St. Michael's School, Pincher Creek Hosts the 2024 Sr. Boys Volleyball Provincials

After months of hard work, preparation and excitement, St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek kicked off their hosting duties for the 2024 ASAA Senior Boys Volleyball Provincials yesterday. They won the bid to host this exciting event back in March and it's their first time hosting since opening their doors to students in 1904.

"The momentum around here is next level and the energy is beyond contagious," said St. Michael's School Principal, Ms. Karen Schmidt. "We have over 140 volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the last 3 months. I am honoured to be a part of this ride and I felt confident that when we won the bid in March that we would represent not only the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division but St. Michael’s School and southern Alberta at an outstanding caliber."

"It is a truly special occasion for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division and St. Michael's as we make history hosting the Volleyball Provincials for the very first time since their opening," said Holy Spirit's Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Chantel Axani. "The spirit of excitement is alive at St. Michael's and we are deeply grateful to the administration, organizers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to add special touches to every aspect of this tournament. Their efforts ensure that each moment of this event is not only a celebration of sportsmanship but also of faith and community."

The tournament started on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with their opening ceremonies, followed by the round robin portion of the tournament. Events have been taking place throughout the week, including a Skills Competition and an evening banquet.

With 12 teams and over 180 athletes and coaches attending, St. Mike's felt it was important to make sure that teams that may not have as many fans were still being rooted for.

"Each class is given an away team to support and cheer for and they’re making signs and banners and doing face paint to support them," said the Chair for the tournament, Chelan Citrigno. "Other teams’ coaches and students have come to us saying that it was incredible to have the support from our students."

The St. Mike's Dragon's have been hard at work this season, getting ready for what they expected to be a battle during Provincials. They finished in second at last year's Provincial's and finished third in the province this year as well as secured a second place finish at Zones. For some members of the team, it's their final year and they couldn't think of a better way to wrap it up than hosting this incredible tournament.

"I've been with some of these guys for at least three years and it feels like we've been building to this moment," said the Dragons Team Captain and Grade 12 student, Luca Citrigno. "We always knew this year would be a good year so to be able to see it all come together and be at Provincials, going for the ultimate win, is awesome."

For Luca, it would be great to bring home the Championship but, with it being his senior year, he's proud about the opportunity to set an example and be a role model on the court for the younger kids that come out to watch.

"When I was kid, my mom would bring me and sisters to all the games and I loved watching the players and thinking about how that could be me one day. Now that it is me, I want the younger kids to come to the games and get excited about Volleyball and learn some things and, hopefully one day, want to be a Dragon themselves. But the most important thing for me is to set a good example and make sure they have fun because I was one of the kids too."

The final day of the tournament is Saturday, November 23, 2024, where the victor will be crowned, but the staff at St. Michael's hopes that every team will leave with their heads held high and remember this tournament for all the special moments that took place because of the incredible people and community that helped make it possible.

"It is so important that we show that character, that integrity, at all times and that people take that with them when they leave," said Ms. Schmidt. "This whole school is a team that is compassionate, caring, respectful and just so encouraging for not only our boys but all teams and that is what has really set the bar for our tournament."

"I’ll hold this in my heart forever, the memories that we’ve made will always be with all of us," added Chelan. "It’s been very special."