Cow High field hockey tryouts soon
Building on a successful 2023 campaign that saw the team earn second in the province, Cowichan Secondary School's field hockey coaches Caitlin Erickson and Ashton Aumen are wasting no time preparing for the upcoming season. Tryouts for the senior girls team run Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5 from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Athletes in Grades 10-12 this year are welcomed to try out, but be forewarned, running will be involved.
On the first day of tryouts, players can expect a timed 2400m run (six laps) around the track in addition to skills assessments.
"We will be selecting the most fit, prepared, and sportsmanlike players for the 2024 field hockey season," said coaches.
Duncan teams participate in 13U baseball provincials
The Duncan Tigers attended the BC Minor Baseball 13U 'A' provincial championships earlier this month and placed second in the West division to narrowly miss advancing to the final rounds.
The Tigers lost to White Rock 9-8 to open the West event, but bounced back with 16-6, 6-5, and 12-8 victories over Oceanside, Howe Sound, and Ladysmith respectively to earn their spot in the West semi-finals against Powell River. Powell River had the upper-hand, winning 15-8. Powell River went on to fall to Vancouver in the final.
The Tigers are: Austin Christian, Blake Windsor, Cash Wilson, Dylan Van Wieren, Emmett Scyrup, Heath Richter, Henry Kronberg, Hunter Bruinsma-Snowdon, Hunter Gage, Jett Mckinlay, Mason Montague, and Maxim Leonard.
Meanwhile, the Cowichan Valley Mustangs hosted the 13u 'AAA' BC Minor Baseball provincials hosted in at Evans Park in North Cowichan July 25-29. Despite being remarkable hosts, the Mustangs were beaten by Vancouver, Cloverdale, Abbotsford, and Ladner to end their provincial run.
The Mustangs are: Alex Erickson, Asher Ritskes, Bentley Haberman, Eston Clement, Ethan Motley, Gunnar Olson, Jacob Wirth, Kienan Busscher, Kingsley Wilson, Matteo Royal, Nolan Davis, Sawyer Oglend, and Smith Evans.
BCHL hands out community service awards
Two BCHL players with ties to the Cowichan Valley have been named as BCHL Coastal Conference winners of the Kyle Turris Community Award. The award is given to BCHL players who go above and beyond in their community, as nominated by their team.
Representing the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Dryden Kuramoto was a positive influence for his team and community, "always willing to put in the extra effort to represent himself and the Capitals organizations. He is a mentor to the younger children in the schools, minor hockey and at any event he participated in," said the BCHL in a statement.
Crofton's Braden Blace, a member of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, also won the award.
"For the last three years, Blace has been a steady figure in the Alberni Valley, both manning the blueline and positively impacting youth in the community. During his 20-year-old season, Blace frequently spent mornings and evenings on the ice with local youth teaching hockey skills to passionate young hockey players," said the BCHL in a statement.
"Along with teammates, he frequently attended Haahuupayak Elementary where players had the opportunity to connect with children attending the school. His love for the game of hockey had an incredibly positive impact on the students at Haahuupayak, leaving many with a new-found passion for the game. He exemplifies leadership and character in all aspects of life and hockey."
Cow High grad earns sports scholarship
The winner of the 2024 Cowichan and Chemainus Valley's Sports Scholarship Award is Creek Boudreault of Duncan. Creek graduated from the French Immersion program at Cowichan Secondary School in June. He is a multi-sport athlete who has trained as a competitive swimmer, rower and was the co-captain of his high school Volleyball team. Creek also volunteered with many local organizations including the Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society, Swim BC, and Rowing Canada. He will be attending The University of British Columbia this fall to pursue a science degree.
The Cowichan and Chemainus Valley Sports Scholarship is a continuing legacy of support received from the Municipality of North Cowichan, City of Duncan, BC Hydro PowerSmart Program, 1991 BC Winter Games, the 1994 Commonwealth Games and the BC Festival of Performing Arts.
