“The calibre of squash was outstanding, and it was a unique opportunity for the spectators and our younger players to experience squash at this level,” squash coach Mrs. Lynne Grass said.

 

Bransten prevailed in the final after defeating Ryan in the semis. Following the final, Bransten made a heartfelt and thought-provoking address, in which he paid tribute to Mr. Mike Johnson for the contributions he has made to the Shawnigan program and all the players, highlighting his expertise (coaching three world champions), integrity, and work ethic.

 

“His message for the current Shawnigan players was the recognition that they will inevitably lose matches along their squash journey,” Mrs. Grass said. “But that much more learning comes from the losses than the wins.”

Current students also performed well in the tournament, with Kaleb A. placing second and Jasper C. finishing third in the men’s A bracket.

 

The championship match was followed by a social gathering at the pavilion.

 

“The alumni who came to play had a wonderful time reminiscing and commenting on the stunning campus,” Mrs. Grass noted. “It was plain to see their sense of camaraderie, pride in Shawnigan and respect for Mike.”

 

Special thanks to Head Coach Mr. Colin Whitney for his time and organization, and to Ben K., who designed the tournament T-shirt.

Rugby

 

We have three rugby teams going to provincials in Abbotsford next week (May 29-31): the senior girls and boys, and the junior boys. Both First XV sides won their respective Island championships to qualify for provincials. The junior boys (AKA the Colts) lost their Island final, but were awarded a wildcard berth to provincials.

 

The junior girls’ team hosted the first-ever North Island Junior Girls 10s Championship on May 10 and 11, where they placed second. Zoe C. was named Breakout Player of the Tournament, and Evelyn W. was named MVP.

 

 

In a first for the School, the senior girls’ soccer team qualified for provincials by winning bronze at the Island championships in Victoria on May 13 and 14. The provincial tournament is set for May 29-31 in Burnaby.

 

 

Our tennis team is also heading for provincials in Victoria on May 23-25 after placing fourth at the Island championships hosted by Brentwood College School on May 6 and 7.

 

 

The golf team hosted Islands at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club on May 22 and qualified for provincials at Pheasant Glen in Qualicum Beach on June 3-5.

 

 

A number of athletes competed at the North Island track and field meet in Nanaimo and at the Island championships in Port Alberni, with three qualifying for provincials: Daniel H. (100m hurdles), Thabisa M. (discus and shot put) and Joshua P. (200m and 400m). Provincials will take place in Nanaimo on June 6-8.

 

 

After winning the North Island championships, Shawnigan’s badminton team placed third at the Island championships in Victoria on May 10.

 

 

After a strong showing as the host team of the Shawnigan Regatta on May 10-12, the rowing team is preparing to take 21 rowers east for the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association national championships in St. Catharines, Ontario on May 31-June 2.

 

 

And finally, although ice hockey isn’t in season, there is still news as Eli M. was picked 35th overall by the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. Instead of going to the WHL, however, Eli has chosen to play in the BC Hockey League, which will give him the option to attend college in the US. He became the first player in BCHL history to be granted exceptional status, which will allow him to play as a 15-year-old instead of waiting until he is 16.

 

Playing above his age bracket as a 14-year-old in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s U18 Prep division last year, Eli posted 23 goals and 25 assists in 48 games, tying for the team lead in goals and finishing third in assists and points.