What Makes a Champion Team?
To say it was a nail-biter would be an understatement. Parents sat at the edge of their seats believing with all their hearts in their boys. These boys had worked so hard to gel as a team, to lean on and learn from the amazing coaching staff and to put into practice all they had learned. Learning not only from their coaches but from mistakes too. This is what makes a great team!
For the past few years the boys who made up most of this Richmond Hill Bantam Select team, had not seen the successes they had hoped for. Hard work and dedication would pay off this year. This exhibition year would bring them a 9-4 record and memories they will cherish for years to come.
This past weekend the team headed to the Pickering Spring Thaw Tournament with high hopes, determination and a cheering section unmatched by any other team.It was impossible to know the outcome but the team was thrilled to make it through the Round Robin portion as the division best 3-1 record. They had made it the championship final and they played like champions for sure! The coaches paced the bench as each period the game was scoreless. Family and friends gathered in the stands and the arena soon filled with other spectators from the tournament to watch the showdown.In double overtime Kingston scored and the Stars walked away with their heads high and the respect and admiration of their coaches and cheering section.
That’s what makes champions...hard work, integrity and sportsmanlike conduct. Make these choices and the rest is gravy!The boys thanked each of the coaches at the team dinner. Coach Chris for his consistent leadership, Coach Anthony for his gift of encouragement and belief in the boys, Coach Prince for great tips and Coach Carlos for his steady calm. These boys knew that they were under great leadership. What more can you ask for? Maybe a team Manager that went above and beyond looking for all the right opportunities for these boys to hone their skills. A special thanks to Tammy Wanschura!
Congratulations to the 2018/19 Bantam Stars for your hard work, dedication, teamwork and support for each other. These guys rose to their name...they truly are Stars!
By Carla Bellamy