Westwinds Volleyball League postseason tournament champion F.P. Walshe Flyers, back row, from left: coach Randy Bohnet, Janelle Stockton, Alex Garrett, Andie Curran, Shelby Lyke, Jamie Brown, Brooke Pansky, Emily Eremenko, Abby Bourassa and coach Bobbi Curran. Front row, from left: Tiegan Trotter, Haley Cervo, Stephanie Tobler-Crowe and Madison Hearn.

Westwinds Volleyball League all-stars Brooke Pansky, Jamie Brown and Emily Eremenko with most valuable player Andie Curran.

F.P. Walshe Flyers made it a clean sweep of the Westwinds Volleyball League.
The Flyers completed an undefeated season Saturday by winning the Westwinds playoff tournament.
F.P. Walshe placed first in regular season standings to earn a bye into the quarterfinals in the playoff tournament at Lethbridge.
The eighth-ranked Nobleford Blades provided the opposition for the Flyers in the quarterfinals.
The Flyers swept the Blades 25-19, 25-14 and 25-15 to advance to the semifinals and a match-up with Crowsnest Pass Pandas.
The fifth-ranked Pandas surprised the Flyers 25-22 in the first set of the semifinals.
That provided a wake-up call for the F.P. Walshe team who rolled to wins of 25-9, 25-16 and 25-10 to advance to the finals.
Tournament host Immanuel Christian Eagles provided the Flyers opposition in the championship match.
The Flyers opened the match with a 25-17 win in the first set.
F.P. Walshe then took control with a convincing 25-7 win in the second set, and closed out the victory with a 25-21 win in the third set.
The Flyers got more good news on the weekend when Grade 12 veteran Andie Curran was named the Westwinds Volleyball League’s most valuable player.
Teammates Jamie Brown, Emily Eremenko and Brooke Pansky — all Grade 12 veterans — were named league all-stars.
The Flyers now move on to the zone playoff tournament Nov. 17-19 at Lethbridge College.
F.P. Walshe enters the zone tournament ranked No. 2 behind Kate Andrews Pride from Coaldale.
The top two teams from the zone tournament advance to the provincial championships Nov. 24-26 at Vegreville.

Forty-two co-ed teams return to the court next month for the 17th annual STARS Charity Volleyball Tournament at Fort Macleod.
Twelve competitive, 12 intermediate and 18 recreation teams are registered for the April 5-7 tournament at Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
The tournament’s goal, as it is every year, is to raise at least $5,400 to fund one mission by the STARS air ambulance.
Last year the tournament raised $10,835 to pay for two missions.
“Things are coming along well,” tournament founder Mike Bourassa said.
The competitive division attracts teams of college and university calibre, but there are also divisions for intermediate and recreational teams.
The competitive division is for players aged 18 years and over, or at least turning 18 in 2019.
The intermediate division is for players aged 20 years and over, who are not playing college or university volleyball.
The recreational division is reserved for players 25 years and over who are not playing college or university volleyball.
Teams are made up of up to eight players, including a minimum of three women.
Registration is $400 a team, with a $100 deposit that will be refunded if the team shows up for all its games.
The top payout is $500, with teams sometimes donating the money back to STARS.
Tournament organizers have enlisted the F.P. Walshe school rugby teams to install four portable volleyball courts to transform the arena. A donation will be made by tournament organizers to the rugby program.
The tournament gets under way at 5 p.m. Friday, April 5 at the arena.
Action resumes at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 6, with all games that day at the arena. New games start every 45 minutes with the final ones of the day getting under way at 4:15 p.m.
A cabaret will be held Saturday, April 6. Volunteers are needed to handle security at the cabaret, which primarily involves making sure people don’t take drinks outside.
Sunday, April 7 is reserved for playoffs.
Students from F.P. Walshe school will handle all scorekeeping at the tournament, and will referee recreation and most intermediate games.
Admission to the games is free, but the Red Hatters will monitor donation boxes at the entrance.
“People are more than welcome to come and watch,” Bourassa said. “It’s always lots of fun.”
Other groups volunteering in return for a donation include the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus.
“The more groups that we can involve, the better,” Bourassa said.
Local businesses are supporting the tournament at five levels: platinum, $250 and over; gold, $100-$249; silver, $50-$99; bronze, up to $49; and door prizes.
To donate to the STARS tournament or volunteer, contact Mike Bourassa at 403-553-2025, 403-330-3546 or hooter44@shaw.ca.

Fort Macleod Mavericks assistant captains Nelz Vance, Jesse Lyke and Brenndon Mackin and captain Brody Zmurchyk accepted the banner from Todd Vance and Gord Lane of Hockey Alberta.

The Fort Macleod Mavericks won the provincial Midget D hockey championship Sunday at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.

Fort Macleod Mavericks overcame the adversity of an opening game loss to win four straight games to claim the Midget D hockey provincial championship Sunday on home ice.
The Mavericks capped an impressive run with a 7-1 win over Horse Lake Thunder, the team that beat the Mavericks on Friday to push them to the brink.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised,” Mavericks head coach Lindsey Rivet said of her team’s dominant performance in the final. “When they play to the best of their ability the entire game, I don’t think many teams can touch them.”
“There’s talent and there’s grinders and when they all work hard it’s just beautiful to watch.”
After losing 4-3 to Horse Lake on Friday, the Mavericks couldn’t lose another game if they wanted a shot at the provincial title.
Rivard let her team know it had its work cut out for it after that first loss.
“I told them it’s not going to come easy,” Rivard said following the championship game. “We’re going to have to work, we’re going to have to fight for everything.”
“No matter what, you can’t take a single team lightly. You’re going to have to work for every second, of every shift, of every game.”
The Mavericks responded with wins over Edson Sabres and Rimbey Renegades on Saturday to place second in their pool.
Fort Macleod knocked off Redcliff Grizzlies in the semifinals before avenging that first game loss by beating Horse Lake 7-1 Sunday afternoon in the title match.
“I’ve told them from Day 1 that you’re a team,” Rivard said. “You win as a team, you lose as a team, you fight as a team. You’ve got to ask yourself, am I working as hard as my teammates and if not, then I’ve got to step it up. And they did.”
Forward Jesse Lyke hadn’t scored in the tournament but on Sunday he exploded for four goals and had a fifth called off on a quick whistle.
Lyke said his plan going into the game was to crash the net and wait for rebounds. The strategy paid off as he was named his team’s most valuable player in the championship game.
“We decided that we were going to play desperate,” Lyke said of the Mavericks strategy for the final game. “Play like we were always losing, play like we were down by two goals.”
Lyke, who is in his second year of Midget hockey, suiting up last season as an underage player, said winning a provincial championship on home ice was significant.
“It means a lot,” Lyke said. “I’m happy we could do it for all the third years.”
Mavericks captain Brody Zmurchyk, who is one of those third-year players, said the provincial championship stands as the No. 1 accomplishment of his Minor Hockey career.
“Playing hockey my whole life I never thought we would be able to do something quite this drastic,” Zmurchyk said. “It’s just wonderful. I’m glad I got to do it here.”
Zmurchyk said his team approached each game with resolve after the first loss, playing a simple, physical game.
The captain was proud of the way his teammates dedicated themselves to the task, but he wasn’t surprised.
“We’ve been through a lot this year with injuries and all that, and it feels amazing to come out with this win.”

Clint Jordan Memorial Award nominees Odessa Grier from the Pee Wee Mavericks and Brody Zmurchyk of the Midget Mavericks with presenter Al Douglas at the Fort Macleod Minor Hockey awards night Wednesday at the Empress Theatre.

Brody Zmurchyk capped his career Wednesday with Fort Macleod Minor Hockey’s most prestigious award.
Zmurchyk, a third-year Midget player, received the Clint Jordan Memorial Award on Wednesday at the Minor Hockey wind-up at the Empress Theatre.
Presented in memory of a Fort Macleod Minor Hockey player who died suddenly in 1990, the award recognizes commitment, hard work, sportsmanship and team play.
“This year we had numerous players who fit this award, which made it a tough decision,” Mavericks head coach Lindsey Rivet said.
Zmurchyk, who was captain and led the Mavericks to the Midget D Zone 5 and provincial championships, demonstrated to his coaches an understanding and commitment to his offensive and defensive responsibilities.
“Every shift, every practice he has given everything he has and then some,” Rivet said.
Zmurchyk demonstrated his commitment to hockey with near-perfect attendance at practice and by suiting up for every Mavericks game this season.
Zmurchyk scored 13 goals and set up seven others for 20 points in 16 regular season games in the Central Alberta Tier 3 Hockey League. In 10 playoff games he added three goals and three assists.
Rivet said Zmurchyk “walked the line” with his tough play, rarely putting his team shorthanded as he took just 24 penalty minutes.
“Leadership is what makes others better, and making sure your impact lasts in your absence,” Rivet said. “This player is someone his team looks to in tough games. He lifts up his teammates, and also calms them down when things are heated.”
Rivet said Zmurchyk gives his best effort at all times and holds his teammates and coaches accountable to do the same.
Odessa Grier was nominated for the award by the Pee Wee Mavericks.
Team representative Natasha Haluck said Odessa was known on the team for her outstanding hustle.
“She absorbs the knowledge put forward by the coaches and relays it to the best of her ability,” Haluck added.
Odessa picked up four assists during the Central Alberta Tier 4 Hockey League regular season.
“She demonstrates dedication not only by her attendance record but by her complete and undivided attention to the team. She’s the first to volunteer herself for all of the little extra things that need to be done.”
Odessa has a love for hockey that is demonstrated by her ability to remain calm in all situations, and her infectious smile.
“She demonstrates team play through her realistic and positive attitude, despite all odds,” Haluck added. “She lifts her teammates up when they just want to break down.”
Brian Vandervalk, who coached the Atom Mavericks, started hockey the same year as Clint Jordan and remembered his teammate winning the award for most improved player.
“He was the kid all the way through who lived for it,” Vandervalk said. “He gave 100 per cent every shift, never had to be told to hurry or back check. He was by far the smallest player in the whole league but played hard every shift.”
Vandervalk said Jordan was dedicated to the team, making every practice and game, working hard every shift and never shying away from body contact.
“He was the greatest guy you could have on the team.”

Fort Macleod Curling Club president Bruce Robertson presented a life membership to long-time member Judy Walde on Friday.

Judy Walde was moved to tears Friday night at the Fort Macleod Curling Club.
Walde, a long-time club member, received a life membership from president Bruce Robertson.
“It’s obvious members are very important to the club,” Robertson said. “Without members we wouldn’t have a club.”
“But occasionally, a member stands out for their service and participation in all areas of the club.”
The award presentation took place during the club’s annual general meeting in the lounge.
Robertson cited Walde’s contributions to the executive, club projects, bonspiel planning and committees.
“At times like this when a person does stand out, the club likes to recognize their service and dedication to the club,” Robertson said.
Club members rose to give Walde a standing ovation when Robertson presented the award.
A tearful Walde thanked club members for the honour.
“We all love the club,” Walde said. “There’s lots of members here who are fully qualified to deserve it.”
Walde said she enjoys working with the young people in the junior program and being involved in club activities.
The Fort Macleod Curling Club also held its annual general meeting on Friday prior to the awards and dinner.
Robertson reflected on the past season at the Fort Macleod club, starting with the juniors, ladies, men’s and Farmers and Friends bonspiels.
“The comments I heard were that they were all great bonspiels and everybody had a wonderful time,” Robertson said. “They like coming to our rink, and they will come back again.”
Robertson thanked the club’s executive, directors, ice-makers, draw masters and other volunteers.
“We had a great year,” Robertson said.
Robertson praised members for their willingness to get involved and support bonspiels, leagues and programs.
That’s what makes this a great club,” Robertson said.
Judy Walde chaired the election, which resulted in the following board: president, Bruce Robertson; vice-president, Bob Ripley; secretary, Mary Ann Doyle; treasurer, Amanda Van Hierden; and directors Travis Doyle, Don McLean, Mel Jones, John Melvin, Robert Coutts, Donna Taylor, Brendan Grant and Sandra Hoglund.
The curling club’s league winners were also recognized.
The mixed league A division winners were the Doug Van Hierden team composed of Amanda Van Hierden, Brendan Grant and Lindsay Grant.
The mixed league B division winners were the Donna Taylor rink composed of Ann Barnes, Dianna Wakelin nd Fern Gore.
The men’s league B playoff event winners were the Dale Holtz team composed of Blaine Holtz, Albert Poelman and Lane Lyke.
The men’s league A event playoff winners were the Travis Doyle rink composed of Brady Hester, Harley Brown and Mike Collar.

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STARS air ambulance has the money for two missions thanks to a Fort Macleod volleyball tournament.
The 17th annual STARS Charity Co-ed Volleyball Tournament on April 5-7 raised $11,419.27.
“This amount represents our second highest donated amount to date,” tournament founder Mike Bourassa said.
Forty-two teams competed in competitive, intermediate and recreational divisions in the three-day tournament.
Games were held at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre, which had four portable courts in play.
Games were also played at W.A. Day school.
The competitive division was won by Experience Regina, the intermediate division was won by Calm, and the recreational division was won by New Kids on the Block.
The goal of the tournament each year is to raise enough money to fund one STARS mission.
Each mission costs about $5,400, so the 2019 tournament will fund two flights.
Coun. Gord Wolstenholme praised tournament organizers at the April 8 council meeting.
“I was at the STARS tournament and it was really well done,” Wolstenholme said. “I think it’s something that is good for the town.”

Chelsie Wolff, Lauren Roelofsen, Leanne Neels, STARS development officer Amanda Taphorn and Mike Bourassa with a cheque from the 2019 STARS Charity Volleyball Tournament.

When the STARS helicopter flies over Fort Macleod, people know that someone’s life is in danger.
So when the STARS Charity Volleyball Tournament has come around each of the past 17 years, people have been quick to lend support.
This year the 42 teams that took part, along with the community, raised $11,419 for STARS.
That’s enough to fund two missions by the STARS helicopter.
“It’s critically important we have the support of small communities,” STARS development officer Amanda Taphorn said. “This is where we come, this is where we want to save lives, and we want to be here when people need us.”
Tournament committee members Mike Bourassa, Chelsie Wolff, Lauren Roelofsen and Leanne Neels presented a cheque May 13 to Taphorn.
About 70 fund-raising events for STARS are held each year in southern Alberta, which relies heavily on the life-saving service of the air ambulance..
“They’re incredibly important,” Taphorn said of the local fund-raisers. “In smaller communities like this in rural areas, where they’ve been highly effected, it’s extremely important.”
As proof of the importance of STARS to a community such as Fort Macleod, Taphorn pointed to an exercise at the volleyball tournament cabaret.
Mike Bourassa of the tournament organizing community asked the crowd how many people had been directly affected by STARS air ambulance.
“Everybody in the room, their arms shot up,” Taphorn said.
Taphorn said the Fort Macleod tournament is well organized and the committee works hard to get the needed support.
Taphorn said the willingness of Fort Macleod and district businesses and organizations to lend a hand exemplifies the community spirit.
“It’s important from a grassroots perspective. They want to give back to an organization they’ve seen directly effect their families and friends. It’s crucial we have the buy-in and support from communities such as Fort Macleod.”
Taphorn, who played in the tournament this year, said it is fun and that helps to attract so many teams.
“I don‘t think it’s ever going to stop,” Taphorn said. “I think it’s going to be one of our longest-running events.”
Bourassa said Fort Macleod and district continues to be willing to support the tournament — and STARS.
“I rarely hear no,” Bourassa said of response to requests for donations or support. “This year there were some who were even more generous or asking what more they could do.”
“The community over the years has figured out it’s a valuable service and it’s also good for the town to have these 40-plus teams coming.”
STARS flew 1,434 missions in 2018-’19, including 10 to Fort Macleod.
Taphorn also brought a plaque to commemorate one of the flights paid for by the volleyball tournament.
STARS flew to Fort Macleod on April 16 — while the tournament was going on — for a medical emergency.

ANDREW WALMSLEY, GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR

Alysia Medema of the Flyers carries the ball Monday against Winston Churchill Griffins.

Manja Holwerda of the Flyers on the run against Winston Churchill Griffins.

The F.P. Walshe Flyers won their second consecutive zone championship on Monday.

On Monday night the F.P. Walshe Flyers girls rugby team travelled to Lethbridge to take on Winston Churchill Griffins in the Tier 2 zone championship game.
The Flyers had earned the first seed going into the game based on their 5-1 record in league play, while Churchill had upset second-place Chinook in their semifinal game.
The game started well for the Flyers when Sidney Wolff scooped up a loose ball and raced 40 meters to the try line, just two minutes into the game.
Alysia Medema stepped up and made the conversion from out wide, staking the Flyers to a 7-0 lead.
The game then moved into a very static phase with neither team able to make much headway.
The strong winds played havoc with the Flyers passing game and helped Churchill stay close.
The Flyers finally broke through when Cassie Delver touched down off a penalty at the 25-minute mark.
Medema’s conversion bounced off the uprights leaving the Flyers with a 12-0 lead.
Two minutes later Medema made a great run and offloaded to Cobi Bevans, who sprinted down the sideline to the try zone.
Unfortunately,the assistant ref had seen an infraction earlier in the play and the try was called back.
The first half ended with the Flyers ahead by a score of 12-0.
Eleven minutes into the second half Churchill was able to punch the ball over the Flyers line to cut the score to 12-5.
From that point on, the Flyers took control of the game.
Eight minutes later Grace Boutland finished off a nice sequence of offloads to score for the Flyers.
Soon after Sidney Wolff was at the end of a great backs passing play to give the Flyers a 22-5 lead.
Churchill added one more score on the final play of the game to make the final score 22-12.
The win secured the Flyers their second consecutive zone championship and gave them the No. 1 seed heading into provincials this weekend.
Provincial games take place at Sherring fields in Lethbridge on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8.
The Flyers play on Friday at 11 a.m. against the No. 8 seed from Grande Prairie and again at 4 p.m. against the winner of the No. 4 vs No. 5 game.

Isaiah North Peigan

Haley Cervo with the Danny Paskal Memorial Award as F.P. Walshe school’s most outstanding female athlete.

Tristan Luther and Carson Smith were named F.P. Walshe school’s Junior High Athletes of the Year.

F.P. Walshe school honoured a pair of Grade 12 students last week as its top athletes.
Haley Cervo and Isaiah North Peigan were recipients of the annual Danny Paskal Memorial Award.
The award was presented June 11 during the annual Blue and White Night awards ceremony in the school gymnasium.
The award is presented to athletes who exemplify the spirit of Danny Paskal, an F.P. Walshe school student who 23 years ago was killed in a car crash.
Each recipient has a true love of sports; shows a deep desire to improve, learn new skills and strive to reach the highest level of competency possible.
The Danny Paskal Memorial Award recipients also demonstrate a healthy lifestyle befitting an athlete.
Haley Cervo was recently named most valuable player in the Southern Alberta High School Rugby League and was also named to the all-star team.
Cervo was also a first team all-star in the Chinook Basketball League.
At Blue and White Night, Cervo received the Leadership Award from the Flyers basketball team.
The Flyers rugby team also honoured Cervo at Blue and White Night, naming her the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Cervo received Walshe Letters at Blue and White Night for her participation in basketball, rugby and track and field.
Isaiah North Peigan was also honoured at Blue and White Night as Most Valuable Player of the Flyers boys basketball team.
North Peigan received his Walshe Letter for basketball at Blue and White Night.
North Peigan also played lock in his rookie season this year for the Southwest United boys rugby team.
Walshe Letters signify the student excelled on the playing field or court as well as in the classroom.
General requirements for varsity awards in all sports:

• Must be in good athletic and academic standing, complete the season and be eligible academically.
• Injured players may receive a letter if in the opinion of the head coach he or she would have participated enough if they had not been injured, and also served the team in some capacity while injured.
• Show marked improvement during the season and from the previous season.
• Be of good character, a teammate, and team player.
• Attend all practices, games, matches unless excused by the coach, parent, or doctor.
• Contribute to the team’s success during games.
• Be a regular member of the varsity team.

Junior high athletes

Carson Smith and Tristan Luther were honoured at Blue and White Night as the top junior high athletes.
Smith and Luther both played volleyball, basketball and rugby during the past school year.
The Junior High Athlete of the Year Award is presented to students who best exemplifies the spirit of athletics.
Each recipient has a true love of sports; shows a deep desire to improve, learn new skills and strive to reach the highest level of competency possible.
The award recipients also demonstrate a healthy lifestyle befitting an athlete.

Concerns about air quality due to forest fires in late summer prompted organizers to move the Fort Macleod Triathlon ahead to Saturday, July 13. MACLEOD GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

The 17th annual Fort Macleod Triathlon offers participants distinctive medals. PHOTO BY FRANK MCTIGHE, THE MACLEOD GAZETTE

The Fort Macleod Triathlon will take place about a month earlier than it has the past 16 years.
The popular swim, bike, run event was moved to Saturday, July 13 from its traditional August date to avoid problems caused by late summer forest fires.
“The last two years the air quality has been horrible,” organizer Alan Poytress said. “Our date last year was probably the worst of the whole summer. We’re concerned about our athletes.”
The triathlon, which attracts about 250 athletes, offers competition in four categories at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
The triathlon is intended to be a fun, family-oriented event that caters to everyone from the beginner to the serious triathlete.
“We have a really laid-back attitude with our race,” Poytress said. “We want people to just come and have the experience.”
“It’s still a tough enough course that if you want to be competitive you can, so it’s a very nice blend.”
The Olympic event consists of 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run.
The sprint category has a 500-meter swim, 15-kilometre bike ride and five-kilometre run.
The super sprint class consists of a 200-meter swim, 10-kilometre bike ride and a two-kilometre run.
The youth (under 12 years of age) event has a 100-meter swim, two-kilometre bike ride and a one-kilometre run.
There is also a relay category, with teams of two or three people taking on individual components.
Organizers reached out to past participants and attend the Vulcan Tinman and Lethbridge Kids of Steel triathlons to promote the date change.
“We’ve been pretty active,” Poytress said.
Organizers are hopeful the July 13 date will be a good fit with other events in southern Alberta.
They researched possible new dates to avoid conflicting with other weekend sports events.
Athletes don’t even have to set foot in Fort Macleod to participate, thanks to a new virtual option.
People can register on-line to participate from another location.
Poytress said the virtual option is to provide people with flexibility in a summer that is jam-packed with sporting events.
To register visit www.ftmacleodtri.com.

Sofia Hoff is a youth development officer for Rugby Alberta. She is hosting a free Try Rugby Day in Fort Macleod for children aged five to 12 years on Saturday, Aug. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. at the F.P. Walshe school field.

When Sofia Hoff was in elementary school she watched her older sisters Eden and Sienna play rugby with the F.P. Walshe Flyers and couldn’t wait to get involved in the sport.
Now the 18-year-old University of Lethbridge Pronghorn wants to share her passion for rugby with children aged five to 12 years in Fort Macleod.
Hoff, a youth development officer for Rugby Alberta, will host a free Try Rugby Day at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at the F.P. Walshe school field.
“The goal of Try Rugby Day is for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game, and see if they’re interested in playing it for their school team or club team when they’re of age,” Hoff explained. “We just want to have a fun day and try a new sport.”
Try Rugby Day will include warm-up games, learning how to pass and score and basic agility games.
Following a lunch break, participants will play flag rugby games.
“Anyone is welcome to Try Rugby Day,” Hoff said. “Even if you have tried rugby before, we’d love to have you. All abilities and experience levels are encouraged. Boys and girls are both welcome.”
“The only thing you need to know about rugby is that it is for everyone. There is a position on the field for everyone with different abilities. You need to know that rugby is a very welcoming and accepting sport.”
Rugby was not offered at Willow Creek Composite high school in Claresholm, where the Hoff family lives.
The older Hoff sisters, Eden and Sienna, commuted to Fort Macleod to play for the Flyers under head coach Andrew Walmsley.
Sofia was soon caught up in her sisters’ love for rugby and joined the Flyers in Grade 6.
“What made me want to play rugby, and made it worth the drive, was the inclusiveness that the sport has,” said Hoff, who played eight man for the Flyers. “There is a place for every single body type, skill, and ability. No one is left out in the game of rugby. Another thing that made the drive worth it is all the friends you make along the way.”
“There is usually at least 25 people on the team with you, and it’s hard not to become good friends while playing such a fun game together. I’ve made some of my best friends from the sport. The sport has definitely benefited the social aspect of my life.”
Following Grade 12 graduation Hoff joined the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns and the Lethbridge Rugby Club, where she plays different positions in the back line.
Hoff enters her second year at university this fall where she is studying kinesiology and psychology Education with hopes of becoming an elementary school or gym teacher.
As a youth development officer, Hoff wants more young people to share her enthusiasm for rugby
Hoff said Try Rugby Day is a good place to start because it is non-contact with no pressure which makes the game less intimidating.
“They can focus more on their skills,” Hoff said. “It’s a great way to get used to the game and learn all the skills and rules before they grow up and play a full contact game.”
Hoff said parents shouldn’t be deterred from letting their children participate by the rough and tumble, physical nature of rugby.
“Starting young at a non-contact rugby can better prepare them for when they get older and it does become contact,” Hoff said. “With no contact at Try Rugby Day, we can focus more on their skills and having fun.”
To register and for more information about Fort Macleod Try Rugby Day e-mail sofia.hoff@uleth.ca.

Jamie Brown in action for the Lethbridge College Kodiaks during the 2018-’19 women’s volleyball season.

Coming off a strong season, Fort Macleod’s Jamie Brown will shoulder an increased load this season with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks.
The 20-year-old Brown will be captain of the women’s volleyball team for the 2019-’20 Alberta Colleges Athletic Association season.
“We lost a couple of seniors who were very influential on the court,” said Brown, who is the Kodiaks setter. “Laura Sarafini was our captain as well as my closest friend on the team. Losing her will really push us — especially myself — to dig in mentally and fill the shoes she has left behind.”
“However, we have had an amazing recruiting season this year and we are bringing in lots of talent from all over Alberta and Saskatchewan.”
Brown, an F.P. Walshe school Class of 2017 grad, is entering her third season with the Kodiaks.
In her first season Brown earned the Kodiaks Newcomer of the Year award, and capped last year by being selected the Most Outstanding Player.
“My initial reaction was shock when I was named MVP,” Brown said of the award she received in February. “There are so many talented players on this team and I was still considered to be a young player in the collegiate athlete world.”
“However, I train year round to achieve my goals, so receiving this award made all of that hard work worth it.”
Brown was also awarded the Alvin Tietz/Knud Petersen Scholarship, which is given to an athlete who demonstrates both exceptional athletic and academic skill.
“Although I am beyond grateful for the awards I have received, they are not the reason I show up to play every single day,” Brown said. “It is impossible to explain the passion I have for this sport. We could have gone 0-24 this season and I would still continue to love the game.”
The Kodiaks managed just four wins against 20 losses to finish sixth in ACAC play last year — not unexpected because the team is in a rebuilding phase.
The poor results on the court did nothing to dampen the enjoyment Brown got out of playing for the Kodiaks.
“This season was still a blast,” she said. “We lost a few key players from the previous year so we are still recovering from that, but we are continuing to build our strength back up.”
A highlight last season was a trip to Brandon, Man. where the Kodiaks spent a week training with the Brandon Bobcats, a Canadian university team.
“They play a much faster game than we do in the ACAC,” Brown said. “It was great experience for our team to play with such talented athletes.”
Brown is enrolled in the Conservation Enforcement degree program at Lethbridge College with a goal of becoming a conservation officer on the west coast.
At present Brown is spending the summer as a watercraft inspector just east of Medicine Hat. Her job entails inspecting watercraft to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into Alberta.
She hopes to land a marine conservation internship on a small Caribbean island off the cost of Honduras next summer. That post would be good life experience and would set Brown up for a good job post-graduation.
Brown is pleased she is able to combine studies with college athletics.
“I couldn’t imagine where I would be without college volleyball,” she said. “It has been the most rewarding experience and I would encourage anybody who is given the opportunity to play at a college level to do so.”
“I have made so many life-long friends in the past two years just because of this amazing team.”
When school resumes and the Kodiaks hit the court this fall, Jamie Brown is anticipating another fun-filled season and she hopes her home town will come along for the ride.
“I have such high hopes for the team this season but we can’t do it without our fans. We love filling the stands at our home games and we have to give a lot of credit to our fans. Our home opener is Oct. 18 against SAIT so it would be so great to see some hometown faces there cheering us on.”

Jason Creighton of Fort Macleod was the Coaldale Copperheads Rookie of the Year during the 2018-’19 Heritage Junior Hockey League season. Photo by Cindy Adachi.

Coming off a strong rookie season, Jason Creighton is intent on playing a bigger role with the Coaldale Copperheads.
Creighton, 18, was named Rookie of the Year by the Copperheads at the end of the 2018-’19 Heritage Junior Hockey League season.
“Being named top rookie gives me tons of motivation heading into the new season because I want to have a primary role with the Copperheads through the whole season and just to be a better player for the team,” Creighton said.
Creighton played Minor Hockey in Fort Macleod, Bantam AA with the Southwest Rockies, and finished his minor career with the Midget AA Lethbridge Hurricane Hounds.
In his final year of Midget hockey with the Hounds Creighton scored five goals and assisted on 19 others for 24 points in 33 regular season games, with 60 penalty minutes.
The Hounds placed first in regular season with 30 wins, eight losses and four ties and went undefeated in playoffs to win the championship.
After graduating from F.P. Walshe school in 2018, Creighton considered his options to continue his hockey career.
He planned to play Junior A hockey in Ontario last season but that didn’t work out.
“I was really disappointed and coming home I didn’t really have a plan for the hockey season anymore but the Coaldale Copperheads had reached out to me and I thought it would be a great opportunity to join a very good competitive team. ”
A perennial Heritage league powerhouse, the Copperheads had placed second in the league the previous season and made it to the Junior B provincial championships.
The six foot, 220-pound Creighton certainly had the size to play Junior hockey but admits there was an adjustment to playing in the Heritage league.
“I found that the Heritage league was a lot more physical and intimidating than Midget AA,” Creighton said. “I had to adjust from being one of the older
guys in Midget to one of the rookies in the Heritage league and I had to work harder than I did before if I wanted to have success.”
As expected with first-year players, Creighton played a limited role with the Copperheads in the early stages of the season.
As the year progressed and he adjusted to the fast pace and physicality of the Heritage league, Creighton got more ice time and was counted on to play a significant role.
“My confidence was strong at the beginning of the season coming off the incredible season my Midget AA team had but then I was injured with
a concussion,” Creighton explained. “Coming back from that my confidence kind of took a hit for a little while but by February I was playing good and
had a lot more confidence in myself, especially with earning a more meaningful role with the team.”
Creighton got more and more playing time and by the end of the season was able to play on the power play as well.
Creighton suited up for 30 games with the Copperheads last season, scoring seven goals and setting up 11 others. He also had 90 penalty minutes.
The Copperheads placed second in the Heritage league’s south division last season to earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
In the next round, the Copperheads edged Medicine Hat Cubs 4-3 in a best-of-seven series.
That win put the Copperheads into the south semifinals, where they beat Cochrane Generals 4-1.
In the south division final the Copperheads were swept 3-0 by the first-place Airdrie Thunder, who went on to beat Mountainview Colts 4-2 for the championship.
The Copperheads earned a berth in the provincial Junior B championships at Wetaskiwin where they won their first game but lost their next two and failed to make the playoff round.
In the Junior B provincial tournament Creighton had three goals and two assists in three games.
“I was satisfied with how my season ended because I felt I played strong throughout the playoffs and at the provincial tournament but I felt that I could’ve played a better game during the entire season,” said Creighton, who listed strong vision and his ability to win battles as two strengths as a player.
The first-year Copperhead was still surprised to be named his team’s Rookie of the Year at the end of season banquet.
“I was very proud to be Rookie of the Year because we had a very good group of rookie players for our team.”
The award is motivating Creighton to have a better all-around game this season and to produce more offensively.
“Coaldale has lost some key players from being overage, and some starting new elsewhere, but I feel like we will be a strong team again.”
The Copperheads tryouts start Sept. 5-7.
“I like the atmosphere with the Copperheads and all the positive energy. Everyone was so welcoming last year and that was huge for me being an 18-year-old rookie.”
Creighton spent his gap year after high school working with Infinity Property Care.
He is enrolled in general studies this fall at Lethbridge College with plans to take Criminal Justice at the college the following year.
The young product of Fort Macleod said he has had a few people in his corner throughout his career.
“My biggest influences for my hockey career would be my dad and mom as well as Kalib Thunder Chief,” Creighton said. “The support of them means the world to me because I wouldn’t be able to play competitive hockey if it weren’t for them.”

Michael McTighe of Fort Macleod displays the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 30th Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy.

Fort Macleod rugby player Michael McTighe experienced one of the highlights of his sports career last month when he joined Team Canada for the opening ceremonies of the 30th Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy.
The Canadian team and teams of university students from around the globe walked onto the track at San Paulo Stadium before a sell-out crowd of 35,000.
“It was an amazing feeling,” the 20-year-old McTighe said. “Being able to walk out into a stadium full of cheering fans was stunning. It kind of took your breath away knowing you’re representing your nation as you’re walking with the top athletes for a ton of other sports, all there to represent Canada.”
The opening ceremonies featured the end of a relay that saw the torch lit by professional soccer player Lorenzo Insigne, as well as performances by world-class opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
The next day McTighe, who is pursuing bachelor of education and bachelor of science degrees at the U of L, experienced an even bigger thrill when he pulled on the red Canada jersey for the first time.
“I think everyone who plays a sport dreams of being able to represent their country, and being able to step out on the field wearing the maple leaf was a feeling I’ll never forget,” McTighe said. “It’s something I’ve worked hard for and makes me want to work even harder to be able to have that feeling again.”

Organized by the International University Sports Federation, the Summer Universiade and its Winter counterpart are the largest global sports events for student-athletes.
Held every two years in different cities around the world, the Universiades bring together thousands of athletes from more than 150 countries to compete in more than 25 sports.
McTighe, who enters his second year at the University of Lethbridge this fall, was one of 12 players from universities across the country selected to play rugby sevens for Canada at the 30th Summer Universiade.
McTighe, a member of the Class of 2017 at F.P. Walshe school, won a national rugby 15s championship with the Alberta U18 Wolfpack and national bronze with the Alberta U18 sevens team.
McTighe also earned a provincial championship playing club rugby for the Foothills Lions in Okotoks.
Just 19 years old when the tournament opened in July, McTighe was the youngest player on the Canadian team.
Most of the players met for the first time when they gathered at the airport in Rome before taking the train to Naples.
The Canadian team was coached by Robin MacDowell, a former national rugby sevens player and former head coach of the Mexican women’s national team and the University of Regina women’s team.
Neil Langevin, head coach of the University of Pronghorns women’s rugby team, was the assistant coach.
The Canadian team stayed on a cruise ship docked at Naples, where they enjoyed cuisine from around the globe and mingled with university students from other countries.
With just three days of training together Canada took on France in their opening game, losing 35-5.
Later that day Canada met eventual tournament champion Japan, a team that had spent the previous two years training together at a rugby academy.
Japan thumped the Canadians 44-5.
A bright spot for McTighe in that game was his highlight reel 60-meter run for Canada’s only try. He took a pass, fought off two tacklers and outran two Japanese players to the end zone.
In their third round-robin game the following day, Canada lost 12-5 to the host Italian team. Canada had the ball deep in Italy’s end and was pushing for the tying score when time ran out.
“The level of rugby was obviously the highest I’ve played,” McTighe said. “The sharpness of skills and technicality was high above what I’ve been a part of. We had a big emphasis on our catch and pass going into the tournament because we felt as long as we could keep the ball in hand we could succeed.”
As he wraps up the season with the Bow Valley Grizzlies of the Calgary Rugby Union’s first division, McTighe will turn his attention to his fifth season with the High River Flyers of the Heritage Junior Hockey League.
Last year McTighe was named the Flyers captain and earned the Most Dedicated Player award at the end of the season.
He had 10 goals and 10 assists with 62 penalty minutes, missing a quarter of the season with a badly separated shoulder.

A Fort Macleod alumni hockey tournament that raised close to $100,000 for charity its first two years has been put on ice.
Organizers of the Hockey Through the Ages tournament said a number of factors weighed in their decision, including facilities not being available.
Rob Luther, who had the idea to stage an alumni tournament and who served on the organizing committee, said response to the news is predictable.
“They’re a little bit disappointed,” Luther said.
When the group decided in 2017 to stage a tournament for people aged 25 and over who played Minor Hockey or lived in Fort Macleod, they weren’t sure it would be an annual event.
Their modest target was to raise enough money to buy a television for the palliative care program at Fort Macleod Health Centre.
Response to the first tournament was strong, with 112 players paying $150 apiece to get drafted onto a team.
The tournament raised more than $45,000 for palliative care at Fort Macleod Health Centre.
Live and silent auctions raised close to $25,000, and the committee received a private donation of just over $9,000.
Last year organizers had to work the phone almost until puck drop to get 112 players signed up.
Last year’s tournament raised $52,000, which was distributed to several Fort Macleod organizations.
The live and silent auctions raised close to $32,000.
The tournament was held in the middle of December both years.
When organizers went to book the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall for the cabaret and live auction this year, they discovered a conflict.
The Masons had already booked the hall for Dec. 14 for their annual community Christmas dinner.
When the committee inquired about moving the tournament ahead, they learned the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre was already booked for Dec. 6-8.
The committee considered holding the event the weekend of Dec. 20-22 but quickly discarded the idea.
“The majority of us felt that was too close to Christmas,” organizing committee member Scott Norlin said.
The committee decided that taking a break would benefit donors who provided strong financial support the first two years.
Skipping a year will also benefit players, particularly those who travel to Fort Macleod and have to pay for transportation, lodging and food.
Committee member Mike Bourassa said taking a year off might also serve to keep participation strong.
“I think if we have it every second year people will be asking to play,” Bourassa said. “I think next year we’ll have no problem filling it.”
The arena and community hall are booked for the weekend of Dec. 18-20, 2020.
Other committee members are Brian Reach, Ben Paskal, Gage DeGinnus, Cole Archibald, Wes Stockton and Mike Davis.

The Fort Macleod Volleyball Club is vibrant as it enters its 35th season.
The league is predicting growth in the number of teams and participants when it kicks off Oct. 16.
“The league is going strong,” president Mike Bourassa said. “We’re one of the few small towns for sure that have a league.”
Other towns such as Claresholm and the Crowsnest Pass have drop-in adult volleyball nights in which people show up and play.
The Fort Macleod Volleyball Club’s secret to success lies in its approach to running the league.
“I think that we’re just known for being a fun, casual league where there’s not a lot of pressure to win,” Bourassa said.
That approach appeals to couples and families, with the league providing an opportunity for people to participate together.
The league is a comfortable place for anyone to play.
“We accept all skill levels,” Bourassa said. “You don’t have to be a former college player to play in our league.”
The league keeps fees at $50 a person, which guarantees at least 16 matches per season as well as admission to the year-end banquet.
Games are played Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at W.A. Day school, with the season running from mid October until mid March.
Teams once again have the option of requesting to play doubleheaders. Implemented last year, the format allows teams to play two matches on one night to reduce the commitment for players.
There are preseason and post season tournaments as well.
Ten teams have already signed up for the 2019-’20 season, Last year 12 teams took part, and the league has had as many as 15.
“The way it’s looking we’ll have more teams than last year,” Bourassa predicted. “Some of the teams from last year haven’t signed up yet.”
Teams can have a maximum of 10 players on the roster.
There must be a minimum of three women on the court at a time.
Players can also register as individuals or couples and the league will find them a team.
For new people to Fort Macleod, the league provides a great recreation opportunity as well as the chance to make new friends.
“I’ve already had one couple that is new to town contact me looking for a team to play on,” Bourassa said. “They moved from Lethbridge and they used to play in the league there but they don’t want to drive back and forth.”
The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 27. Contact Candace Dawson at 403-330-9320 or ccdawson77@gmail.com or Mike Bourassa at 403-330-3546 or hooter44@shaw.ca.
The Fort Macleod Volleyball Club has a Facebook page as well.

A new youth volleyball club kicks off next week to provide more Fort Macleod children a chance to play.
The Fort Macleod Volleyball Club is heading the club for children in Grade 6-12.
“I hope this club provides an opportunity for youth to keep and build on the skills they learn during volleyball season,” organizer Chelsie Wolff said. “School volleyball is such a short season so giving them the opportunity to play for several more months will help them to be stronger players from season to season. ”
“But even if they don’t play volleyball for the school and want to have a chance to play they are more than welcome to join us.”
The drop-in youth club starts Tuesday, Oct. 22 at W.A. Day school.
Children in Grade 6-8 will take the court from 6-7:30 p.m., with Grade 9-12 students following from 7:30-9 p.m.
Sessions will be held roughly every second Tuesday at W.A. Way school from mid October to mid March.
There is a $5 fee for each session attended.
A cap of 24 children in each age group will be put on the club, based on a first come, first served basis.
“It’s open to everybody,” organizer Mike Bourassa said. “We’re opening it up to other schools in the region.”
Bourassa, who heads the Fort Macleod Volleyball Club, was approached by parents on children who wanted to play more volleyball but didn’t want the expense or commitment of regular club volleyball.
“Not everybody has the time or can afford club volleyball,” Bourassa said.
Half of each session will be devoted to skill development.
“We’ll have different coaches come in,” Bourassa said.
The second half of each session wil be spent playing volleyball games.
“Or intent is to allow kids to continue playing volleyball and develop their skills beyond the school season,” Bourassa said.
Wolff is optimistic the youth club will get more young people involved in the sport.
“I also hope it provides a sense of community for them with other volleyball players in town,” Wolff said. “There are so many coaches, players, mentors and tournament organizers in this town who are here to support them as they progress in this sport.”
While the goal is to provide young people with a chance to improve skills and play more volleyball, the club could provide other benefits to Fort Macleod.
“I foresee stronger and more confident school teams which will in turn create a stronger knit alumni and co-ed league,” Wolff said. “It’s a win-win for everyone really.”
Information about the youth volleyball club will be on the F.P. Walshe school Web site and the Fort Macleod Volleyball Club’s Facebook page.
You can also contact Mike Bourassa at 403-330-3546 or hooter44@shaw.ca.

Junior high B boys volleyball league champion F.P. Walshe Flyers. Back row, from left: Logan Van Herk, Ethan Baxter, coach Blair Yanke, Adam Bassett and David Hearn. Front row, from left: AJ Poytress, Rylan Baxter, Dylan Feyter and Liam Beer.

The F.P. Walshe Flyers were flying high Friday afternoon.
The Flyers swept TMS Eagles to win the junior high B boys league playoff title.
The victory followed the Flyers winning the championship of their own tournament a week earlier.
The Flyers are Adam Bassett, Ethan Baxter, Rylan Baxter, Liam Beer, Dylan Feyter, David Hearn, AJ Poytress and Logan Van Herk. Coach is Blair Yanke.
The Flyers and TMS squared off Friday afternoon in a best-of-five match at F.P. Walshe school.
The Flyers won the opening set 25-22 in a hard-fought battle that went to the wire.
F.P. Walshe took control of the match with a decisive 25-10 win in the second set.
After a short break the teams returned to the court for the third and possibly deciding set.
F.P. Walshe got off to a strong start, opening a 16-1 lead over the Eagles.
There was no quit in the boys from the Blood Reserve though, as the Eagles fought back to make it a close game.
The Eagles trimmed the Flyers lead to 16-7 and the teams traded points from that point on.
F.P. Walshe got up 20-13 but the Eagles staged another rally to pull to within three points.
Leading 21-18 the Flyers went on another run, scoring four points to win the third and deciding set 25-18.

Fort Macleod Mavericks beat Magrath Chiefs 6-1 Sunday afternoon to claim the championship of their own Atom hockey tournament.
The Mavericks started the tournament in a pool with Strathmore Storm, Medicine Hat Hurricanes and Fernie Ghostriders.
Medicine Hat Devils, Magrath Chiefs, Okotoks Oilers and Indus Hurricanes made up the other pool.

Mavericks 3 Storm 2
Fort Macleod took on Strathmore Storm in their first game of the tournament Friday night, eking out a 3-2 win.
Fort Macleod scored the only goal of the first period and added two more in the second to go up 3-0.
Strathmore scored late in the second period and got another in the third to make it close, but the Mavericks held on for a 3-2 win.
Cohen Larson had a goal and an assist for Fort Macleod and Nate De Kok and Adrian Creighton also scored. Lochlan Vandervalk picked up an assist.
Mavericks goalie Chase Neilson made 18 saves in the victory.

Mavericks 7 Hurricanes 1
The Mavericks were back in action Saturday morning for a 7-1 win over Medicine Hat Hurricanes.
Fort Macleod scored the only goal of the first period and added another early in the second.
After Medicine Hat scored mid way through the second period the Mavericks notched the next five goals to close out the 7-1 win.
Hunter Crosschild led the Mavericks with two goals and two assists and Cohen Larson also scored twice.
Eli Brown, Jasper Sharratt and Lochlan Vandervalk each had one goal for the Mavericks.
Adrian Creighton picked up three assists on Fort Macleod goals and Nate De Kok had one helper.
Chase Neilson made 10 saves in goal for Fort Macleod.

Mavericks 3 Ghostriders 3
Hunter Crosschild scored with just over a minute to play Saturday night to lift the Mavericks into a 3-3 tie with Fernie Ghostriders.
The teams played through a scoreless first period before Fort Macleod opened the scoring four minutes into the middle Frame.
Fernie popped two goals in the second and added a third early in the third period to lead 3-1, but the Mavericks rallied with two late goals.
Cohen Larson had a goal and an assist for the Mavericks and Jasper Sharratt also scored. Lochlan Vandervalk piked up an assist.
Chase Neilson blocked 15 shots in goal for Fort Macleod.

Mavericks 6 Indus 1
The Mavericks shut down Indus Hurricanes 6-1 Sunday afternoon in a tournament semifinal game.
Indus opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period but the Mavericks pulled ahead with two goals in the second and added four more in the third.
Cohen Larson had two goals and an assist for the Mavericks and Hunter Crosschild, Adrian Creighton, Eli Brown and Nate De Kok also scored.
Nolan McDougall picked up two assists.
Chase Neilson made 15 saves for the win.

Mavericks 6 Chiefs 1
The win over Indus sent Fort Macleod into the championship game Sunday afternoon against Magrath Chiefs.
Fort Macleod opened the scoring early but Magrath tied it four minutes later.
The Mavericks scored two more late in the first, added another pair in the second and closed out a 6-1 win with the only goal of the third period.
Hunter Crosschild and Cohen Larson each scored twice, Lukah Day Chief had a goal and an assist and Lochlan Vandervalk had one goal for Fort Macleod.
Nate De Kok and Jasper Sharratt each had two assists and Chase Nielson, Nolan McDougall, Wyatt Bartek and Adrian Creighton each had one helper.
Neilson made 16 saves.

Six F.P. Walshe school students from Fort Macleod helped Willow Creek Composite Cobras win the Tier 4 provincial football championship Saturday. From left: Brad Van Herk, Logan Markland, Sam Meech, Elliot Iwen, Jaxon Douglas and Justin No Chief.

Six F.P. Walshe school students helped power Willow Creek Composite Cobras to the Tier 4 provincial football championship.
Logan Markland, Brad Van Herk, Sam Meech, Elliot Iwen, Justin No Chief and Jaxon Douglas were part of the Cobras team that beat St. Paul Lions 47-0.
Cobras head coach Tim Bryson was effusive in his praise for the Fort Macleod players following the medal and trophy presentation at Comet Stadium in Raymond..
It’s immeasurable,” Bryson said of the contribution from the six F.P. Walshe athletes.
“They’ve been coming up for a few years but in the las three years . . . these guys tip the balance and put us over the top in terms of being a championship team.”
The Cobras jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead and dominated St. Paul on both sides of the ball in the second half.
Bryson said the F.P. Walshe athletes impressed him with their commitment to the high school football team in Claresholm.
“The dedication, every day up and down that highway, sometimes in bad weather,” Bryson said. “They’re on time, all the time and they work hard.”
It was a strong season for the Cobras who won seven and lost two games in regular season and playoffs to be ranked No. 1 in Alberta in Tier 4.
The Cobras beat W.R. Myers Rebels from Taber 54-13 Nov. 1 to win their ninth south zone Tier 4 championship.
In that game, Van Herk caught two passes for 58 yards and a touchdown, Iwen had two quarterback sacks from his spot at noseguard and Douglas had a sack and a fumble recovery.
With that win, the Cobras advanced to take on Canmore in the provincial quarterfinals and caged the Wolverines 53-0.
Van Herk had 136 yards on eight receptions and made six tackles while playing defensive back.
That win advanced the Cobras to the semifinals and a meeting with No. 2-ranked Drumheller Titans.
The Cobras beat Drumheller 48-7 at the Snake Pit in Claresholm, with Van Herk hauling in seven passes for 180 yards and a touchdown.
In the process Van Herk set a new single season receiving yardage record for the Cobras with 1,004 yards. That beat the mark of 997 set by Brandon Egger in 2006. He added 30 yards to that total Saturday.
“I can’t say enough about the contributions of every single kid from Fort Macleod,” Bryson said.
Bryson noted that Willow Creek Composite and Fort Macleod have a strong working relationship that benefits both schools.
Willow Creek Composite athletes travel to Fort Macleod in the spring to bolster the F.P. Walshe rugby team’s lineup, and Fort Macleod players head north in the fall for football.
“It seems to work out just great,” Bryson said. “It’s really cool.”