Volleyball teams have banner year

Ken Johnston

It was a banner season for “Team Riverview” as head coach, Greg Wilson dubbed the grade 7 and 8 Riverview School volleyball teams at an assembly in honour of them.
The grade 8 boys had the best overall finish on the year coming in second at the regionals two weekends ago in Fort Frances. They also won bronze at the Atikokan tournament Nov. 1st, silver in Kenora Nov. 7th. But the jewels in their crowns this year was winning gold at both Emo (Nov. 17th) and Fort Frances (Nov. 21st) tournaments.
The grade 7 boys (Team 1) also brought home gold from Atikokan and Emo tournaments. They finished second in Kenora and did well at the other tournaments, finishing about middle of the pack.
The grade 7 boys (Team 2) brought home silver from Emo, Fort Frances and Atikokan. In the regionals they narrowly lost 28-26 in the semi-finals to Riverview Team 1. That gave them a fourth place finish. They also finished 5th in Kenora.
The grade 8 girls were consistent throughout the season, coming in 4th at all tournaments and finished fourth in their pool at regionals.
Riverview Principal Bob Derkson commended the teams on bringing recognition to the school right across the Rainy River District and beyond. He patted them on the back for working so hard during practises and also asked that coach Wilson be given a round of applause which the entire student body did.
Wilson commended the teams on being excellent competitors and sportsmen. Wilson also thanked his assistant coaches and parents who helped out. Britanie Jasper, Corrissa Hansen, Joel Ashworth and Chad Armstrong were student coaches and Gaylene Jasper, Cathy Seguin and Jacqui Gaborieau were the adult assistants.
Wilson’s volleyball has had continued success over the years bringing home many gold, silver and bronze medals to Riverview. He attributed that to the kids determination and willingness to start in the program at the grade 6 level.