Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The Fort St. James Secondary School Boys Soccer Team competed in the B.C. Boys A Soccer Provincials in Kamloops on Nov. 5-7.
The team had a very successful season and were thrilled to qualify and take part in the provincial tournament.
According to head coach, James Waddell, the team lost their first two games on day one to Surrey and Kelowna. “On day two, they were full of energy and confidence and won both games defeating Nakusp and Chilliwack,” Waddell said.
On day three, the team played Burns Lake for the 9th/10th place game. “As a coach, I had a huge challenge of getting the boys to believe that they could compete and beat the very strong and skilled team from Burns Lake. They beat us previously in three games during the season by seven or more goals,” Waddell said.
In the end, the team went into their final game with great determination and desire and proved that they could compete with the best.
“The boys were able to hold the Burns Lake team off the scoreboard in regular time forcing a shootout. The shootout was close and in the end, Bryce Chauvin was able to score the final goal giving Fort St. James Secondary School the win and our best result for boys soccer at a provincial championship tournament. The team ended up being 9th out of 16 at the tournament and the top public school to have competed,” Waddell said.
Joey Saharchuk, along with one player from each of the 16 teams competing, was recognised at the banquet for his dedication, leadership and skill.
Waddell was thrilled to have coached the team. “It’s been an amazing season from start to finish,” he said. “I would also like to thank Chad Lantz for giving so much time and energy all season as a chaperone.”
Waddell is pleased and proud with what the boys have achieved this year. “They worked well as a team and represented our school and community very well on all of our trips. School teams cannot travel and compete at the highest levels without the tremendous support from the people of Fort St. James. Thank you to everyone who supported the team this season.”
