the Wildcats simply
wouldn't be denied. Working hard throughout the season, some even attending the
Richmond Olympic Oval's morning program, the players made the sacrifices that
accompany all successful endeavours. And even those who played infrequently
were steadfast in their support of the team.
"They really came together to formulate,
pursue and achieve their goal" says coach Kevin Shen. "The team
practiced three times a week and the girls even learned how to officiate
matches in order to see the game from a different angle. I am very happy for
them. Ultimately this group of individuals bonded to face each challenge as a
team and overcome them to become city champions."
While the Wildcats did not enjoy the success
they were hoping for at the Vancouver and district finals, eliminated by the
North Shore's St Thomas More Knights, it wasn't for a lack of effort or
cohesion.
Shen says it is increasingly clear that it
takes both talent and commitment to succeed today. And even then there are no
guarantees.
"In comparison to when I was growing up,
volleyball has become far more popular and the participation and competition
levels have constantly been on the rise," he says. "In addition to
more media, facilities and programs in Richmond such as Air Attack and the
Centre of Excellence at the oval have driven volleyball to become incredibly
popular."
He adds with an increasing level of
competition in the city, it is more crucial than ever for athletes to focus not
only on training to perform but also on training their minds and on eating and
resting well--on top of keeping their academics as a top priority.
Shen says he expects many of the Wildcats
will try out for the school's senior team next season, but because he's only
teaching temporarily at McMath he is unsure if he'll be available to coach
though he stressed he'd welcome the opportunity.
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