It was an action-packed weekend for Mayerthorpe High’s Boys’ and Girls’ Handball teams. Both teams were in Wainwright this past weekend for the ASAA’s (Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association) provincial handball tournament.

Boys coach and NGPS Assistant Principal Nolan Andriuk commented, “Both the boys and girls were great representatives this weekend at provincials. It has been a fantastic run, and a lot of fun!”

The Senior Girls ran into some tough competition and they played very well, losing the first two games to rally back and win the last round robin game and the consolation final. The entire gym within CFB Wainwright, full of opposing teams and parents, erupted in cheers when Torie Langdale scored her first provincial goal!

Nola Langdale, head coach since 2010, said, “The athletes showed amazing spirit and what great teammates they are! It has been an incredible season for the Senior Girls team.”

MHS Boys brought home provincial gold with a nail biter of a final, beating out Old Scona Academic in overtime with a final score of 26-24. Five wins and zero losses! This win was redemption for the Grade 11 and 12 students, having lost to Old Scona last year in the gold medal game.

Both teams fought hard and represented MHS remarkably. For some, it was an incredible way to end Grade 12 as several of the graduating students have been playing handball together, alongside coach Nolan Andriuk, since Grade 4.

Andriuk shared what a pleasure it has been “to watch a group of kids grow up, by teaching and then coaching them.”

An integral part to the success of the handball program at MHS is due to the dedicated coaches that volunteer to work with students:

Andy Fergel, assistant coach for the boys handball team has been coaching the program at MHS since 2010. He has volunteered out of love for the sport, and the great group of kids that come out and play.

The tradition of coaching handball is being passed down, Travis King (First year) and Kaitlyn Langdale (second year), were assistant coaches who both came through the MHS handball program and are carrying on the love of handball.

Congratulations All!!