This current span of nice weather may make you forget the worst of last week — but the kids who played soccer in the previous Tuesday’s downpour will have it etched in their minds for some time.
Six elementary school teams gathered at the Hope Secondary field on the morning of Oct. 2 for the third annual district tournament, organized by Silver Creek principal, Bruce Becker.
“Kent brought two teams and the others were from Harrison, Boston Bar, Coquihalla and Silver Creek,” said Becker. Boston Bar and Silver Creek had to bring along a few older kids, to fill out their rosters but the other teams were made up of Grade 5 and 6 students.
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“Each team brought their own uniforms and we used the Hope Minor Soccer nets,” said Becker, who had set up three fields for 9-a-side games.
“We had four refs from HSS, Julius Brysch, Claire Medlock, Jamie Dearden and Emily Taylor. They did a really good job.”
Some teams had brought along shelter tents but Becker said the cold and rain convinced the leaders that they should just play three consecutive games and eat their lunches on the way back to their schools.
Harrison had a perfect record of three wins, for first place, followed by one of Kent’s teams (2-and-1) and Silver Creek (1-1-1).
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“This was the first time it rained at the tournament but it went really well,” said Becker. “The kids did great and the only ones who were suffering looked to be the adults on the sidelines.”
It would have been cruel if the sun had come out, just as the last whistle sounded — but the blustery weather got even worse. Thunder, hail and “monsoon rain” caused Hope Minor Soccer to cancel their evening practice.
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If forecasters can be trusted, weather won’t be an issue this weekend, when the Hope Secondary junior and senior Mustang boys host their nine-team soccer tournament.
Friday, from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m., Hope teams will be playing all of their games on Field #1 (closest to the gym). Saturday’s three-tier playoffs begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at about 2:00.
Visiting teams are chiefly from the B.C. Interior and as far away as Nakusp. Nearby teams include Agassiz — and Chilliwack Secondary’s junior team, co-coached by HSS 2009 grad, Shalene Sherman. As a referee, I’ve seen both teams in action this fall and they both could end up in Saturday’s first-place final, if their top players are given releases from their weekend club teams.
Fans of soccer will want to see Agassiz’ midfielder, Rusty McInroy. You won’t need anyone to point him out; just look for the kid with superb dribbling skills and dazzling changes of speed and direction. If he scores, watch for his backflip celebration.
Agassiz’ first game is on the C.E. Barry field versus the Chilliwack Secondary juniors at 11 a.m., Friday then at 2 p.m. on Field #1, versus Hope’s juniors.
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