The Grade 8 volleyball seasons at Smithers Secondary and Bulkley Valley Christian School are quickly coming to an end.
The two teams recently participated in their second play day of the season at Smithers Secondary, with just three weeks to go before zone competitions on Nov. 23rd.
BVCS had their best day of the year so far, beating Smithers Secondary, Charles Hays and Ebenezer for a 3-0 record. Smithers Secondary played three close games and finished the day at 1-2.
Next weekend, both schools will head to Ebenezer for their last play day of the season.
The Grade 8 boys aren’t eligible for provincials, so zones are the end of the line.
In the three short months since the season began, the coaches are impressed with their player’s progress.
“We’re starting to see more and more skill coming from these kids, they are really developing,” BVCS co-head coach Chris Steenhof said.
“It’s surprising how much they’ve learned.”
First and foremost, the Grade 8 game is all about service and returns.
“If you can serve well and you can return well, then you are going to be a competitive team at this level,” Steenhof said.
But at this level, with so many players on the first volleyball teams in their lives, these the emphasis is less on winning and more about having fun and learning the basics.
It’s all about instilling a love of the game.
“Honestly, I never worry about the score,” Smithers Secondary coach Emily Pearce, who shares head duties with Laurel Borrett said.
“I just want to make sure they are having a good time and that they are learning the basics of volleyball.”
The teams practice once or twice a week after school.
“The better they get and the more fun they have, the more likely they are to carry on.”
Steenhof agrees, but he’d still like to see his team do well in their final weeks.
“We are definitely hoping to be competitive, but there are a lot of other strong teams out there.”
“We would like to make it to the finals an win, but it’s Grade 8, anything can happen on a given day.”
“But it’s just Grade 8, it’s a healthy competition and a friendly environment.”
Ron Van Driel, who also helps coach the junior and senior boys teams, likes what he sees.
“For the most part, they’ve been really successful, and I’m quite pleased with the progress they’ve made.”
If these students continue on in volleyball, they’ll have an opportunity to join junior teams next season, which are comprised of Grade 9 and 10 students, and they’ll also have a shot at qualifying for provincial competitions for the first time.