It's an exciting time at Deloraine School, and co-head of the physed department, Jay Sunaert, is very excited about where the programs are going.
Building buzz
There so many different options at Deloraine School, and Sunaert says it's going to be a special year. "We're very excited, it's good to see kids interested in all sorts of different sports. Volleyball is a big program here, it's been running since back in August, so they're ready to start right away. We have a few kids travelling to Souris for football and rugby. We've got the Wildcats and Cougars hockey is starting up, lots for kids to do."
Volleyball
Very popular and always growing, Sunaert says it's been through a lot of hard work. "Our school has done a good job with volleyball over the years, and it's been one of the most popular sports in Deloraine. Especially our girls program, they're looking strong again this year. They've had success, coming off a provincial A championship only two or three years ago, it's very exciting."
To Sunaert, the growth of the program stems from the young kids watching the older kids, and wanting to do what they do. "It's a huge part of it. We tend to build it up, too. We have pep rallies, we have student vs staff games, stuff like that gets the younger kids involved. They seem excited about it right from a young age, and they want to jump right into that program when they are old enough."
Football
A new adventure for the school is delving into the world of football. "It's new, but we're always had kids that are interested," explains Sunaert. "It's tougher because they have to travel, but we're lucky to have a couple of kids take that interest to another level, they signed up and now are playing for Souris this year. They have a really good program there, and they are enjoying that."
Rugby
"Again, Souris has had a strong program there for as long as I can remember, even going back to my high school days, which is a long, long time ago," Sunaert says laughing. "It's good to see them taking on girls from other areas. We have one from here that travels, for sure, and she's really enjoying it."
Hockey
Always popular, the numbers are strong because the area is so passionate, so for Sunaert, it's important that the competition be as good as it can be. "The high school league has really transformed over the years, even since I was coaching, and I'm no longer involved in that side of things, but the growth has been excellent. I think they are up to 18 or 20 teams, so that's cool for those kids, getting to travel and have experiences with teammates. Those bus trips and road trips are special, then having home games is great, because they get support from fellow students. It's a growing league, and it's great for them."
Varsity Girls Basketball
Last year was the first year for the program, and Sunaert says it went so good, that they're bringing it back again. "It was really cool to see. It's been a long, long time since we've had a basketball program in Deloraine, and we had a staff member spearhead that last year. A lot of girls signed up to try it out, and they loved it. They had a lot of fun. They are raw, but they are super keen, they enjoyed it, and they loved learning. They can't wait to get going again."
Representing Deloraine
Being able to play the sport they love for the school that they love, Sunaert says is special for the student-athletes that take a lot of pride in what they do. "It's always great to have that sense of school pride. You want to try hard, and do well for your school. It's a special time that goes quick, and our kids are really making the most of it where they can."