It was a celebration times two this weekend for the 1A boys and girls as both took championship medals at regional competitions hosted at their home school. The teams are combines of students from Lake Lenore and Annaheim on the boys side, and Lake Lenore and Three Lakes School on the girls side. It’s a fusion that has worked well in other sports says long time Lake Lenore Lancers’ coach Curtis Strueby. 

“The boys are in a combined co-op program with Annaheim and it’s been really good, and our girls, we have the girls from Middle Lake for all of our high school sports and it’s certainly been a pleasure coaching them. 

Smaller enrollments in some of the 1A designated schools have necessitated a move to co-op teams in various locations of the province, but it has meant that sports in rural schools has been sustainable and teams have remained competitive. 

The girls came up against Purdue and Allan in their quest for regional success, while the boys tipped off in the final against Nakota Oyate from the Carry the Kettle First Nation.

“Nakota had some really nice shooters from the outside,” said Strueby, “BUt our boys were able to suppress that with a lot of pressure. It was a well played final, as was the girls’ game, and it was good to see a fully gym again.”

The two year layover in school sports has meant that many teams are re-establishing and relearning skill sets, but the calibre of competition hasn’t suffered. 

Considerations around health and safety in terms of large gatherings have prompted the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association to disperse this year’s Hoopla provincials to various communities in the province. The host centres are expected to be announced shortly. 

Also in the mix at this weekend’s provincials are the St. Brieux boys and the Wynyard girls squads. 

No matter where the athletes are playing, the excitement of provincials is once again electric.