Mustang Volleyball Off to NOSSA!
The Manitoulin Mustang senior boys team played ‘perfect’ hosts to the visiting North Shore teams for the NSSSA championships. The guys were hyped to move on after such a winning season. However, they had come up a win when it counted. Finishing first in their seasonal standings gave them a more favourable schedule only, and a last in the league team could end up qualifying for NOSSA championships this week!
Coaches Mike Wesno and Derek Debassige were not about to let it happen easily. Drawing the fourth place from Central Algoma’s CASS, the Mustangs moved on in three straight wins. In the other pool, Elliot Lake prevailed over Espanola in a tiring, well fought five-game marathon. The Mustangs were well rested but ready.
In the final, Elliot Lake, who is coached by former Mustang Cole Dumond was warmed up well and eased by the Mustangs in the first game, 27 – 25. The Mustangs, however, drew on all of their game experience and muscle memory to win all of the next games to raise the NSSAA banner.
I had a chance to talk with Coach Mike Wesno and he had so many positive things to say about the whole team. He was very impressed with their dedication from even before the season started. The guys gave up their evenings and weekends to get better and are all well deserving of their win.
I pinned him down on his starters but he wanted to acknowledge everyone on the team. He had to commend Jack Pennie (middle) for his clutch serving that allowed the team to overcome tight games. Eli Lock and Cash Duchene did a great job hitting in the middle. One of his power hitters was Colin Linder who has been working so hard at developing his smash that is at intimidation level it is so hard! Davin Deschenes is the other power hitter and Wesno is impressed with his unique ability to make hits after the block! Noah Thorpe and Liam Lariviere, both Grade 11s earned their spot with excellent play. Noah is their setter with super silky hands. Liam is a special passer and can defend in all six positions. Veteran Luke Heinen has worked hard on his game versatility and is the Mustangs swiss-army-man like, libero! Hats off as well to Aidan McGraw, McGauley, Jaron Panamick and Cody Campbell.
The team will now play in Sturgeon Falls this week for “A” NOSSA. OFSAA in Kitchener is in their sights but they have their work cut out for them. That work will be the team from Lockerby who is stronger than many “AA” teams. Good luck, guys! A special shout-out to Mustang alumni, Greg Doane, Zak Kategiannis and Tait Wallace who stop by and train with the team whenever they can.
Caught being active, Aurel!
I finally had a chance to catch up with M’Chigeeng’s Aurel Fox who just finished up his first season running for the varsity, Laurentian Voyageurs!
Laurentian just placed 10th at the OUA championship and Aurel was one of the seven invited to the all-Ontario meet. With his season over he reflected on a season of improvements. He turned 29 and is racing faster than he ever did in the past. He set a PB in the 5k at 17:43, and his best performance in university for the 8K was 28:48!
He credits coaches Darren Jermyn and Dick Moss and also Gerry Holliday. “There’s nine guys on the team, too, and so only seven guys are allowed on the OUA meet and I got picked for the championship team.” A shout-out to Gerry Holliday, too, who gave him the advice that he could reach his potential, even for a late starter, if he really worked for it!
Missing Footballers
Here is that missing full roster of the Elementary Flag Football Championship team. Hailing from Little Current Public School the Coyotes were: Roen Deschenes, Colin Goodfellow, Max King, Asher Manitowabi, Hazel Cooper, Myla Edralin, Arabella Otosquaiob and Coach Tim Lockeyer.
