The JPII Junior A girls team, pictured here with their gold medals last weekend. The team will hope to repeat the feat this weekend, as they head across town for a tournament at NBCHS. (submitted photo/Bruce Yockey) 

By Martin Martinson

gold all around

JPII off to hot volleyball season start, hope to build on four gold performance

Sep 19, 2019 | 5:00 PM

It didn’t take long for the athletics to shine through with the new school year at John Paul II Collegiate (JPII).

Four of the school’s volleyball teams are coming off a gold medal last weekend, momentum the school will hope to build on heading into the weekend ahead.

The JPII junior boys team, pictured here, took home the gold last weekend in Wilkie. (submitted photo/Bruce Yockey)

The senior boys captured gold in Medstead, while the senior girls managed the feat in St. Walburg. Each of the junior boys and junior girls’ teams came out on top with gold as well in tournament play in Wilkie.

The junior girls’ development team was also in action last weekend, posting a 3-3 record in their six matches.

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Three of the school’s teams will return to tournament action this weekend.

The junior girls will play at a tournament at North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS), while the senior girls will travel to Unity. The senior boys meanwhile will head to Saskatoon for a tournament at the University of Saskatchewan.

The JPII senior girls team, pictured here, took home the gold last weekend in St. Walburg. The team will look to keep the momentum going this weekend in Unity. (submitted photo/Bruce Yockey)

Athletic Director at JPII, Vic Stynsky said the early success this season is thanks in large part to a solid foundation established by a dedicated staff that wants to see their student athletes find success.

“I think it really says a lot for our teachers and coaches,” Stynsky said. “They have been dedicated right from the start. We started the first day of school with a lot of the teams, and their leadership and dedication has already shown this year. We have a strong group of athletes and they are being guided in the right direction.”

The JPII senior boys team, pictured here, kicked off their season with a gold medal last weekend in Medstead. The boys are back in action in Saskatoon this weekend. (submitted photo/Bruce Yockey)

That leadership shown by the staff over the last number of years has helped develop John Paul II into an athletic institution of sorts, remaining competitive in a range of sporting endeavours seemingly each year, regardless of graduating personnel.

Stynsky said a lot of that comes down to the school’s approach to athletics and the role a tight-knit school community plays. He said the school’s philosophy of being a large community helps lead to success on the field and on the court.

“We work together as a team and there is a lot of respect shown from our athletes to our coaches, and a lot of respect from our coaches back to our athletes,” he said. “I think it is that leadership amongst the coaches and the players that really helps from year-to-year to be successful and to pass on to the younger athletes that it is a privilege and an honour to be involved in JPII athletics. [Students] need to make sure that they give their best effort and always remember they are representing our school.”

In addition to their prowess on the volleyball court, the JPII athletic calendar has also been chalked full with other sporting action.

The school’s cross country team travelled to Wilkie Thursday for a meet, while on the links, golf districts are also fast approaching.

This weekend the girls’ soccer team will host their home tournament at the school field, while the Crusaders’ football team is in action in Humboldt Friday night.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1