Winter Sport Update

On the water, Shawnigan Lake School hosted the Head of the Lake Regatta for the first time since 2016. With previous years marred by inclement weather and a pandemic, the sun shone brightly for the spectators, volunteers and rowers with a great turnout of 260 rowers ranging from Junior up to Senior citizens. The rowers relished in the opportunity to enjoy the calmer waters of Shawnigan Lake, and to be back in the boats in a competitive setting.  

On the court, the Grade 9 boys’ basketball team participated in the Island Championships this past weekend. After a stellar season that included a record of 18 wins and six losses, placing 2nd at the Cowichan Valley Classic, winning the CVIAA League Championship, winning the Central Zone Knock Out Tournament and placing fourth at the Island Championships, it was an emotional end to the season as they placed fourth, losing in the bronze medal game by only three points. four players from the team were awarded Player of the Game honours: Ryland C, Sebastian J., Bruneau F., and team captain Georges G. As their coach Andrew Shepherd says, “Look out for these players as they come up through the ranks of the basketball program, the future is looking very bright for the Black and Gold.” 

The senior boys' basketball team has had a busy few weeks, playing six days a week to make up for the many cancelled games this season. Their hard work paid off with a third-place finish in the North Island Championships which was hosted here at the School and the players were so excited to be playing in front of a home crowd again! After earning a berth to the Island Championships at Brentwood College School, the players started off the tournament with a tough loss to Pacific Christian School, followed by a win against Kwalikum Secondary School to advance in the backdoor draw. In a final push, the team fought hard against St. Andrews School in Victoria but came up short. Coaches Remi Anticil and Mark Yorath are proud of the boys and the hard work they put in this season.

On the four-walled courts, you’ll find our squash players, many of whom have progressed well this season. Special mention from coach Lynne Grass goes to two Junior players Ambrose N. ‘26 and Jonah B. ‘24. for their performance this term. With the start of term three squash this week, tryouts are currently underway with some promising new players joining the team. With the loosening of COVID-19restrictions anticipated there are hopes that the opportunity will arise to host as well as attend some tournaments in the coming months. 

Last but not least, on the ice, the girls’ recreational and boys’ JV hockey teams participated in the Ross Cup, a local tournament put on by Brentwood College School at Kerry Park Rec Centre, held for the first time since 2020. The girls' showcase took place Thursday with Shawnigan playing their rivals Brentwood College School. With 90% of the team being new to the sport this year, with some never even have been on the ice before, they had an incredibly successful two games at the Ross Cup. For the JV boy’s team, Shawnigan was defeated by Brentwood College School earlier in pool play, they then went on to win the final game 3-2, claiming the championship for the first time in Shawnigan’s history! MVP for the tournament was given to Fedor S. ‘23. Congratulations to all of our athletes for their hard work this past term.